After a motor vehicle accident, most victims are ready to get their car fixed and move on. Unfortunately, this means victims often discuss the accident with their insurance company before consulting an attorney. As a result, they can end up with enormous financial damages.
On the day of an accident, you might not even know you’re physically injured yet. But the damage to your motor vehicle is probably extremely apparent, and you want to get it fixed right away. So, you open a claim with the insurance company.
You think you’re only discussing the factual details of the accident, but the insurance company might be talking you into saying you are not hurt. And then you limit your ability to seek financial compensation for bodily injury later on, because they have you in a sworn statement saying you weren’t injured or that your injuries were minor.
What you don’t know just yet in those early days after an accident is that you could have late-onset injuries that only show up days or even weeks later. They can start mildly with symptoms like a headache or stiffness and can later become problematic and require medical attention.
This is the tragic scenario we see all too often in our defense of car accident victims. Here’s why you should contact an attorney immediately after you’ve been injured in a car accident.
Reasons to Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Immediately
A motor vehicle accident attorney offers accident victims many benefits. Here’s a look at why it’s a good idea to get in touch with an attorney immediately after an accident.
- No cost to you: many personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your case. And even after that, most attorneys don’t require any compensation unless they win your case. At Stewart & Stewart, we know you’re likely facing some difficult financial hardship after a car accident. That’s why we don’t require a deposit or any financial investment from you until we win your case.
- Protect your ability to sue: even if you don’t hire the first attorney you talk to, you can learn important next steps that can protect your ability to sue the at-fault party later if you choose to. You don’t have to decide on whether to pursue legal action during a consultation with an attorney. Take some time to listen and learn how to document your accident to protect your rights to sue.
- Learn how to deal with the insurance company: during a consultation, an attorney might offer you tips and guidelines on dealing with the insurance company. This will help you protect your ability to seek financial damages later.
- Avoid long-term injuries with advice on when to see a doctor: an attorney can guide you in seeking the necessary medical attention you need to protect your right to sue. Your attorney can explain the importance of following your doctor’s recommendations so that the insurance company cannot claim you are responsible for your injuries because you failed to follow your doctor’s orders.
When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents are far too common in the U.S. On average, there are 6 million accidents a year, and more than 90 people die from car accidents each day. Of those 6 million accidents, there are about 2 million victims who suffer life-altering injuries. It’s a tragedy that no person should have to undergo.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, you should contact a car accident attorney once you’re in a safe place. It’s a good idea to have information handy inside your car with local motor vehicle accident attorney information. That way, you can be sure you don’t say or do the wrong thing after an accident.
The sooner you receive legal counsel, the better your case is likely to go. Plus, discussing the matter with a car accident attorney might help ease your mind and assuage your anxiety following an accident. Knowing that someone has your back after you’ve been a victim can be very reassuring.
Don’t Wait—Contact an Indiana Auto Accident Attorney Today
All that being said, we can still help you if you were involved in an accident a few weeks ago or even a few months ago. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Indiana is two years. Even if your accident took place quite some time ago, we might be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries so you can return to the way of life you know and love.
Stewart & Stewart is a team of expert motor vehicle accident attorneys. We’ll guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way. Contact us to learn how to deal with the insurance company following an accident and protect your ability to file a lawsuit.