When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
When considering when to hire a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to evaluate not only the right time but also the circumstances that warrant making a claim. If you’re planning to file a claim, having professional assistance is almost indispensable. If this applies to you and you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in California, call us at (866) 721-5808 for a free consultation.
In this article, we’ll review situations where hiring a lawyer is necessary and how soon you should act.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in California
To determine when to hire a personal injury lawyer, ask yourself: Do I have a case? How can you tell? As a plaintiff, you can file a personal injury lawsuit if you’ve been harmed in an accident caused by someone else’s actions or negligence.
While these lawsuits can go to trial, most are resolved through a settlement before reaching that stage. Settling often saves time, money, and stress for all parties. However, having a lawyer on your side allows you to prepare your case as though it’s going to trial. This can maximize the compensation you’re entitled to, even in negotiations.
To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit, you’ll need to prove:
- The defendant had a duty of care toward you.
- The defendant breached that duty.
- There is a link between the defendant’s breach and the harm you suffered.
- You incurred damages or losses as a result of the defendant’s actions or inactions.
A skilled lawyer can handle these aspects and manage every step of your claim to secure the highest possible compensation.
Situations Where Hiring a Lawyer Is Essential
Severe Injuries
If you or someone you know has sustained catastrophic or severe injuries due to an accident, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer. Victims of serious injuries often face overwhelming medical bills. A good lawyer can fight for compensation to cover both current and future treatment costs.
Permanent or Long-Term Disability
If your injuries have led to permanent or long-term disabilities and rapidly accumulating medical expenses, consult an attorney to secure fair compensation from the insurance provider.
Loss of a Loved One
If another party’s negligence, such as driving under the influence, resulted in the tragic loss of a family member, an attorney experienced in wrongful death cases can help you file a claim for compensation.
Disputed Liability
When there’s disagreement over who is responsible for the accident, a lawyer can help gather evidence—such as police reports and witness statements—to build a strong case. Even if you share some fault for the accident, an attorney may still secure compensation on your behalf.
Insurance Company Issues
If you’re facing challenges with an insurance company, such as claim denial or a low settlement offer, a lawyer can negotiate for a fair amount or take legal action if necessary.
When to Hire a Lawyer
You should hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as the accident occurs. This can expedite the claims process and give you an edge in filing your claim before others involved. Delaying could result in the loss of critical evidence and may even put you at risk of being sued first.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. After this period, you lose the right to compensation. There’s one critical detail to note: if your accident was caused by a government entity (e.g., you were hit by a postal truck), you have six months to notify the entity of your intent to file a claim, in addition to the two-year limit.
Now that you know when to hire a personal injury lawyer, call My Lawyer Mark at (866) 721-5808. We provide high-quality legal services to ensure your rights are protected. Don’t settle for less—take action now. You have rights, and we’re here to protect them.