When to Call a Lawyer After an Accident

Posted Friday, May 21, 2021 by Chris Thayer

If you have been injured in an accident, the time to contact a lawyer is as soon as possible. Many people mistakenly believe that they have to wait until things get really bad before they reach out for legal help from an experienced personal injury attorney, but the longer that people wait, the harder it is to get effective help.

It is a common misconception that people will know the full extent of their injuries immediately after an accident. Whereas some injuries are immediately apparent, such as broken and fractured bones, other injuries, such as concussions, soft tissue injuries, whiplash injuries, herniated disks, torn ligaments, and more, often do not become apparent for days (and, in some cases, even weeks) after the crash. Additionally, while broken bones and more obvious physical trauma may be immediately apparent, its long-term effects can take much longer to appear.

While you may know that you have a broken femur, it can take multiple consultations with doctors, specialists, and physical therapists before you know the full extent of the treatment plan and how likely you are to be able to recover fully from the injury or if it will have lasting or permanent effects. Insurance companies know this and take advantage, by pressuring you to accept a settlement as soon as possible after an accident, before you could have any idea as to the actual value of your claim or an accurate understanding of the harm done. If you accept a low settlement offer before knowing the full extent of your injuries, you will likely be stuck shouldering the remaining financial burden, and may not be able to afford or pursue helpful treatments that may otherwise have been covered.

Additionally, many people do not realize that when they accept an insurance settlement, their medical insurance can seek reimbursement from it. If they do not plan for this, it can effectively wipe out everything they received or even leave them in further debt. For this reason, it is critical to have a lawyer on board, representing your rights, protecting your interests, and helping you to navigate the process, starting as soon as possible after the accident.

*Suing for Damages *In order to bring a personal injury lawsuit you must have suffered financial damage as a result of the accident. This can be in the form of property damage, medical bills, lost wages due to being too injured to work, and more. Many people are bankrupted as a result of attempting to cope with the costs from a single car accident. A successful personal injury suit aims to put you back into the position you would have been in financially, had the accident never occurred. This allows you to recover for all medical costs and expenses related to the accident, including any necessary therapies and equipment, and compensation for the mental and physical trauma caused by the accident, known as pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be appropriate, where the offender’s conduct was particularly reckless, negligent, or can be used to send a message to deter this kind of behavior.

*Talk to a Seattle Personal Injury Attorney *If you have suffered an injury in a Bellevue, Kent, Rento, Burien, Mercer Island, Issaquah, or greater Washington area car accident that was not your fault, the personal injury attorneys at Pivotal Law Group are ready to zealously advocate on your behalf and ensure that you get the compensation to which you are entitled. Call today to schedule a consultation.