In addition to causing serious injuries, a car accident can be incredibly disruptive to your schedule. Between doctors' appointments, communicating with your insurance company, reporting the incident to the police, and all of the other things you need to take care of, you may not know how to prioritize. When should you contact a car accident lawyer and can getting legal representation in San Antonio, TX help sort out the mess? Is it ever too late to call a lawyer?
How Soon After a Crash Should You Call a Car Accident Lawyer?
Ideally, you should contact an attorney as soon as your immediate medical needs have been met. The first thing to do after a car accident is go to the hospital, where you can receive treatment and make sure your accident-related injuries are noted in your medical records. Next, calling an attorney as soon as you are able will help you obtain the legal advice you need to meet key deadlines and avoid costly errors in the claim submission process.
Why Is It Important to Speak With a Lawyer in San Antonio, TX as Soon as Possible?
You Must Abide by the Statute of Limitations and Other Deadlines
In Texas, claimants have two years to file a claim for reimbursement after a car accident, beginning on the day the accident occurs. This timeframe is known as the statute of limitations. If your injuries prevent you from taking immediate action on your claim, you may request an extension.
Your lawyer can make sure that you are aware of all the legal deadlines that apply to your case before your claim becomes invalid. For example, if there is a chance that you might pursue compensation from your own insurance company, he or she might review your policy to find out if you are required to report the accident within a certain number of days following the crash.
A Lawyer Can Speed Up the Process
When you are dealing with medical bills and lost wages, it is important to receive compensation as soon as possible. Rather than spending a lot of time educating yourself on the nuances of personal injury law or relying on information from the insurance company, you can get the legal advice you need from an attorney who represents your interests, exclusively.
When you work with a lawyer, he or she will be able to handle the most time-consuming aspects of the case, such as making sure your evidence is legally acceptable and negotiating for a settlement that reflects all your damages. The sooner he or she can get to work on your case, the faster you will see it resolved. Additionally, bringing in a lawyer at an early stage can help avoid procedural errors that will need to be corrected later.
You Cannot Expect Any Second Chances
Some of the decisions you make right after the accident can have an irreversible effect on the outcome of your case. For example, if you agree to give the other driver's insurance company a recorded statement, they may find evidence against you based on your answers to their questions. By speaking with a lawyer before entertaining such requests, you will likely learn that you are not legally obligated to speak with anyone from the other side directly.
Similarly, many people do not know that once they accept a settlement offer, their case closes and they cannot go back for more compensation. Therefore, it is important to have a lawyer review any offers you receive to make sure that all of your medical expenses and other damages will be covered if you accept.
Is It Too Late to Contact a Lawyer?
If you are unsure about whether or not your claim is still valid, reach out to a car accident lawyer in San Antonio. You may be eligible for an extension, and certain factors, like a preexisting condition, may be less of a detriment to your case than you think.
Even if you have already completed your medical treatment and started the claim submission process, many skilled personal injury lawyers are able to step in part-way through the process to help maximize the settlement. As long as you have not officially accepted a settlement offer, you may be able to revise your claim to reflect additional damages after your lawyer investigates the true cost of the accident.
In cases that involve a car accident, it is always a good idea for the claimant to reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. When you have a legal professional on your side, he or she can take many burdens off your shoulders and give you the confidence to proceed without feeling overwhelmed. The right legal advice can help you stand a stronger chance of getting the settlement you need faster.
