It goes without saying that there’s a lot to do in the aftermath of a car accident and over the months that follow. But if you sustained serious injuries, your main priority should be your health.
Even if you feel relatively fine, it is essential that you visit a doctor for a thorough examination. Failing to do so not only could cause your injuries to worsen but also might jeopardize your subsequent personal injury claim.
If you intend to pursue compensation for your injuries, it is important that you take legal action right away. Even if your injuries have not fully healed, it is wise to call a lawyer as soon as you feel well enough to discuss your case.
Attorney Scott Charnas of Charnas Law Firm has assisted hundreds of clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims throughout New York and Massachusetts. Call 212-980-6800 to schedule a free case evaluation with a New York City car accident attorney.
Let’s explore a few reasons why it’s important to call a personal injury lawyer immediately after a car accident:
- To Gather Time-Sensitive Evidence
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, certain pieces of critical evidence may be time-sensitive. For example, if you were hurt in a collision with a drowsy trucker, you may only have six months from the date of the incident to request the tractor-trailer’s black box data.
Federal regulations do not require motor carriers to retain their drivers’ logs or black box data beyond six months. Likewise, if there is surveillance footage of the accident, it may be erased within days of the collision.
- To Meet Important Deadlines
In the state of New York, accident victims typically have three years to file a formal suit against the party liable for their injuries. This may sound like a considerable amount of time, but it can pass quickly.
If you do not file a claim for a year and a half after the accident, for example, and then the negotiations turn out to be fairly contentious and drag on for another 18 months, you will have lost the chance to file a formal lawsuit.
It is important to note that those who want to name a government entity in their claim have even less time to bring a suit. Typically, you must file your claim within just 90 days of the incident.
- To Reach a Settlement as Soon as Possible
The sooner you file a personal injury claim, the sooner you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. Every missed paycheck will likely hurt your family’s financial security just a little more, so if you are entitled to a settlement, securing it as soon as possible should be a priority.
Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Lawyer in New York City
If you were recently hurt in a motor-vehicle collision, turn to attorney Scott Charnas at Charnas Law Firm. Mr. Charnas has an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell and will work tirelessly on your behalf. Call 212-980-6800 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in New York City.