The moments after a car accident often move fast, and many details can be lost over time. Drivers may struggle to recall crucial details, or they may lose evidence before they can file a lawsuit. This is why it is absolutely critical to begin working with an attorney as soon as possible after you’ve been injured in a collision.

If you’ve been asking yourself questions like, “Is there a statute of limitations for car accidents?” or “Am I a victim of DUI?”, then you need to read on before you hire a personal injury attorney.

What Do Personal Injury Lawyers Do for Car Accident Victims?

Personal injury lawyers act on their clients’ behalves to seek a fair settlement after an accident. This means dealing with insurance companies to have medical bills, property damage, and even emotional distress paid for. Car accident injuries can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life, so lawyers help victims recoup some of their losses. For the most part, only about 4% to 5% of these cases ever go to trial, so chances are there will be negotiations rather than any courtroom battles.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents?

Short answer: yes. What you need to know, however, is that these can vary by state. The statute of limitations is basically a deadline for when you can sue the other driver or an insurance company. In some states this can be as little as one or two years; in others, the statute of limitations might be five years. This means that anyone with a long recovery has time working against them when it comes to filing a lawsuit. So is there a statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in your state? Be sure to ask a personal injury attorney for the details.

Am I a Victim of DUI?

If you’re wondering whether you’ve been a victim of a drunk or drugged driver, then you may need to obtain a copy of the accident report. This should detail who was involved in the accident and the factors that contributed to the collision. If a driver was subjected to a field sobriety test, breathalyzer, or blood test, then you should be able to find that out. Those who are victims of DUI drivers will want this factor to be included in their personal injury lawsuits, as this will likely guarantee a fair settlement for pain and suffering.

Have more questions about your car accident case? Good references here.