If you are like most accident victims, the aftermath of an accident is not something you handle regularly. In fact, there is a good chance that you have never had to deal with it before. As a result, you probably have a lot of questions about how the process works and what to do, including if and when you should contact an attorney.
The answer to this one is simple: you should always call an attorney after an accident, and you should do so as soon as can. Retaining an attorney immediately after an accident will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation to which you are legally entitled.
Why Call A Lawyer After an Accident
- The Preservation of Evidence – In some accident cases, it is necessary to gather and submit evidence establishing that the other party negligently caused your accident. Waiting to start this investigation runs the risk that evidence critical to your case will be lost or destroyed, as memories can fade, surveillance footage can be deleted, and maintenance records can be misplaced or thrown away.
- The Statute of Limitations – Personal injury claims in Missouri are subject to a strict statute of limitations. If you do not bring your claim in time, you are forever barred from recovering compensation for your injuries. By retaining a lawyer as soon as you can, you can ensure that if you ultimately need to file a lawsuit to recover, your attorney has plenty of time to do so.
- An Attorney Will Protect Your Rights Every Step of the Way – If you are making a claim on the at-fault-party’s insurance company, it is important to understand that they do not have your best interests in mind. Insurance companies exist to turn a profit, and they achieve this by paying out as little as possible on claims made against their policies. As a result, they often engage in tactics that are designed to induce injured victims to accidentally admit full or partial liability so they reduce the amount they pay out.
- Calling an Attorney Early in the Process Does Not Result in Higher Legal Fees – If you are concerned about the legal fees associated with retaining a personal injury lawyer, it is important to understand how most injury lawyers collect their fees. Rather than billing by the hour, injury attorneys generally enter into a contingent fee arrangement with their clients, which means that they collect a percentage of any settlement or award the client ultimately received. For this reason, it does not cost more to contact an attorney sooner rather than later.
Call a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an accident that you believe was caused by the negligence of another person, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The St. Louis car wreck attorneys of the Law Offices of Patrick O’Brien have the skill and experience required to bring your case to a successful resolution. To learn more about we can help you, contact us or call our office today at 866-333-4504.