Is It Too Late to Get a Car Accident Lawyer?

After a car accident, your entire life may be turned upside down. Your future may not look the same, and you may suddenly find yourself staring at a lifetime of disabilities, pain, and suffering. As an injured accident victim, you need to focus your energy and efforts on your recovery and on rebuilding your life again. However, if too much time has passed since your accident, you may wonder if you can still file a claim. When is it too late to get a lawyer for a car accident?

When Is It Too Late to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

If it has been a little while since your car accident, you may not know if you can still hire a car accident lawyer. Fortunately, it is never too late to talk to a car accident lawyer about your case. The fact that you did not hire an attorney after your accident does not mean you cannot still retain one. As long as the California statute of limitations has not passed, you can still hire an attorney to represent you.

In the state of California, typically, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If it has been more than two years since your accident, the law may prevent you from seeking compensation. There are important exceptions to the general rule including as applicable to actions involving public entities, actions brought by minors, and as provided by Covid-19 related emergency orders.

Other important exceptions and factors exist. That is why it is important to call an experienced car accident attorney as soon as you are able. Your attorney can review your case and explore your legal options with you. If you can file a personal injury lawsuit, your attorney can ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines.

Hire an Attorney Sooner Rather Than Later

In general, the sooner you hire a car accident attorney, the better. Valuable evidence is often lost or destroyed after an accident. The sooner you hire a car accident lawyer, the easier it is for your attorney to build your case. For example, witness statements are best immediately after the accident while details are still fresh in their minds.

The more time you can give your attorney to work on your case, the better your outcome will be. However, just because you did not contact an attorney quickly does not mean you damaged your case. Personal injury lawyers have the skills and experience necessary to ensure a successful outcome at any time. Your attorney can begin fighting for your rights to maximum compensation and will handle insurance companies for you.

Contact Our San Jose Car Accident Lawyer After a Car Accident

At the Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia, our San Jose car accident lawyer knows that the aftermath of a car accident is rarely easy to get through. That is why we work tirelessly to help our clients after serious accidents and injuries. It is never too late to learn more about your legal options. Call us at (408) 650-8955 to schedule your free consultation and begin exploring your legal options. You can also fill out our confidential online contact form for more information.