Talking to a Lawyer After an Accident
Contact a Scranton personal injury lawyer as soon as you have received medical attention and your condition is stable. It’s best to do this within 24 to 72 hours after your accident.
It’s especially important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible if you have been seriously injured, or if the responsible party or insurer is disputing your case. A skilled attorney can help to protect your rights, track down key witnesses and evidence, and ensure that you meet strict legal deadlines.
Why Early Legal Advice Can Help
Seeking legal advice as soon as possible after an incident protects your legal right to recover compensation. A knowledgeable attorney will:
- Preserve evidence by interviewing witnesses, photographing accident scenes, and securing footage before accident scenes are cleared and witnesses’ memories start to fade.
- Prevent time-sensitive evidence such as vehicle black box data, surveillance footage, and trucking logs from being deleted or overwritten.
- Use your medical treatment records, bills, and work notes to evidence your injuries and accurately value your expenses.
- Adhere to legal filing deadlines. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim. Your lawyer can ensure that you don’t miss this deadline and protect your ability to recover damages.
Seek Prompt Legal Advice for Complex Cases
Contact a Scranton personal injury lawyer immediately if your accident involves:
- Any injuries requiring hospital treatment or surgery
- Losing your ability to work
- Several at-fault parties
- Commercial vehicles
- Uninsured drivers or an insurer who disputes your claim.
You can seek advice even if you are still undergoing medical treatment. Your lawyer will clarify your rights and insurance options, lay out important deadlines, and outline your options for seeking compensation, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision.