You’ve seen the cheesy commercials and heard the jokes. Personal injury law is often misunderstood. Because of some of the unfair stigmas, you may hesitate to call an attorney when your rights have been violated, or you’ve been injured. But don’t let the stereotypes keep you from getting the representation and compensation that you deserve. The question is, when is it appropriate to call a personal injury attorney – and is there a specific time frame to do so?
Don’t Wait Too Long
It is best to consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident in almost every situation. While you may want to wait and see what happens, waiting too long to speak with an attorney could harm – not help – your case.
In fact, trying to settle the situation on your own before you call an attorney may sabotage the ultimate result. For instance, you may say something to the insurance company that seriously impacts your compensation. Even your social media account may hurt you if you are not counseled correctly. (Read more about social media and personal injury law.)
Evidence also tends to be harder to collect over time, so understanding what may be necessary to prove your case is important. A personal injury attorney can help you gather the evidence and documentation you need before it becomes more difficult than necessary.
Another point to consider is that these cases require a major time investment to manage successfully. If you have been seriously injured, you have other things to worry about – medical treatments, rehabilitation, and surgeries, for instance. If you are in pain, concentrating on the complexities of a court case can seem almost impossible. Even if you are no longer in medical treatments, you probably have to go back to a full-time job.
Add these variables to not knowing the information necessary to come to a settlement successfully – and you’ve got a great reason to hire a lawyer.
The Legal Process is Complex
Personal injury law is a complicated business. There are evidentiary requirements, deadlines to be met, and procedures that must be followed. Simply put, most people are not equipped to navigate the process without an attorney.
Two things need to occur for you to win your case and collect your just compensation.
- You must prove the defendant is responsible for what happened according to the law.
- You must prove the extent of the damages that occurred – including liability and physical and emotional damages.
The other side is simultaneously working to disprove your assertions.
Talking to a personal injury attorney immediately will permit you to make all the right moves from the beginning of the process.
Put Your Trust in Your Attorney
An experienced and competent attorney firm has typically helped hundreds of victims through their practice. With a little research, you can find a local attorney who specializes in personal injury cases and has a successful track record for your specific type of claim. They’ve had years of schooling, experience, and successes they can bring to your case. Remember, you need their guidance as soon as possible to achieve the best possible outcome.
Probinsky & Cole are a team of personal injury attorneys that offer experience and competence to those in the Sarasota, Tampa, and Orlando communities.
