Key Things to Remember When Filing a Personal Injury Case

Accidents and mishaps are part of life. At some point, everyone will face some sort of injury or harm. Many of these incidents are due to bad lack or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In other situations, however, someone else is to blame for your harm. If another person’s negligence or deliberate actions led to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Before you start to pursue a case, keep in mind some important facts about these legal proceedings. You Should Act Sooner Than Later In the aftermath of an injury, you want to be level-headed and make wise choices. It’s not a good idea to jump to conclusions and let your emotions get out of control. Still, if you believe someone else is responsible for the accident, you shouldn’t wait too long to file a lawsuit. Keep in mind that there is a statute of limitations–a time frame in which you can file a complaint and sue for damages. This period varies from state to state, so check with an attorney on the regulations in your area. The limits could be as short as one year and as long as three years. Make sure you file your lawsuit within this period from the date of your injury. There Are Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations You may not be physically or mentally able to comply with the time frame guidelines to file your claim. If your injuries left you incapacitated for a long period, the court may allow you to extend the filling time period. The court will understand that you need to be in a sound frame of mind and able-bodied to build your case. If your injuries are so severe that you can’t do this, the court will start the statute of limitations clock from the time you are in a position to work on your case. Filing for Someone Else If your injuries preclude you from building your case, you can appoint a family member to do it for you. Through a power of attorney action, you can name a parent, spouse, child or partner to manage these affairs. The faster you start putting your personal injury case together, the better. Make sure you comply with the filing deadline requirements. Plus, prompt action will help you get the compensation you need in a more timely fashion. If you or your loved one has suffered an injury due to a motorcycle, car, or truck accident, seek the help of a commercial truck accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Thank you to our friends and contributors at JOHNSTON | MARTINEAU, PLLP for their insight into accidents.