It is too late to get a lawyer for a car accident when you have passed the two–year deadline for filing a claim. You can get the most out of working with a lawyer by reaching out as soon as possible after a crash so that they have enough time to build a strong case for compensation.
An Arlington car accident lawyer can help you determine your exact timeline and file before the deadline passes. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get involved in your case and start protecting your rights—and your wallet.
When You Already Agreed to a Settlement
It is too late to get a lawyer for a car accident if you have already agreed to a settlement from the insurance company. In most situations, a settlement is a legally binding agreement. That often means you cannot seek additional damages against the at-fault party once you’ve signed it.
Your Arlington personal injury lawyer may help you find gaps in the contract or find another way around it. Still, in most cases, it is too late to minimize your losses. That is why it’s best to hire a lawyer before speaking to the insurer and certainly before agreeing to an offer. This is a common strategy insurance companies use to minimize their payouts to victims.
For example, if you agree to a settlement of $20,000 but later learn that you will need another procedure, the insurance company is not likely to pay anything additional to you. If you are unsure if this applies in your situation, read through the contract you signed as an agreement to settle the debt, and contact an attorney for guidance.
When the Statute of Limitations Expired
Most car accidents are personal injury claims, meaning the statute of limitations (Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16) in the state applies to the case. The statute of limitations is a law that limits how long a victim has to file a claim against an at-fault party in a court of law. In Texas, for example, the statute of limitations is two years.
If you wait beyond that, it might be too late to get a lawyer for a car accident. Your attorney is not likely to be able to help you if there are no exceptions in your case. Some potential exceptions include being a minor at the time of the crash and being physically unable to file a lawsuit.
The court is not likely to make adjustments to this rule because it would put the other party at risk. The key here is to contact a car accident lawyer still, even if you are approaching the statute of limitations. Schedule a free consultation to better understand your situation and find out if there is still time to act.
When the Evidence Is No Longer Available
Over time, key evidence gets damaged, lost, or deliberately tampered with. Security footage is deleted, witness memories fade, and at-fault parties might choose to destroy a vehicle that contains substantial evidence of their responsibility. Waiting too long to act can end up leaving major gaps in your claim.
The longer you wait to get a lawyer for a car accident, the harder it becomes to get the proof you need to prove your version of events. Lawyers use evidence to build strong claims that convince insurance companies and even judges to award you the compensation that you’re entitled to under Texas law.
The better option is to seek out legal help right away. Your Arlington wrongful death lawyer will work immediately to preserve any evidence that could be valuable to your case, such as requiring commercial trucking companies to maintain logs and ensuring that any physical evidence from the accident is preserved.
Even When You Are Not Sure, Seek a Free Consultation
There are times when it is too late to get a lawyer in a car accident, but you should not make that decision for yourself just yet. Instead, set up a free, no–obligation consultation with a dedicated team member at The Texas Law Dog. Our team will listen to your story and explain whether time is on your side or not.
We’ve been in business since 2018, and in that time, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients recovering from accidents just like yours. When you’re unsure of where to turn after a crash, we can give you insight into all of your legal rights and opportunities, including strategies that may help you overcome some of the limitations listed here.
For victims of car accidents, it is very important to know that your lawyer is an essential resource and advocate during one of the most trying times of your life. Meet with The Texas Law Dog to start biting back against those who have caused your injuries.
