Personal Injury Questions & Answers

Q. Why is it important for accident victims to seek legal help promptly after an accident?

A. There are several reasons why accident victims should get legal help as soon as possible. One reason is there are time limits (called "statutes of limitations") for making claims. If you wait too long and the deadline passes, you won’t be able to make your claim — which means you will have lost the chance to obtain compensation for your injuries and losses that you otherwise might have received.

Another reason why it’s vital for accident victims to get legal help quickly is that delay can hurt your case. As time goes on, witnesses’ memories fade, evidence gets harder to find and people move. So seeking legal help faster can help your lawyer prepare the strongest case so you get the maximum recovery.

Q.  If I make a claim, how long will my case take? 

A. The answer depends on many things, including the nature of your injuries and the other side’s willingness to resolve the matter.  Many claims are resolved quickly, while others — sometimes because the extent of the person’s damages are not known for a while — take longer.  Every effort will be made to resolve your claim quickly, with the goal being to obtain the maximum compensation for you. 

Q. Why do I need to have a lawyer help me after an accident?

A. After almost any type of accident, you should contact a lawyer. You have important legal rights and responsibilities, and a lawyer can explain them to you.  A lawyer can also evaluate your claim and tell you how much money you may be entitled to receive.

You also need a lawyer’s help dealing with insurance companies.  After an accident an insurance adjuster may try to convince you that you don’t need a lawyer or that a lawyer won’t help you get more money. But remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company, not you.  Only your lawyer is truly fighting to get you the maximum recovery.