When in doubt contact an attorney for a free consultation.
If you have been injured in any kind of accident that was caused by the recklessness or negligence of another individual, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and your pain and suffering, as well as for any loss of income you may have experienced. However, in order to avail yourself of this possible right to compensation, you will most likely need the assistance of an expert personal injury attorney such as Fernand D. Vargas. Here are some tips to help you tell when it is time to get an attorney.
You Believe You Have a Strong Case
The first thing to consider is whether or not you believe that you have a strong case. You will need to not only prove that another party caused the accident, but also that your injuries were a direct result of the accident and you have suffered real damages as a result. If you are not certain who caused the accident or the police do not agree with your assessment of who is to blame, it will be significantly more difficult to prove your case. However, an attorney can still engage experts to investigate the evidence in the case to try to establish your right to compensation.
You Need More Compensation than the Insurance Company Offered
Often, the insurance company representing the individual who caused the accident will try to get you to accept a settlement so that you do not end up filing a personal injury complaint later on. In cases where the injury was minor and you will not experience life-altering consequences from it, you may wish to accept this settlement. However, if you require more compensation than you have been offered, you will want to hire an attorney. Your attorney will help you prove your need for compensation for things like long term medical care and lost earning power.
Act Within Two Years
In California, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, or two years from the onset of the physical problems associated with the accident. So for example, if you were involved in a car accident and suffered whiplash, but did not fully experience or understand the effects of this injury until six months later, you can file a claim any time up to two years and six months after the accident.
Questions? Contact an Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you are not sure how strong your case may be or whether the amount an insurance company has offered is fair, you can contact Fernando D. Vargas for a free initial consultation. During this appointment you will be able to get a professional assessment of the relative merits of your case and get answers to any questions you may have.
