How Soon After a Car Accident Should I Call an Attorney?
It’s natural to feel flustered after a car accident. Even a minor collision can derail your entire week, leaving you with a long list of various tasks that you must somehow find the time to tackle.
Put another way, calling a personal injury attorney probably isn’t a priority in the wake of a wreck. If there’s even a chance you have grounds for a claim, however, it’s wise to enlist legal help as soon as possible.
Once you’ve received treatment for any injuries and your condition has stabilized, it’s worth finding the time to call a lawyer. Here are some of the biggest reasons why:
1. Valuable Evidence May Not Be Available Indefinitely
In order to secure a payout, you’re going to have to convince the insurance adjuster that their policyholder was, in fact, at fault. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash, this may demand time-sensitive evidence.
If the collision was captured by one or more dash cameras mounted on vehicles in the vicinity, for example, the associated footage will eventually be overwritten. Eyewitness testimony is also considered time-sensitive because it becomes less reliable as the weeks pass.
It’s also worth noting that even evidence that’s not time-sensitive could be altered or destroyed. At the end of the day, there are people who will do anything to avoid implicating themselves.
By calling an attorney as soon as you’re up for it, you’re giving your legal team the opportunity to compile all potential evidence, including that which may not be available for long.
2. It’s Easy to Make Mistakes from Day One
In securing representation, you’re essentially handing over the reins to a seasoned expert. This frees you up to focus on your health while your claim proceeds under the watchful eye of a professional. It also keeps you from jeopardizing your case inadvertently.
Once you start referring all correspondence to your legal team, for example, you won’t have to worry about blurting out anything that leads the insurance adjuster to question your credibility. Your attorney will also share a number of things you can do to bolster your claim, like laying low on social media and documenting all recoverable losses diligently.
3. There Are Strict Deadlines for Going to Court
Most car accident claims are settled. When the parties cannot agree, however, the claimant often has no choice but to file a formal lawsuit, and in Florida, they must do so before the statute of limitations has passed.
The deadline is typically four years from the date on which the accident occurred. There are a few scenarios, though, in which exceptions apply. By calling a lawyer right away, you’re giving yourself plenty of time to resolve your claim, even if disputes should arise.
Speak with a Florida Car Accident Attorney
When you’re ready to consult an attorney after your accident, turn to Emerson Straw. Get the knowledge and resources of a powerhouse practice supporting your claim coupled with the personalized care and attentive counsel you deserve. Call (727) 821-1500 or fill out our Online Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Florida.