When Is It Too Late To Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

When a Maryland car accident occurs due to the negligence of another party, the injured party can file a claim and seek compensation for their injuries and damages. While you are not required to hire an attorney to file a Maryland car accident claim, it is best to hire one. Some car accident victims contact an attorney immediately after the accident. Others do so after a few days or weeks. Unfortunately, some people wait until it is too late to contact a car accident lawyer. Yes, it is possible to wait too long to contact an attorney after being involved in a car crash. Understanding when it might be too late to contact a car accident lawyer is vital for ensuring your rights are protected so you may maximize your potential for recovering the maximum possible compensation. The following are situations where it might be too late to hire a car accident attorney.

The Statute of Limitations Has Expired

In the United States, there are laws that set a time limit for when a person can file a car accident claim. These laws, called “statutes of limitations,” differ from state to state. The statute of limitations is a crucial factor when deciding when to hire a car accident lawyer. Maryland’s statute of limitations for car accident cases is generally three years. This means you have three years from the date of your Maryland car accident to file your claim. This deadline is firm and missing it could result in losing your right to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

One of the situations where it might be too late to hire a car accident attorney is after the expiry of the statute of limitations. While exceptions exist that might extend the statute of limitations, they are rare. Acting promptly and consulting with an attorney as soon as possible is crucial for protecting your rights. If you are a minor, that may extend the tolling of the Statute of Limitations.

Note that even if the statute of limitation has not expired but is nearing expiry, an attorney may refuse to take your case because there may not be enough time to prepare before the deadline passes. Investigating a car accident, gathering evidence, and building a strong case takes time.

You’ve Already Accepted a Settlement

It might be too late to hire a car accident attorney if you’ve already accepted a settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you accept a settlement, an attorney may not be able o help you seek additional compensation. Most settlements involve signing a release of liability form. When you sign a release, you waive your right to pursue any claims in the future related to the accident.

It is highly advisable that you don’t accept a settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance company without seeking legal guidance. Accepting a settlement without consulting a lawyer may leave you under-compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages.

However, there may be cases where it may be possible to seek additional compensation. For instance, if you believe the insurance company engaged in fraud, misrepresentation, or coercion, consulting an attorney might still be helpful. However, such cases can be complicated.

Contact a Towson Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in a car accident, contact our experienced Towson car accident lawyer at Hardball Law today to start working on your case. We represent clients in Towson, Baltimore, and throughout Maryland.