The beginning of the year is a great time to handle things you’ve been putting off. If you were hurt in an accident within the last couple of years and haven’t yet filed an injury claim, now is the time to act. There’s a deadline, called the statute of limitations*, that limits how long you have to file a claim. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to recover the compensation you deserve. Make it your New Year’s Resolution to consult with a personal injury attorney before time runs out.
*What is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a type of federal or state law enacted by the legislature that restricts or extends the time within which legal proceedings may be brought after a personal injury occurs.
Generally, negligence claims have a three-year statute of limitations in Washington state. Exception: If the injury is incurred by a minor child, the child may have three years from their 18th birthday to file a claim.
What is a Personal Injury?
A “personal injury” refers to any harm or damage that a person suffers to their body, mind, or emotions, rather than to their property. Personal injuries can occur due to various incidents, including accidents, intentional acts, defective products, or defamation. The law allows individuals who have suffered personal injuries to seek compensation from the party responsible for their harm through an injury claim. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury.
Why You Should Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney as Soon as Possible
If you’ve been injured in an accident, it is in your interest to consult a personal injury attorney in your area as soon as possible to protect your rights and strengthen your case.
In addition, when you hire a lawyer early on you benefit from:
- Legal guidance. An experienced attorney can provide legal advice for your situation to ensure that you understand your options, avoid making critical mistakes, and explain the next steps you can take to make sure your bills are covered and you secure fair compensation.
- Effective claims process. Starting your injury claim early allows your attorney to navigate the process more efficiently, giving you the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages well before the statute of limitations expires.
- Understanding the value of your claim. Without legal and medical backgrounds, it can be very hard to know the true value of your claim. A personal injury attorney will assess your accident and injuries and advise you of the true value so you are not tempted to settle for less.
- Handling all insurance company communication. At-fault insurance company adjusters typically reach out early after an accident to try and convince the injured party to accept a small settlement. When you hire an injury attorney early, they will handle all communication with the adjuster to ensure you aren’t pressured into accepting a low-ball settlement offer.
- Preserving critical evidence. The sooner you start working on your claim, the easier it is to gather and preserve critical evidence, such as photos, witness statements, or accident reports, that are required for a successful claim.
- Medical documentation. An attorney can put you in contact with medical professionals who can properly document your injuries. This documentation is vital for proving the extent of your damages as well as tying them to the accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
An accident lawyer can help you recover a full and fair settlement for the injuries you sustained in an accident caused by the negligence of another with no up-front costs to you. We know the sneaky strategies used by insurance companies to get injured people to agree to settlements far below what they are worth. Our clients typically end up with a settlement or jury award that is five to ten times larger than they could have negotiated on their own. We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County since 1979. Contact the experienced and hard-working personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Mount Vernon, WA today for a FREE consultation!
