When Should You Contact A Lawyer After An Accident?
by
Gary Berkovich on Oct. 27, 2021
Accident & Injury Car Accident Motor Vehicle Accident & Injury Personal Injury
Summary: Filing a personal injury claim can seem like a daunting process. That is why choosing to consult with a qualified attorney earlier on in the claims process can help ease the claims process and provide you with the necessary support you will need to navigate your overall treatment and claims handling. In addition, the right lawyer will help you understand which steps you need to take following your accident and ensure that you are filing in a timely manner. Law Offices of Gary Berkovich has been helping Southern California motorists obtain compensation for their injuries for over two decades. With three convenient office locations, our team is dedicated to helping you get the outcome you deserve.
Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario
No one ever expects to be involved in a car accident, let alone get injured from one, but there are still essential steps you should be taking after a collision. In addition to seeking medical attention and filing a claim with your insurance provider, contacting an attorney to discuss your legal options can save you more trouble down the line.
But when should you be making that first call? Read on to learn more.
Why You Should Call Sooner Rather than Later
Filing a claim can seem like a daunting process, and understandably many are concerned about the time and resources it takes to go through personal injury litigation. This hesitation is why many attorneys, including Law Offices of Gary Berkovich, provide free initial consultations to evaluate your case. These meetings give a firm the time to appropriately assess your needs and service you in the best way.
It's also important to note that about 95% of personal injury cases settle outside of the courtroom, meaning that your attorney will be able to negotiate the compensation you deserve without you having to ever step in front of a judge.
Choosing to see an attorney earlier on in the claims process can help them have a hand in your recovery from start to finish. In addition, the right lawyer will help you understand which steps you need to take following your accident, work with both parties' insurance providers, and ensure that you are filing in a timely manner.
California Statute of Limitations
Depending on which state the crash occurs in, there may be a different statute of limitations for filing an injury claim. In California, you have up to two years following the date of your accident, three if you are only seeking property damage recovery. However, a collision involving a government vehicle (police cars, city buses, garbage trucks, etc.) decreases the claim window to six months.
Being proactive in many of these cases and consulting with an attorney immediately following your accident may be the best option.
Trust the Southern California Accident Attorneys
Law Offices of Gary Berkovich has been helping Southern California motorists obtain compensation for their injuries for over two decades. With three convenient office locations, our team is dedicated to helping you get the outcome you deserve.
