When to Hire a Fort Wayne Car Accident Lawyer

October 2, 2024

A Fort Wayne car accident could inflict catastrophic injuries requiring extensive treatment at significant expense.  Fortunately, compensation may be available when someone else is at fault, and that compensation could be even greater with the help of a knowledgeable attorney, though you might be reluctant to rush into a major decision like this.  If you are wondering how long you can wait to obtain legal assistance for your automotive injuries, join us as we explore when to hire a Fort Wayne car accident lawyer.

The Role Played by the Statute of Limitations 

The short answer is that you should hire an attorney as soon as possible.  There were 9,314 Fort Wayne car accidents in 2022, and the clock on the potential personal injury cases for those accidents started ticking at the moment of impact, in part because of the role played by the Statute of Limitations. 

The Statute is the period in which legal proceedings can be initiated over an incident, and it is typically two years for most Indiana car accidents, though the window could be much narrower in claims against the government.  Anyone who fails to file suit or otherwise resolve a case before this window closes could be forever barred from full recovery, so it is vital to secure a lawyer well ahead of this point to ensure that all deadlines are met. 

Other Challenges Posed by Fort Wayne Car Accident Cases 

However, just because you have two years to act, it doesn’t mean that you should take two years to do so, since these kinds of cases can pose big challenges that may only grow if you put them off.  For example, you must go after everyone who contributed to your losses if you hope to be entirely reimbursed for them, but the list of defendants could be far more substantial than you might expect, and your case may hinge upon your ability to promptly identify them. 

And even if you do manage to track down all of the liable parties, you may encounter stiff opposition from their insurance companies, who could dispatch investigators to the scene of the collision while you are still reeling from your injuries.  Moreover, a veteran insurance adjuster may exploit your inexperience during negotiations to resolve your claim for less or simply deny it altogether, which could leave you with few options when you may already be on the brink of ruin. 

What a Fort Wayne Car Accident Attorney Can Do for You 

This is why you should never drag your heels before connecting with a skilled Fort Wayne car accident attorney.  Just as it won’t be the first accident for the insurers, it also won’t be the first for your lawyer, who will be better equipped to fend off the tricks and tactics often used to minimize claims. 

Your attorney will begin by carrying out a comprehensive investigation into your Fort Wayne car accident and everyone responsible for it, establishing valid claims against each of them by sending formal notification in writing and alerting their insurance carriers.  If the situation demands it, a lawsuit may be filed as well in a court with the power to issue a binding judgment. 

Your Fort Wayne car accident lawyer will then move swiftly to amass the materials needed to support your claim, including physical evidence from the crash site if he or she is retained in time.  Once an airtight case has been assembled, your attorney will strive to get you compensated for the totality of your damages, including your: 

• Past, present, and future medical bills 

• Lost income 

• Reduced earning capacity 

• Pain and suffering 

• Mental and emotional anguish 

• Diminished quality of life 

• Mobility restrictions 

• Loss of consortium 

• Punitive and wrongful death damages (if relevant) 

When confronted with compelling proof of both your losses and the insured’s guilt, an adjuster may be convinced to tender a generous settlement rather than risk a worse verdict at trial.  But should a trial be necessary, a seasoned lawyer will become indispensable, since plaintiffs who represent themselves in court lose about 96 percent of their cases, whereas plaintiffs with professional representation are favored to win. 

As you can see, a top-notch attorney can offer numerous advantages in the event of a Fort Wayne car accident – advantages that you won’t begin to enjoy until you hire one. 

Our Fort Wayne Car Accident Lawyers Will Be Here for You 

Hensley Legal Group has been standing up for the innocent victims of negligence for more than 25 years.  If you have been injured in a collision in the Fort Wayne area, our Fort Wayne car accident lawyers will be here for you. 

Please call or text us at (317) 472-3333, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Fort Wayne car accident attorney today.