Is it Too Soon to Call an Attorney for Help with Your Car Crash Claim?
Many crash victims wait to contact a lawyer. For example, crash victims might call a lawyer if their claim was denied, or the insurance company’s settlement offer is far below what they think it should be. Unless these kinds of things happen, victims may think it is too soon to call a lawyer.
However, some crash victims call an attorney from the site of the crash or after receiving treatment at the hospital. In some cases, the victim is so severely injured a family member contacts a lawyer to discuss possible legal options.
Below, we discuss why it is often not too soon to call a Bloomington car accident lawyer for help. TSR Injury Law offers a free legal consultation, and there is no obligation to hire our firm. This is an opportunity to tell us what happened so we can determine how we may be able to assist you. We will give you an honest opinion if your case has merit and what we can do to help.
Calling a Lawyer Quickly Helps You Protect Your Rights
If you wait to call a lawyer, you risk damaging your claim because you will be dealing with the insurance company on your own. Even if you are working with your own insurance company they are not always looking out for your best interests. They are looking to protect their bottom line, which is why insurers often undervalue or deny claims.
Insurance adjusters have a lot of experience misleading crash victims. For example, they may try to get them to say things that damage their credibility and the value of their claims. Often adjusters may sound like they are trying to help, but they are only doing this to make you feel comfortable. If you relax, you may be more likely to make comments that downplay the seriousness of your injuries., accept blame or muddy a situation that was once clear. Insurance adjusters often suggest to not call a lawyer (Illegal conduct in Minnesota) or “forget” to cover all the benefits you have as part of your insurance policy.
When the insurance company calls, you may be feeling good about your prospects for recovering. However, saying, “I am OK,” or “I have been feeling much better,” will be used against you to devalue your claim. The insurance company may say you are mostly recovered. They may also decide you do not need much more compensation for medical expenses or other damages.
By calling a lawyer right away, you can allow him or her to deal with the insurance company for you. We have vast experience handling insurance companies, and we know how to protect rights while we build your case.
Sometimes an attorney might not be able to help. For example, if your damages are not significant, you may have a good chance of filing a claim and seeking compensation on your own. However, it is important not to assume an attorney will or will not take your case. You should talk to an experienced attorney and have him or her tell you what he or she thinks. Taking the time to ask questions can provide peace of mind.
Is it Ever Too Late to Talk to a Lawyer?
While it is rarely too soon to talk to a lawyer after getting injured in a crash, there are times when it may be too late. For example, if the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit has already passed, there may be little an attorney can do to help.
In Minnesota, there are several statutes of limitations for filing lawsuits over personal injuries, such as from a car crash. There are other notice provisions if bars are involved in illegal sales, or a government entity is the at-fault actor. The time limits could be as short as six months up to six years. This is yet another reason to call and seek free advice to make sure you do not miss the statute of limitations.
Even if the deadline has not passed, an attorney may be unable to help. Attorneys need time to investigate, gather evidence, evaluate damages, and take other steps to build a strong case. If the crash was a year before an attorney is called, valuable evidence may be forever lost.
While it is best to contact a lawyer right away, you should not assume an attorney is unable to help. At TSR Injury Law, the initial consultation is free and comes with no obligation to hire our firm. There is no financial risk in calling our firm to learn how we may be able to assist you.
Have Legal Questions? TSR Injury Law is Here to Help
For more than two decades, TSR Injury Law has been helping crash victims secure compensation for their damages. Our firm has secured $1 billion in compensation on behalf of our clients.
We know how devastating a car crash can be, physically, financially and emotionally. We are committed to pursuing maximum compensation to help you put your life back together.
TSR Injury Law. No upfront fees. Call (612) TSR-TIME.