When you suffer injuries in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover your losses.
Despite your right to seek these damages, filing a lawsuit may not be the first thing on your mind after you recover from your injuries.
You may be more concerned about getting back to work and returning to your regular routine. But when is it too late to get a lawyer for a car accident?
In most cases, a car accident lawyer provides the most value to a case when you contact them right after the accident. However, you can still file a claim as long as you have not signed a settlement agreement with the opposing party and the statute of limitations—the deadline for filing your claim—has not expired.
If possible, you should seek the advice of a car accident attorney as soon as you can. Our team at MG Law can negotiate with the opposing party on your behalf and help secure a settlement offer that fairly compensates you for your losses.
To schedule a complimentary consultation, reach out to us online or give us a call at (770) 988-5252 at your earliest convenience.
How Long Do You Have to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Georgia?
There are two scenarios where it may be too late to get a lawyer for a car accident. The first scenario is when you have already accepted a settlement from the opposing party to compensate you for your losses.
The majority of car accident claims end in a settlement instead of a trial. Insurance companies try to settle accident claims for the lowest amount possible to maximize their profits.
In the aftermath of the accident, the insurance company may send a lowball settlement offer aiming for a quick resolution and minimal payout.
Once you agree to a settlement, you can no longer pursue compensation for injuries arising out of the same car accident. That’s why it’s essential to consult with an attorney before signing any settlement agreement presented by the insurance company.
The second scenario is when the statute of limitations bars your recovery in a personal injury lawsuit.
Generally, Georgia imposes a two-year statute of limitations in personal injury cases. That means you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim.
If you do not initiate the legal process soon after your accident, it may be too late to hire an attorney to represent you. The statute of limitations forces parties to bring their cases when evidence is freshest.
Why Should I Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
A lawyer can provide critical advantages to any personal injury claim and help you recover the full value of your losses.
An attorney can assist you by:
- Establishing the defendant’s responsibility for the accident,
- Identifying obtaining key evidence;
- Proving a link between the defendant’s conduct and your injuries,
- Collecting statements from eyewitnesses,
- Negotiating with the opposing party’s representation,
- Calculating the value of your losses, and
- Explaining the timeline of a personal injury lawsuit.
Do not wait until it is too late to hire an attorney to contact MG Law.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Georgia?
A car accident can be a stressful and traumatic experience, especially when you go through it alone.
A car accident lawyer can stand by your side every step of the way to explain your rights. Our team has prepared a list of steps you can take to begin preserving information for your case.
Contact Authorities and Report Your Accident
The first thing you should do after a collision is notify authorities of the accident.
In fact, Georgia law requires drivers to report any car accident that results in death, injury, or property damage.
The responding officers will create an accident report that includes details like:
- Names of involved parties,
- Insurance coverage information for both parties,
- Impressions about the cause of the accident, and
- Names of potential witnesses.
When you hire an attorney at the outset of your car accident claim, they can obtain the accident report on your behalf.
Seek Medical Treatment
Another priority after a car accident is seeking medical treatment for your injuries. Even if you do not notice injuries right away, you should seek a medical evaluation to rule out any internal injuries.
Your visit will appear on your medical record and generate reports that outline the extent of your injuries. Additionally, your physician can outline your recovery timeline and the long-term impact of your injuries.
Collect Evidence About the Crash
Even if law enforcement officers complete an accident report, it may be worth taking steps to collect certain information on your own.
Some evidence of the accident will start to deteriorate right away. You should take pictures of the accident scene and collect statements from anyone who witnessed the accident, if possible. You should also keep a record of any medical expenses or repair costs you pay due to the crash.
When you wait too long to hire an attorney, evidence of the car accident is often harder to find or disappears entirely.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at MG Law
An insurance adjuster might reach out to you right away and give you a lowball settlement offer.
If you accept a settlement that does not adequately cover your expenses, it may be too late for an attorney to help your case. Reach out to our team before you lose your ability to file a lawsuit.
When Is the Best Time to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
The best time to hire a lawyer after a car accident is immediately. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner your attorney can start their investigation and begin compiling evidence for your case.
The opposing party’s insurance company will not wait long before they start trying to settle your case. Your lawyer can handle these negotiations on your behalf and ensure any potential settlement compensates you fully.
Don’t Wait to Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney
The MG Law team knows a car accident can alter your daily life and impact your long-term opportunities.
One of our seasoned lawyers can examine the details of your case and assess the full extent of your losses. We do not want to see you miss out on the compensation you deserve by waiting too long to hire a car accident lawyer.
MG Law has recovered millions of dollars for individuals who suffer injuries in car accidents. Contact our office online or call (770) 988-5252 today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
Michael Geoffroy’s law practice focuses on auto collisions, premises liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury. He stands up for the cause of justice throughout Georgia and on behalf of his clients every day. He is a leader in both the courtroom and the community, having been recognized numerous times for his involvement in each.