Have you been in a car accident? Then it’ll be important to get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Doing so won’t just strengthen your case — it makes it easier to gather relevant evidence, for instance — but it will also ensure that you have a case. There are Statutes of Limitations in place that prevent you from filing a lawsuit related to a car accident, which means you can’t wait around forever.
In this post, we’ll run through everything you need to know about filing a lawsuit claim on time, including answering a pressing question that we often receive here at Harman Law: just when is it too late to get a lawyer for a car accident?
Understanding the Legal Timeline
In North Carolina, you have three years from the time of the accident to file a lawsuit. Once the three-year mark has passed, you’ll be unable to claim any compensation related to the accident, regardless of how serious it was or how much evidence you have that it was someone else’s fault. The courts won’t hear the case.
Three years is a long time, but you’d be surprised at how fast time can pass by. You might plan on filing a compensation claim quickly, but then life gets in the way, and before you know it, you’re reaching the end of the 36 months.
If you’ve been in an accident, we’d encourage you to take action as soon as possible. The sooner you get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer, the better. If you’ve been in an accident and believe you may be owed compensation, then get in touch with our team here at Harman Law. You can schedule a consultation by calling 704.286.0947.
Immediate Steps After an Accident
You’ll have three years to file a lawsuit related to a car accident, but the strength of your case will depend, in part, on what you do immediately after you’ve been involved in an accident.
Seeking medical treatment promptly should be your first priority. You’ll have a stronger case for compensation if you visit a medical facility in the hours or days after the accident. If you’re in a position to do so, it’s best to take photographs related to the accident, ideally at the moment of the crash. It might not be your biggest concern after you’ve been in an accident, but it could make a world of difference to the strength of your case.
The Risks of Delaying Legal Help
If you’ve been involved in an accident, then don’t wait to get in touch with a car accident lawyer. They’ll know exactly what to do to ensure that your lawsuit claim can get underway and you can begin your journey towards getting the compensation that you deserve.
Waiting to file your lawsuit could result in a number of problems, including:
Risk Of Missing the Deadline
As we explained above, you’ll have three years from the date of your accident to take legal action. Once that timeframe has passed, it doesn’t matter how strong your case is or the severity of your injuries: you will not be able to claim compensation.
Now, three years can sound like a long time — and that’s because it is. But it’s also true that three years can fly by. When you’re juggling a family, a career, a home, and everything else, three years can pass by in the blink of an eye. It’s best to simply get in touch with a car accident lawyer and let them get the process underway while you’re focused on your recovery.
It Gives the Insurance Company Power
You could wait two years and 364 days to file a lawsuit, and still be within the allowed legal timeframe. But waiting to file your lawsuit may give power to the insurance companies.
Insurance companies act promptly after an accident and hope to strike a deal that limits the amount of money they need to pay out. It’s recommended to speak to a car accident lawyer before you interact with the insurance company, since you may inadvertently say something that the insurance company later uses against you.
Losing Out On Evidence
Cases that have bags of evidence have a much stronger claim for compensation than those that have minimal evidence. Waiting too long before thinking about making a compensation claim can lead to missed evidence opportunities, resulting in a weaker case. It’s much easier to put together witness statements, locate video surveillance footage, and gather photos, police statements, and other vital evidence when minimal time has passed.
Missing Out On Compensation
You can get compensation for your injuries without the help of a car accident lawyer. But receiving the maximum compensation? That won’t be possible. Many people who are involved in a car accident are not aware of what they’re eligible to claim for. Working with a lawyer is paramount for ensuring you get the maximum payout for your injuries.
How to Choose the Right Lawyer
Not all car accident lawyers are created equal. To receive the maximum payout for your injuries, it’s important that you work with the best car accident lawyer. Keep the following tips in mind before making your selection.
Experience and Expertise
A good car accident lawyer will have extensive experience in helping people just like you fight for the compensation they deserve.
Reviews
What have previous clients had to say about their experience of working with the car accident lawyer? At Herman Law, we’re proud to have received countless five-star reviews from the happier clients we’ve fought for in the past.
Do They Offer a Free Consultation?
Here at Harman Law, we’re pleased to offer free consultations to prospective clients, ensuring that you can easily get information about the legal process of filing a compensation claim. To speak to a member of our team about the car accident you experienced, give us a call at 704.286.0947 or fill out the contact form on our ‘contact’ page.
