Do you want to know what’s the #1 mistake people make after they get injured?
They wait.
For every day that you waste after an injury has occurred, is another day you get closer to losing your right to compensation. Time is money in personal injury cases, and if you do not act within a particular period of time, you may not be able to recover any money for your injuries.
Sound too good to be true?
We’ll show you 10 things you don’t know about this principle that’s going to shock you in a second.
What you’ll discover:
- Why Time Matters More Than You Think
- The Real Cost of Waiting
- How to Act Fast (Without Making Mistakes)
- Critical Steps You Must Take Right Away
- What Happens When Time Runs Out
Why Time Matters More Than You Think
Personal injury lawyers see this scenario again and again…
Someone gets injured in an accident. They take weeks, maybe months, to recover. They go to the doctor. They try to heal, and live life again. Finally, they decide to pursue compensation.
But here’s the kicker:
It’s too late.
95% of personal injury cases are settled out of court, before a trial even takes place. That’s great, until you realize that you only have a limited time to take legal action.
In each state, there is something called the statute of limitations. This is the time period where you have the right to bring a lawsuit in response to your injuries. After that period expires, you cannot file a case. Period. No exceptions.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is usually around 2 years from the date of the injury. In some states, it’s even less than that.
Consider this:
2 years may not sound like a short time. But when you’re dealing with:
- Medical treatment
- Insurance claims
- Lost wages
- Recovery
- Family issues
…it goes by very quickly. Before you know it, the clock has run out.
The Real Cost of Waiting
So, what’s the real cost of waiting?
Evidence Disappears
The longer you wait, the less likely you are to win. Video and photo evidence get deleted. Witnesses forget key details. Physical evidence disappears.
Let’s look at some numbers. Take a simple slip and fall case:
- Week 1: All evidence is available
- Month 6: Witnesses start to forget details
- Year 1: Video footage may be deleted
- Year 2: Witnesses may have moved away
- Year 3: You’re out of time
Your Case Value Drops
When you have a personal injury lawyer, your payouts are almost 3 times higher than someone without a lawyer. But even if you have a lawyer, if you wait, you’re going to lose money.
Insurance companies love it when you wait. The closer you get to the end of your time limit, the less leverage you have against the insurance companies.
How to Act Fast (Without Making Mistakes)
Acting fast is not the same as acting recklessly.
You want to move quickly but not in a hurry. Here’s how injury victims that act fast, act smart:
Get Medical Attention First
Your health is obviously the first priority. At the same time, start thinking about your rights. Start keeping records. Photos of the accident and injuries, your medical records, receipts. Write down exactly what happened to you as soon as you can.
Contact a Lawyer Early
Don’t wait until you “feel ready” to contact a lawyer. Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
Personal injury lawyers usually provide a free initial consultation. You can have them on your side, protecting your rights, even while you’re focusing on recovery.
Bonus:
A good injury lawyer will keep track of all the legal deadlines for you while you focus on getting better. You don’t have to choose between recovery and legal action.
Start Gathering Evidence
Time is your enemy, but being prepared is your friend.
Start collecting evidence right away:
- Photos at the scene of the accident
- Witness names and contact information
- Police reports
- Medical documentation
- Insurance information
Critical Steps You Must Take Right Away
Here’s a list of things you must do immediately after you get injured:
Within 24 Hours:
Seek medical attention. Report the incident. Take photos. Document the accident.
Within 1 Week:
Contact a personal injury lawyer. Notify your insurance company. Start a daily journal.
Within 1 Month:
Complete your initial medical treatment. Obtain medical records. Interview witnesses. Initiate the insurance claim process.
Did you know that 70% of people who filed a personal injury claim received some kind of payout? But if you fall behind on the critical steps listed above, your odds of receiving any payout drop significantly.
What Happens When Time Runs Out
The moment that you miss your statute of limitations has arrived, your case is over.
You lose:
- Your right to sue for your injuries
- Your right to receive compensation
- Your right to hold the other party accountable for their actions
- Your negotiating power
It doesn’t matter how good your case is. If you wait too long to file it, you’ll lose.
The defense lawyer will file something called a “motion to dismiss” for lack of prosecution. They’ll say you took too long to file a lawsuit against them. The judge will agree with them.
Your case gets thrown out, before anyone even looks at the evidence.
Real-World Example
You’re in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. You have clear video evidence of the accident, multiple witnesses, and a police report that clearly states that the other driver was at fault.
Great case, right?
If you wait too long to file, none of that matters.
Your case gets dismissed. You get nothing.
Special Situations That Change the Timeline
The 2 year rule is not universal.
Certain government claims might only give you 6 months to file a lawsuit. Medical malpractice cases often have different, shorter deadlines. Product liability claims can have different time limits if the injury is not immediately apparent.
The bottom line:
Don’t try to figure these special rules out by yourself. Get legal advice ASAP.
Making the Most of Your Time
In personal injury cases, every day counts.
Document everything that’s relevant to your accident. Follow all of your doctor’s orders and keep all of the medical records. Let your lawyer deal with all of the insurance companies.
Stay organized and be patient. But don’t be patient to the point where you miss critical deadlines.
The Bottom Line
Time is not your friend in personal injury cases.
Nearly 400,000 personal injury claims are filed across the United States each year. Those who are successful move quickly.
Here are a few things you need to know about this golden rule:
- Statute of limitations deadlines are strict
- Evidence disappears quickly
- Early action leads to better outcomes
- Waiting costs you money and leverage
Don’t let time rob you of your right to justice and compensation.
Taking Action Today
You’ve been injured. Don’t wait one more second.
Contact a personal injury lawyer right now. Most will offer you a free consultation, so there’s no reason to put it off. Get advice on your rights and deadlines.
Remember:
Half of all auto vehicle personal injury cases are settled within 14 months. But that 14-month period begins the moment that you’re injured. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to win your case.
