How Soon After a Wreck Should I Call a Car Accident Attorney?

There’s always a lot to do in the wake of a wreck. From arranging for alternative transportation while their vehicle’s in the shop to determining what happened so they can file a claim with the right insurer, it’s no wonder why car accident victims often put off calling an attorney.

If you were seriously hurt, though, it’s wise to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. While your first priority should be your health, you should call a car accident lawyer as soon as your condition stabilizes. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest reasons why:

1. Valuable Evidence May Be Time-Sensitive

Some of the evidence you’ll need to prove fault may not be available indefinitely. If the wreck was captured by dash cams or a surveillance system, for example, the footage may be overwritten in a matter of weeks. Black box data can also be overwritten, and eyewitness testimony becomes less reliable as more time passes.

Calling an attorney right away will give your legal team the opportunity to gather time-sensitive evidence before it’s altered or destroyed. This, in turn, may allow you to pursue the maximum payout possible.

2. You Could Jeopardize Your Claim Inadvertently

Unless you happen to be well-versed in personal injury law, it’s wise to let a seasoned lawyer handle the logistics of your case. The sooner you enlist help, the sooner you can refer all correspondence to your legal team, thereby ensuring you don’t hurt your claim inadvertently.

Some of the most common mistakes that car accident victims make before handing off their claim to an attorney include:

• Posting about the accident or their injuries on social media;
• Giving a premature recorded statement;
• Overlooking recoverable damages;
• Accepting some degree of fault before completing a thorough investigation; and
• Agreeing to a settlement before knowing the full extent of the damages.

3. There Are Strict Filing Deadlines

If the opposing party proves uncooperative by either disputing liability or refusing to offer a fair settlement, going to court may be the only way to pursue the compensation you deserve. When it comes to personal injury suits, however, there are strict filing deadlines. Should you attempt to proceed to trial after the applicable deadline has passed, the judge will likely dismiss your case.

In New York, the standard statute of limitations for personal injury suits arising from negligence is three years. If your loved one died in a car accident and you intend to file a wrongful death suit, though, you have only two years to do so. And if you plan on taking action against a government agency, you must submit a Notice of Claim within just 90 days.

Call 516-280-4716 to Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Long Island

If you were hurt by a drunk, distracted, or otherwise reckless driver, contact PascaleLaw. We’ll use all the resources at our disposal to investigate the circumstances surrounding the wreck and help you gather the evidence needed to prove liability and damages against all responsible parties. Call 516-280-4716 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Long Island.