When you have been in a car accident, there are several issues you need to consider. First, if you have been injured, seeking medical treatment is vitally important. Your physical well-being should be addressed before anything else. It is also important to consider the question of who caused the accident and what type of legal recourse you may have if you suffered property damage or injuries. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a car accident, you will want to talk to an attorney. Here are the top five reasons to get in touch with an attorney about your car accident case.
- The Time Frame to File Suit is Limited
In Florida, you have 4 years from the date of your accident to file your lawsuit against the person who caused the car accident. If you don’t file within those 4 years, then your lawsuit will be barred. That means that you would never be able to recover compensation for any injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage that were caused by the accident. Talking to an attorney as soon as possible after your car accident can help ensure that you are protecting your legal rights and that your lawsuit is filed before the deadline expires.
- Settling Your Case Will End Your Case Completely
Most people are tempted to settle their injury claim for money quickly after an accident. This is certainly understandable because you are incurring medical bills and losing wages and are in need. However, in order to settle your case, you have to sign a document called a release which states that, in exchange for the money you receive, you will never bring another claim from the car accident against the person who is paying you the money. That is why it is very important that you talk to an attorney before settling your claim.
- The Laws and Rules That Control a Lawsuit are Very Complex
Handling a lawsuit can be very complex. That is why lawyers have to go to law school for 3 years and then pass a difficult examination on the law before being admitted to practice. While you CAN represent yourself in a lawsuit, it is almost never a good idea. One mistake on the laws or rules of a lawsuit can be devastating to your case. A lawyer will handle the laws and rules of your lawsuit for you which should reduce your stress and help you make the best decisions for your case.
- Proving Liability Can be Difficult
Proving that the driver who hit you was at fault can be easy in some cases but not as easy in others. An attorney who handles car accident cases should be able to evaluate the evidence and help you make your case that the other driver was at fault for the accident. The advice you receive from your attorney should help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and allow you to make better decisions concerning your case.
- You Could Lose Out Financially if You Try to Do it Alone
If you try to bring a lawsuit against the other party involved in a car accident and you aren’t sure how to handle it the correct way, you could end up losing out financially. Even if you represent yourself well and receive a settlement, the chances are that an attorney may have been able to get you a better result. Representing yourself can also cause a lot of stress because you will be trying to handle a lawsuit that you most likely do not know how to handle. You don’t have to handle your car accident case alone. By contacting an attorney who can help you with your case, you will likely increase your chance of getting the compensation you deserve and will have someone else to handle the complexities of the law so that you do not have to put your life on hold until the lawsuit is complete.
Getting injured in a car accident is not something anyone wants to go through. Unfortunately, car accidents and injuries happen. Fortunately, you can get legal representation on your side to be an advocate for you. That can help you achieve success when it comes to getting fair compensation. You don’t have to fight your legal battles alone. There are many ways an attorney can help you get compensated for the harm that another driver has done. By working closely with your attorney, you can get the help, hope, and the resources you need to feel that justice has been done. Call us at Kirkland, McGhee & Gann if we can help you.
