After experiencing a car accident, many victims are overwhelmed by the experience, and rightfully so. At such a moment, they are unsure of who to contact and the necessary steps to take. As time passes since the crash, you may realize you need a legal advocate to handle your case. But when is it too late to hire an attorney?
You can hire an attorney at any time, but delay may significantly impair or even cut off your ability to receive compensation. In Indiana, you have a two-year window from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in most circumstances. You should reach out to a South Bend car accident lawyer to guide you throughout the legal process and advise you of any special circumstances that may affect your claim.
It’s never truly impossible to hire a lawyer. However, once you’ve accepted an offer from an insurance company, your lawyer most likely will be unable to help with your case. Accepting an offer almost always will be a final settlement of your claim. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney before settling to assess the offer and advise on potential legal implications.
Secondly, Indiana sets the limit of filing personal injury claims at two years after a car accident in most circumstances. Once this period expires, your right to file a lawsuit is generally over. Therefore, waiting until after the statute of limitations has passed makes it nearly impossible to pursue legal action. However, it never hurts to discuss the possibility with an attorney, as some exceptions might apply to your situation.
You should seek legal assistance early in your case for various reasons:
Time can erode witness memories, and physical evidence may disappear. Promptly hiring an attorney ensures that evidence, such as accident scene details, witness statements, and relevant documents, is collected and preserved effectively, which may work to strengthen your case.
Handling a personal injury case without legal assistance can lead to costly errors. For example, incorrect paperwork or inadvertently admitting fault may greatly jeopardize your case. A car accident attorney will safeguard against such pitfalls so that all legal procedures are followed accurately.
Holding the right individuals or entities accountable can be challenging as you need to determine potentially liable parties responsible for a car accident to cater for the economic costs of the injuries.
A car accident attorney will carry out an investigation to identify potentially responsible parties and determine the severity of your injuries to which they need to pay damages. This is key to obtaining fair compensation for your damages.
Timely legal intervention contributes to a faster recovery process. Attorneys can efficiently handle negotiations, paperwork, and communication with insurance companies. This professional approach helps in expediting the resolution of your case so that you can focus on healing rather than handling an insurance claim or lawsuit.
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is in your best interests to seek a lawyer’s knowledge and experience to handle your case. Even if some time has passed since the incident, an Indiana car accident lawyer from Blackburn Romey can help you pursue your claim. They will handle the case on your behalf, help secure your rights, and pursue fair compensation for you. Contact us today and let us evaluate your case.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
