As soon as possible!Waiting too long to contact an attorney after an accident causing a personal injury can have severe practical and legal consequences. Therefore, it is absolutely critical that you contact an attorney as soon as you can to maximize the value of your case (either at the settlement stage or litigation stage).From a practical standpoint, if you do not involve a lawyer from the beginning, you may not have sufficient legal evidence to prove your case at trial. Your lawyer will help you identify, obtain, and preserve key evidence you will need to maximize your settlement potential and/or trial verdict. Examples of key evidence include: witness statements while their memories are fresh, professional photos of your injuries from a trained medical photographer, and photos of the accident scene and damaged vehicles. These are just a few examples of where hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you.From a legal perspective, if you do not immediately involve a lawyer, you may lose your legal right to sue for your injuries. In California, you generally cannot file a lawsuit for a personal injury more than two years after the accident/injury. Similarly, you have a two-year deadline for uninsured/underinsured motorist claims against your insurer. Obtaining legal representation will ensure you preserve your right to seek justice.If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to the careless conduct of another, don't hesitate to contact me right away so that I can give you a free evaluation of your case.
