When Should You Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

  • The Fee Is Free Unless You Win®.
  • America's Largest Injury Law Firm™
  • Protecting Families Since 1988
  • 20 Billion+ Won
  • 1,000+ Lawyers Nationwide

Free Case Evaluation

Tell us about your situation so we can get started fighting for you. We tailor each case to meet our clients' needs.
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. ©2024 Morgan and Morgan, P.A. All rights reserved.
Morgan Brothers Photo

The attorneys featured above are licensed in Florida. For a full list of attorneys in your state please visit our attorney page.

When Should You Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you or a loved one recently suffered an injury in a car accident, slip and fall, or another incident, you might wonder when to talk to a personal injury lawyer. The answer is generally: as soon as possible. There can be various reasons why you should contact an attorney immediately after suffering a personal injury, such as:

  • A lawyer can gather time-sensitive evidence
  • The time to file your claim or lawsuit could be severely limited
  • Your attorney can prevent you from leaving money on the table

Protect your best interests by speaking to us immediately if you suffer a significant injury and a lot of money is at stake. Morgan & Morgan’s determined injury lawyers could help you recover damages such as medical bills, income loss, pain and anguish, and more. Get started now and schedule a free case evaluation to discover your options.

Why Contacting a Lawyer Promptly Can Help Your Case

A lawyer can protect your legal rights immediately and help you build a case against the responsible party. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can get to work right away and:

Determine Whether You Have a Legal Case

If an avoidable accident or incident turns your life upside down, you might wonder whether you have a claim against the responsible person, business, or public entity. Morgan & Morgan offers free consultations that allow you to learn about your legal rights and understand your options, such as filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit.

Handle the Insurance Company

Some personal injury victims only seek legal advice when they run into problems trying to recover the settlement they need. However, by then, they may have already made crucial mistakes that could compromise or even sink a valid claim. In the days after your accident, the insurance company may make a lowball settlement offer in the hope that you will accept. If you sign an agreement too early, you could leave a lot of money on the table.

In contrast, if you have an attorney by your side from day one, they will ensure to fight for the total value of your claim and prevent you from signing any settlement offers that are not in your best interests. Moreover, an attorney can handle all communication and negotiation with the insurer, so you do not say or do something the insurance company might twist and use to deny your claim.

Gather Evidence to Prove Your Claim

If you are significantly injured, you may not be able to gather the critical evidence required to prove your personal injury case. With a seasoned attorney and legal team by your side, you do not have to worry about anything other than your health and recovery. Our personal injury lawyers can gather and organize the evidence needed, which can include:

  • Photographs of the accident scene
  • Witness accounts
  • Accident reports
  • Traffic or surveillance camera footage
  • Medical reports proving your injuries

Find Out Who Is Liable for Your Damages

Not all personal injury accidents and incidents are clear-cut. While a dangerous driver may be responsible for your car crash, you could also have a case against a car manufacturer or repair shop, for example. Knowing all liable parties in your claim can open up several avenues for pursuing compensation.

Our attorneys can work with professional investigators who will leave no stone unturned to determine who is responsible for the accident leading to your injuries.

File Your Case on Time

Victims cannot file personal injury lawsuits indefinitely. The statute of limitations in your state sets the deadline for filing a case. Depending on where you live, you may have only one year to file a lawsuit. However, certain facts of your case may require filing additional paperwork at short notice, such as when you have a case against a local government entity.

If you miss a crucial filing deadline, you may never receive compensation. Your claim may get thrown out by the court, no matter how strong your case is. A seasoned attorney knows the rules and regulations in your state and can ensure to file all relevant paperwork correctly and on time.

Common Personal Injury Claims

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injuries resulted in 97.9 million emergency room visits in 2018 alone. However, not all accidental injuries qualify for a personal injury claim. Another must have caused your injuries, whether a corporation, individual, or government agency. Personal injury claims we commonly see in our practice include the following:

  • Car accidents
  • Slips and falls
  • Medical malpractice
  • Defective products or medications
  • Assault and attacks
  • Work injuries
  • Dog bites
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect
  • Medical malpractice
  • Defamation and slander
  • Boating and aviation accidents

Compensation for Personal Injuries

Talking to a personal injury lawyer early on in your claim could help you recover adequate compensation for your injuries and monetary losses. Damages you could receive with a successful personal injury claim will depend on the facts of your case and can include:

  • Healthcare expenses and future medical costs
  • Lost income and future loss of wages
  • Pain and anguish
  • Property damage
  • Emotional trauma
  • Reduced life enjoyment
  • Disability
  • Miscellaneous expenses due to the accident
Scroll down for more