I Was Injured in a Car Accident in Santa Clarita – How Long Should I Wait to Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer About My Case?
One of the things that Santa Clarita car accident victims typically wonder after they are injured in a serious car accident by another driver is how soon after the accident should they contact a Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer. After all, for many Santa Clarita car accident victims, it can feel overwhelming to deal with pain, doctor’s appointments, insurance claims, and car repairs all at once, and the thought of consulting with a lawyer about potentially bringing a personal injury lawsuit can be daunting on top of everything else. However, the truth is that it is not a good idea to wait to speak with a lawyer about your case, and, ideally, you should do so even within a few days of the accident. Here we explain three reasons why you should get in touch with a Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your car accident.
#1. Beating the Statute of Limitations (Before Your Time Runs Out!)
Something that may surprise Santa Clarita car accident victims is that the statute of limitations – that is the time limitation for bringing a car accident lawsuit – is shorter than they may expect. Indeed, California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is a short time, and it is important to note that failing to meet the statute of limitations deadline may mean the total and complete bar of your claims. Accordingly, it is best to speak with an experienced Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, as the clock is ticking on your claims.
#2. Preserving Evidence in Your Case (Before It Disappears!)
In addition, the sooner you involve a personal injury lawyer, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence that may prove who was at fault in your case. Photos of the crash site, skid marks, surveillance footage, dashcam videos, and witness statements can disappear or degrade quickly. A skilled Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer will know how to act fast to secure this evidence before it is lost.
#3. Dealing with Insurance Companies (Before They Try to Handle You!)
Finally, after a car accident in Santa Clarita, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you, and they may do so within hours. It is important for Santa Clarita car accident victims to keep in mind that the goal of these companies is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery. They might try to get you to make a statement, sign a release, or accept a lowball settlement before you fully understand your injuries. Having an experienced lawyer on your side early on ensures that you do not say anything that could hurt your claim. Your attorney can handle all communication with insurers and help you avoid traps designed to reduce your compensation.
If you are in the Santa Clarita area and you need legal help with your car accident lawsuit, contact the experienced Santa Clarita personal injury lawyers at the Trevino Law Firm. Contact the Trevino Law Firm today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.
