Earlier is better than later. While a lawyer can handle your case at any time during the process, the more you do before you hire a lawyer, the fewer options the lawyer may have in helping you with your case or claim. In addition, the longer you delay in retaining a lawyer, the longer it will take for the attorney to address and resolve your case or claim.
If you handle the personal injury case yourself and ultimately decide to hire a lawyer, the lawyer may have to address and attempt to resolve any mistakes you may have created or caused in handling the case. In addition, all claims have a statute of limitations or pre-set time periods that extinguish your rights if a claim is not filed or served within the set time period. For example, if an at-fault driver caused your injuries, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file your case or you lose your claims forever.
If that at-fault driver is a government employee or agent, your claim may need to be served on the entity within 180 days of the accident or the claim may be lost forever. The time to file or serve your claim is dependent on the claim itself or on the status of the person or entity that caused your injuries. Waiting to hire an injury lawyer may put your claim or case in jeopardy. In addition, many attorneys are hesitant to take your case if there is an impending deadline that must be met immediately. Thus, waiting to retain a lawyer may limit your ability to hire an attorney or hire the attorney you want.
The longer you wait to hire an attorney the longer it will take for the attorney to address and resolve your case. If a client hires an attorney early in the matter, the attorney can immediately begin to work on the case and work on it without having to account for potential mistakes or problems that the client may have caused or created.
Remember, personal injury law can be extremely complex. Make sure you have the right Phoenix, Arizona personal injury law firm on your side. It will make all the difference in your case.