How Long Should I Wait to Call an Attorney After an Injury?

How Long Should I Wait to Call an Attorney After an Injury? If you suddenly sustain an accidental injury, your life can be turned upside-down. You may need emergency medical attention, as well as treatment that could be extensive and ongoing. As you watch your medical bills pile up and continue to lose income from missed days at work due to your injuries, you may consider whether you should call a personal injury law firm to discuss your legal rights. Dealing with the legal side of your case may seem overwhelming while you are still recovering from your injuries, so you may also wonder how long you can wait before contacting an attorney. The short answer is that it is never too early to discuss your accident with a skilled personal injury lawyer. While it is understandable that you have a lot of stress already, you should never delay in starting your legal case for the following reasons.

Insurance Claims Can Happen Quickly

Many accident cases are handled through insurance claims—such as auto insurance after a car crash or property insurance after a slip and fall. These claims tend to have time limits. You may be contacted by an insurance adjuster very soon after an accident. It is important to know that any communications you have with the insurance company may be used by the company to try to avoid liability and limit the value of your claim. You should have an attorney on your side handling the insurance process for you to maximize your chances of an adequate settlement.

Statute of Limitations in Illinois

If your claim cannot be settled through negotiations with the insurance company, you will need to file a personal injury claim in court. In most cases, Illinois law sets out a strict two-year statute of limitations for this type of claim, although the time limit may be extended or shortened depending on the facts of the incident. Two years may sound like a long time; however, the time required to thoroughly investigate, research, and prepare for your case can be significant. Waiting too long to contact a lawyer may jeopardize your chances of a successful case.

Call a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible

The Chicago personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Abels & Annes are ready to help you at any time after your injury. Please do not hesitate to call our office for a free consultation at 312-924-7575 today.