How Soon Should I Hire An Attorney?
Spoiler alert: You shouldn’t wait.
You should know that the insurance companies have a team of attorneys and claims adjusters who begin evaluating your accident claim the second it is filed. Assuming you are injured, it is imperative you retain an attorney as quickly as possible.
Retaining an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney as soon as possible following a car accident can make the difference between receiving maximum compensation and losing thousands of dollars to medical bills. If you were injured in a car accident, seeking medical care and focusing on recovery should be your first concern; however, hiring an attorney is a very critical second step. [read a great article on “When To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney” by the Nevada DMV here]
Nevada Statute of Limitations – Personal Injury
The State of Nevada abides by a rule known as the Statute of Limitations. The statute of limitations is the timeframe you have to file an accident claim in the event you wish to recover financially. It was implemented to protect both you, the victim, and the negligent party, in the event a lawsuit is filed.
In most cases, the rule provides up to two years to file your accident-injury claim; however, it is important to note that the limitations rule varies by injury, so it is best if you contact us immediately to discover whether or not you are eligible to file.
How waiting negatively impacts your claim
Now that you understand what the Statute of Limitations is, it’s worth noting the importance of filing a claim well before your limitations period has ended. The sooner you file a claim, the more likely you are to have a favorable case outcome. For example, if you were injured in a car accident in July of 2016, and you decided to file a claim in July of 2017, the insurance company could argue that you weren’t really THAT injured provided your delay in filing. This could result in either a). a decreased settlement amount, or b). depending on the injuries you have claimed, a complete dismissal of your case. So, to reiterate, the sooner you file, the stronger your case will be!
How an attorney can help
The insurance industry is very complex and it is not an industry an inexperienced individual should attempt to navigate through on their own. Often, insurance companies will contact the victim of a car accident shortly after the incident to offer a settlement or ask questions regarding the crash. Air with a side of caution and do not provide any incriminating information as this could be used against your case. It is best to tell the insurance company you cannot provide any information as you’ve retained, or are in the process of retaining an attorney.
Aside from dealing with insurance companies, your attorney will investigate the accident, collect all evidence pertaining to your claim, interview witnesses, and file the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
In addition, they’ll ensure you receive compensation for various damages including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Therefore, it is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible following an accident so they can ensure you are properly taken care of while you focus on what matters most – your health and recovery.
Contact us for a free consultation
When asking yourself, “how soon should I hire a lawyer after a car accident?” Our answer is, and always will be: immediately.
At Brian Boyer Injury & Car Accident Lawyer Las Vegas, we have decades of experience in protecting the rights of car accident victims all throughout Nevada. We have the resources required to stand up against any insurance carrier or corporation. Our experienced and dedicated attorneys will fight hard to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your losses.
Call (702) 800-0988 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
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