Car Accident Attorney
After a car accident, people sometimes wait to file a claim because they aren’t sure that their injuries are severe enough. If you suffered any damages at the hands of a negligent driver, then you may be owed compensation for it. Here is why you do not want to wait to file a car accident lawsuit.
Witnesses May Forget
The longer you wait to file a lawsuit, the weaker that your case may become. Over time, people forget what happened. If you had witnesses that you plan to use for your defense, they may have forgotten the important details of the accident by the time that you file your lawsuit. The sooner that you file, the more accurate your information will be.
The Statute of Limitations May Prevent You
Every state has its statute of limitations. This is a time limit on how long you have to file a civil lawsuit against the insurance company or driver of the vehicle. After a car accident, most courts encourage that you file a claim as soon as possible. Not only is this important when it comes to civil litigation, but some insurance companies have policies that will not pay if you don’t file a complaint in a specified amount of time.
The statute of limitations varies from state to state. In many states you have between one and three years to file a lawsuit. If you were in an accident, it’s important to discuss your options with a lawyer as soon as possible. He or she can ensure that you do not miss the window in which you can file a claim.
The Defense May Use it Against You
The longer you wait, the more likely the insurance company or other driver’s defense will try to use the wait time against you. They may try to poke holes in your story by pointing out how long it took you to file a lawsuit claim. While you may have had valid reasons not to file a lawsuit, it is still an obstacle that you will have to get through.
After a car accident, you deserve compensation. If you suffered injuries due to a negligent driver, consult with an attorney, like a car accident attorney from The Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie, & Wood, as soon as possible. He or she can make sure that you receive the settlement that you deserve and can also ensure that you file everything on time.