How long should I wait before consulting an attorney?

Delay can cause problems. The defendant normally contacts his or her insurance company immediately after the accident. The insurance company dispatches claims adjusters to interview witnesses and gather evidence. If you wait several weeks or several months after the accident to contact a lawyer, it may compromise your attorney's ability to gather the evidence necessary to prove your case. Each state has a different rule regarding the time an injured party is allowed to file a lawsuit. The time allowed to file a lawsuit is called the "statute of limitations." Failure to file a lawsuit within the time period allowed by law will result in your case being dismissed from the court system. Because of these time requirements, it is critical that you contact an attorney as soon as possible to insure that your case can be properly investigated and a lawsuit can be filed on time.