Most people are not involved in multiple personal injury cases during their lifetime. As such, when they find themselves injured and someone else may be responsible or to blame for their injuries, they may not know exactly how to proceed. One of the questions that you may have if you are the injured party is how soon after an accident should you file an injury claim. Here is the answer to that question, along with related questions and answers you may have.
How Soon After an Accident Should You File an Injury Claim?
There are many different types of personal injury cases, including car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, product malfunctions, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and wrongful death cases. It is recommended that you file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party or parties as soon as possible after you or a loved one have sustained an injury in which you think another party may be responsible for your injuries.
What Should You Do Immediately After Being Injured in an Accident?
Following an accident, there are many important steps that you want to take. Immediately after the event occurs, you want to obtain as much evidence as possible. Take pictures of the accident scene, talk to witnesses and get their names and phone numbers, complete an accident report and/or have a police report taken. It is also important that you seek out medical attention in a timely manner. If you feel sore or are injured, do not delay in getting the medical treatment that you need. Establishing a timeline is important, so getting treatment right away helps with that. Finally, you will want to talk to an attorney early on. The earlier you involve a Dallas personal injury lawyer, the better. The attorney can secure evidence, answer any questions you have, and help you make decisions that can help your case. A lawyer will then file your personal injury case with the courts.
Why Is It Important to File an Injury Claim Quickly?
One of the reasons why it is so important to file your personal injury case as quickly as possible is because there are timelines, called the statute of limitations, that determine how long you have to file a case. These timelines generally are about one to two years in length, but may vary based on the age of someone who is injured, whether the party you are suing is a government entity, and the type of personal injury case you are filing. Filing a case as quickly as possible helps to ensure your case is filed before you reach the deadline to file.
Do You Have to Be Ready to Proceed to File a Personal Injury Case?
One of the common misconceptions or myths surrounding personal injury cases is that you have to be ready to proceed with your case once a personal injury case is filed. This is not correct. Once the case is filed, you are putting the other party on notice that you are suing them. You, or your attorney, can still file paperwork with the courts letting them know you are still completing the discovery process, and obtaining evidence or talking to witness. You do not have to wait until you are ready to proceed to file a personal injury case.
Are There Any Reasons You Should Delay Filing a Personal Injury Case?
When it comes to personal injury cases, there are many myths out there about why you should delay filing your case. Some people feel that you have to be fully recovered from your injuries to file, and some people think that if there is a criminal case pending, that criminal case has to be concluded before a personal injury case can be filed. All of these are myths. The statute of limitations does not stop for any reason. There are no reasons why you should delay filing a personal injury case.
If you have been injured, you will want to consult with
Dallas personal injury lawyers as quickly as possible. They can go to work securing evidence, helping to guide or direct your medical treatment, dealing with the insurance companies and filing your case in a timely manner. Reach out to your preferred Dallas personal injury lawyers today to schedule a consultation and get the help you deserve with your personal injury case.