The Complications Of Waiting Too Long To Pursue Compensation
Between doctor visits, car repairs, and trying to manage your daily responsibilities, filing an injury claim may not seem urgent after a car accident. But waiting too long to pursue compensation can create serious complications, both legally and financially.
Florida law gives injury victims a limited window to take action, and the longer you wait, the more difficult it can become to recover the money you need to move forward. The sooner you speak with an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights and recovering the compensation you deserve. Always speak to an experienced accident lawyer before speaking to any Insurance company.
The Legal Clock Starts Ticking Right Away
Car accident victims generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in the state of Florida. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strict. If you miss it, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case might be.
That’s why it’s crucial to seek legal support as soon as possible after a collision. Even if you’re unsure about the extent of your injuries or whether you have a valid claim, an attorney can review your situation, preserve evidence, and guide you on the best next steps before time runs out.
It is also important to recognize that evidence can disappear quickly. Strong evidence is the foundation of any successful car accident claim. Police reports, medical records, witness statements, and even photos of the scene all play a critical role in proving fault and damages. Unfortunately, this evidence can fade or disappear over time. Skid marks get washed away, vehicles are repaired or scrapped, and witnesses’ memories fade.
By acting quickly, you can secure essential evidence while it’s still fresh, ensuring you have the strongest possible case when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your claim in court. Also, under Florida’s No-Fault law, you have to see a doctor within 14 days from the date of the accident or you lose your rights to claim up to $10.000.00 in medical and/or lost wage benefits under your own insurance policy.
Insurance Companies Take Advantage of Delays
Seeking immediate medical attention after a crash isn’t just important for your health, it also strengthens your claim. Insurance adjusters often argue that if you waited days or weeks to see a doctor, your injuries must not have been serious or may have been caused by something unrelated to the accident.
Prompt medical documentation establishes a clear connection between the accident and your injuries, helping you recover the full amount you deserve for treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Delaying care (or delaying your claim) gives insurers an opportunity to minimize or deny your compensation.
Insurers are skilled at protecting their bottom line. If they know you’ve waited to pursue your claim, they may use that delay against you. Having an Orlando personal injury attorney handle communications from the start helps prevent these tactics from working against you.
Why are you waffling on filing a claim? If you were hurt in an Orlando car accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Time can be your greatest ally or your biggest obstacle, so make sure it’s on your side. Have a conversation with the car accident lawyers at Israoui Law. Call 407-381-4529 for the personal attention you deserve.
