3 Reasons You Should Not Delay in Seeking Legal Help After a Serious Car Accident in Knoxville (Even if You Aren’t Sure Who Was At Fault)
After a serious car accident in Knoxville, most Knoxville residents and drivers’ first priorities are understandably their own health and safety, and that of their family members. Between medical treatment, car repairs, and dealing with insurance calls, it can be easy to put off contacting a lawyer, especially when a Knoxville car accident victim is unsure who caused the crash. Many Knoxville car accident victims wait to contact a lawyer, thinking they should only reach out for legal help once they know exactly what happened or who is to blame for the car accident in their case. However, the truth of the matter is that waiting too long after a serious car accident happens in Knoxville can seriously hurt your rights to recovery. To help Knoxville car accident victims better understand why they should not wait to seek legal help after a serious car accident occurs, we discuss three important reasons why you should speak with a Knoxville car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident, even if you do not know who was at fault.
Reason #1: Preserving Critical Evidence for Your Knoxville Car Accident Case
The first reason that Knoxville car accident victims should not delay in seeking out legal help is that crucial evidence can disappear quickly. In the aftermath of a car accident, evidence such as skid marks, debris, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts can fade or be lost in just a few days. An experienced Knoxville car lawyer can act quickly to preserve that evidence and help reconstruct what happened. The longer a Knoxville car accident victim waits, the harder it becomes to gather the information needed to support their version of events. Hiring an attorney early ensures that nothing important is overlooked and increases your chances of proving fault or defending yourself if the other driver blames you.
#2. Dealing with Aggressive Insurance Companies After Your Knoxville Car Accident
Another reason not to delay seeking out legal help after a serious car accident in Knoxville is that delaying getting legal help can make dealing with insurance companies more difficult. Insurance adjusters from the at-fault party’s insurance company are trained to minimize car accident settlement payouts, and they may take advantage of any confusion or delay on your part. In addition to potentially being “lowballed,” if a Knoxville car accident victim speaks to an insurance company without legal representation, they might unknowingly say something that weakens their claims. An experienced Knoxville car accident lawyer can handle communications on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected from the start. An experienced Knoxville car accident lawyer can also help you understand what your case might be worth and make sure you do not accept less than what you are due.
#3. Filing Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
Thirdly, Tennessee has strict legal deadlines for filing personal injury claims. In most car accident cases, Knoxville car accident victims have only one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Importantly, if you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover any compensation at all. Seeking legal help early can help you ensure that you file on time, and that your case is as strong as possible when you file it.
If you are in the Knoxville area and you need legal help, contact the experienced Knoxville car accident lawyers at the law firm Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC. Contact Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC and speak to a lawyer about your case now.
