Many accident victims are unsure if they need a lawyer to help them pursue compensation. They may think that their injuries are not that serious, or that it cannot be that hard to navigate the legal system.
However, a delay in calling a lawyer after a car accident could harm your potential claim. You may do things or fail to do things that jeopardize your claim. You may miss or overlook certain deadlines or statutes of limitation. If you make a mistake on your case, you may be unable to obtain the compensation you need.
At Sigman Janssen, we are ready to help you understand your legal options. The initial consultation is free of charge with no obligation involved. If you have a valid claim, there are zero upfront fees.
Millions Recovered. Proven Results. (920) 260-4528.
Why Do Accident Victims Delay Seeking Legal Help?
A car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for everyone involved. Accident victims often grapple with many different concerns and uncertainties, such as how to get the right treatment and pay for medical bills while a claim is still pending. If you were the passenger in a car accident, you may be wondering whether you can file a claim against more than one driver for your injuries.
Even with these concerns, accident victims may still feel uneasy or intimidated about calling a lawyer for legal help. They may be worried about the costs involved or if they have a valid claim for compensation.
In car accidents that involve significant damages, the legal and insurance systems can be too complex for accident victims to handle on their own. There is often too much at stake to take your chances on receiving less compensation from the other party’s insurance company or your own insurance company.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
There are legitimate reasons why an accident victim may decide to wait to call a lawyer. However, delaying seeking legal help could affect your ability to obtain compensation.
Having an experienced lawyer by your side after a car accident has its benefits. Calling a Green Bay car accident lawyer should be a top priority if any of the following applies to your situation:
- The car accident caused serious injuries or a fatality
- You have missed work due to the injuries you sustained
- It is unclear who is at fault for the car accident
- The car accident involved other drivers, passengers or pedestrians
- The police report does not accurately show what happened
- Your insurer or the other party’s insurance company is being difficult
Even if you think that your fender-bender may not require the help of a lawyer, it does not hurt to call for a consultation. Many lawyers, including those at our firm, offer a free initial consultation, so there is no risk to you. Your first consultation will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your potential claim with a legal professional and get a good idea about the legal process.
Accident victims who retain legal representation are also protected by attorney-client privilege. This privilege protects communications between a client and his or her attorney. You can discuss any details or potential issues surrounding your claim in private and know that they will be kept confidential.
A lawyer at our firm is prepared to help conduct a thorough investigation into the events that led up to the car accident and your resulting injuries and gather the evidence to build a strong claim for compensation. This includes communicating and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf to help you recover the maximum compensation. We do not get paid unless you get paid.
When May it Be Too Late to Call a Lawyer?
Accident victims who try to handle the claims process on their own may realize how challenging it can be. They may be confused by the paperwork they have been sent or they may have requested paperwork from the insurance company that refuses to cooperate. They may question if it is too late to call a lawyer.
The answer will depend on certain factors unique to your circumstances. For instance, when the car accident occurred. There are separate deadlines for filing insurance claims and legal claims.
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for a car accident lawsuit is three years from the date of the crash. If you file a lawsuit after this deadline passes, it may be dismissed by the court. However, there are also much shorter deadlines if the accident involved a state, municipal or other public entity vehicle or employee. Those deadlines can be as short as 120 days from the accident. Do not rely on having three years to deal with your claim.
While three years seems sufficient, it takes a considerable amount of time to conduct an accident investigation, build a strong claim and negotiate for just and fair compensation. The amount of time in which to take legal action will be shortened if you initially waited to call a lawyer.
Get Answers to Your Legal Questions Today
If you are still unsure how a lawyer can help, reach out to our firm to learn how we may be able to assist you. We have decades of experience securing compensation for injured accident victims. We have obtained millions on behalf of our clients and are ready to help you recover the compensation you need.
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay nothing up front. We only receive payment for our services if we help you obtain compensation through a settlement or verdict.
Call (920) 260-4528 for a Free Case Review.