Being injured in an accident is a serious matter. In addition to the immediate health implications, you are bound to experience mental trauma as well as a deluge of medical bills and other recovery costs. Retaining the right personal injury lawyer for your accident is an important decision. One that could mean receiving a large settlement or an inadequate one.

How Personal Injury Lawyers Work

Like many other places, in the state of North Carolina, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means that they only collect their fees if you win your case. Moreover, most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation. You are under no obligation to retain the services or enter into an agreement with a personal injury attorney just because they offered you a free consultation.

On the other hand, because there are no out of pocket expenses, it is to your benefit to talk to a lawyer before accepting any agreement from an insurance company or their representative.

When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’re in a car accident and are only filing a claim for vehicle damages, it is not necessary to hire an attorney. Most car insurers will cut you a check for your vehicle damages minus your deductible. If you’ve sustained injuries, however, even seemingly minor ones, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement.

In most cases, you’ll be approached by a claims adjuster from the insurance company within 24 hours of their being notified. They will offer to cut you a check for what seems like all of your medical expenses. When you are facing thousands or even tens of thousands in bills, this money may seem like a godsend. But in reality, initial settlements don’t include economic items such as lost wages, transportation costs, followup appointments with doctors, and other less-than-obvious costs. They also never include damages for pain and suffering, which can be difficult to calculate without a personal injury lawyer.

The Statute of Limitations in North Carolina

For most personal injury suits, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury. For wrongful death suits, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. While this may seem like a long time to file a claim, you still want to speak to a personal injury lawyer sooner, rather than later. Here are few:

• Preservation of Evidence and Testimony – Waiting makes it more difficult to recover surveillance footage, evidence, and witness testimony.
• Avoid Errors that Can Hurt Your Case – Once you have an attorney working on your side, they can advise you on how to avoid making mistakes that can harm your chances of a large settlement.
• Comprehensive Advice – The best personal injury lawyers work closely with doctors in your area and can advise you as to your best course of action.

If you’ve been injured in Durham, contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Durham for a free consultation. If you’ve been injured anywhere else, look for the most qualified lawyer who accepts your type of case.