If you suffered serious injuries as a result of a severe accident it may be important to hire an attorney sooner rather than later, so that he or she may quickly gather and preserve important evidence.
A personal injury lawyer working with an experienced accident investigation and/or accident reconstruction team can make sure that important evidence is not lost to time.
When a lawyer is involved case in the early on he or she can interview witnesses, examine evidence and help build a strong foundation to your personal injury claim.
In fact, a lawyer can investigate the case even while you are still in the process of receiving medical treatment---allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Consequences of Waiting to Consult with a Lawyer
Sometimes accident victims are reluctant to hire an attorney immediately following an accident. Many people think that they cannot really afford a lawyer. Many people think that the only way to hire an attorney is via an expensive retainer or high-priced hourly fees.
But typically personal injury attorneys work on a contingent fee basis, which means that their fee depends upon obtaining a judgment or settlement for their client. In other words, you don’t owe the attorney anything unless he is able to get a settlement or verdict for you.
This allows individuals of limited financial means to hire excellent legal representation - they can hire the attorney that they feel is best qualified to represent them, provided the attorney agrees to accept their case.
In Washington state, the statute of limitations typically restricts accident victims from pursuing a claim after three years past the date of the incident.
The sooner you consult with a lawyer about your legal matter, the better the chances of your lawyer being able to preserve evidence and contact necessary witnesses. The longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more difficult it may be to achieve the best possible outcome for your personal injury claim.
