Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Early – Before Evidence Disappears

No one gets out on the road expecting a life-changing car accident. So, when it does happen, it becomes difficult to figure out what to do next. Endless questions run through our minds, one of which is - "Should I hire a car accident lawyer?"

The short answer is - yes! The earlier you contact a lawyer after being in a car accident, the better you'll be able to protect yourself by saving evidence right away. 

But what happens when you don't hire a lawyer immediately? Well, things won't be favorable for you, as waiting might give insurance companies a head start, which they might use to their advantage. And that’s only part of the story, as there’s more that you should know! 

So, today we’re gonna tell you why calling a car accident lawyer right away can save you stress, protect your rights, and make the whole process a lot easier.

What Can Go Wrong If You Don’t Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Early On?

Accident scenes don't stay the same for long. The debris gets cleaned up, and the skid marks might also fade. Plus, security camera footage doesn’t last forever; it can be deleted or recorded over in just a few hours or days. And people who saw the crash can quickly forget the details as time passes.

That's why you need to take quick action to protect your rights, especially when you're not at fault for the accident. If you wait to contact a car accident lawyer until after you’ve discovered physical or mental injuries or lost income, you might not have the proper evidence to file or win your case and face several problems, like-

• Missing Paperwork

Some important paperwork (evidence), like police reports, witness statements, traffic-camera requests, tow-truck receipts, doctor’s notes, repair invoices, and even employer letters (if you lose income), could get missing, leaving gaps in your case. 

• Insurance Advantage

Insurance companies often start gathering their own evidence right away. And if they do it before you or your lawyer, they can build a stronger case against you.

• Harder to Prove Your Side

With fewer photos, videos, or witness statements available, your case can turn into your word against theirs, making it difficult to show what really happened.

• Risky Statements

You may say something to the opposite party, their insurance company, or the police (if they were called) that can hurt your claim later on, especially when there’s no proper evidence left to support your side. 

• Low Settlement 

If evidence like photos, witness statements, or security footage disappears, the other party can deny fault or claim you were partly responsible, forcing you to accept a lower compensation than you deserve.

• Missed Deadlines

Waiting too long to collect and preserve evidence can delay filing your case. You might miss legal time limits (statutes of limitations) to file a case, which can destroy your right to compensation.

• Unlinked Medical Records

Your medical records and bills might not be properly linked to the crash, making it harder for you to win your case. This can mean that insurance companies can argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident, giving them a reason not to give you the compensation you’re claiming.

The best way to ensure your rights are safe is by hiring a West Sacramento car accident attorney immediately. They can collect the evidence before it disappears and build a strong case that increases your chance of winning!

How Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in West Sacramento Right Away Can Help Your Case

When you hire a car accident lawyer immediately, you can protect your rights before the evidence disappears. Being in a car accident is stressful, and the last thing you want after that is to get engaged in the legal drama. 

So, why not leave it up to a reputable lawyer? While they do their job, you can focus on your mental and physical recovery peacefully. A car accident lawyer in West Sacramento can -

• Collect and secure evidence like photos, dashcam/security footage, witness statements, and more before they disappear. 
• Handle the communication with insurance companies and also negotiate in your favor while the evidence is still fresh and your claim is strongest.
• File claims and lawsuits on time while your evidence is preserved, so you don’t lose your right to compensation. They can also represent you in court, using the evidence to strengthen your case.
• Link all medical records and bills to the crash right away so insurers can’t argue about the cause of your injuries.
• Help you calculate the value of your damage (including your mental pain and suffering) based on all the evidence and decide on a fair compensation amount.
• Guide you on what to say (and not say) to the other party, police, or insurance companies to avoid statements that could undermine your evidence or case.
• Contact accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, or financial specialists early to back up your case with solid evidence.
• They can take care of the paperwork and ensure that all the evidence is taken into account, so you have a better chance at getting the compensation you deserve.

Speak to Our Car Accident Lawyer for Expert Legal Advice!

The Financial Risks of Not Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Early

When you get into a car crash that wasn’t your fault, you can get compensation for your medical bills, lost income, property damage, and even emotional pain and suffering. In some cases, this can add up to thousands of dollars!

But without an experienced car accident lawyer on your side, you might miss your chance to claim what you’re owed. Evidence can get lost, overlooked, or misinterpreted, and insurance companies might take advantage of this by offering very low settlements or even denying your claims.

That leaves you paying hospital bills, repair costs, and other expenses out of pocket.

Over time, these costs can drain years of savings and add a heavy financial burden on top of your existing injuries. But you can avoid all of this by taking help from a lawyer who can help you with proper legal advice and be by your side from the moment of the accident till you receive the compensation you deserve!

Should You Hire a Lawyer Even if The Car Accident was Your Fault?

Absolutely! Even if you think you were at fault, it's still better if you talk to a car accident lawyer. Plus, sometimes fault isn't always as clear as it seems. Your opposite party might also share some blame in the case. That's why hiring a West Sacramento car accident attorney can be helpful to you. 

They'll help protect you from admitting unnecessary liability, organize all the evidence before it gets lost, explain to you or your legal rights, ensure you're treated fairly, and negotiate to limit the amount you may have to pay out of pocket as compensation to the other party.

Call Us Today to Get a Free Consultation for Your Case

What You Should Do Immediately After a Car Crash

Here’s our guide on what to do after a car accident - whether it’s your fault or not.

• Call 911 right away and make sure you file a police report so there’s an official record of the accident, which can help protect your rights later. 
• Take several photos of the accident area, vehicles, and your injuries from different angles. 
• Take names and contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened. 
• Call your insurance company promptly, but avoid giving detailed or recorded statements. 
• Hire a car accident lawyer in West Sacramento as soon as possible to protect your rights and guide you through the next steps.

Answering Some of Your Questions

What if the insurance company already offered me a settlement after a car accident?

You need to talk to a lawyer before accepting, as settlements are often much lower than what you’re entitled to.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?

Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. But evidence disappears much sooner, so you will have to take action fast!

How long does a car accident case usually take?

It depends on your case. Some cases settle within weeks or months. But others may take longer if they go to trial.

Takeaway

When you've been in an accident, hiring a car accident lawyer in West Sacramento can help you protect evidence, strengthen your claim, and receive the compensation you're entitled to. Even if the accident is your fault, taking help from a trusted lawyer can ensure you never have to pay (as compensation) more than legally required. 

Plus, a lawyer can handle all the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations so you have a chance to protect your physical and mental injuries without any interruption!

Win Your Car Accident Case and Get the Justice You Deserve by Taking Help from Doyle & O'Donnell 

Over the last three decades, Doyle & O'Donnell has been providing helpful legal advice to clients across Sacramento. So, if you've been in a car accident and need help to secure your compensation and fight your case, you can rely on our top-rated and experienced West Sacramento car accident attorney. 

We won't rest until we win your case! We'll be by your side, build a strong case, and help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Our lawyers have already won several cases and will do whatever it takes to win yours, too. 

So, call us now at 916-866-7590!