If you have recently been injured in an accident, you may find yourself wondering what to do, and who to turn to for help. That’s understandable. Being involved in an accident can be an unexpected, life-changing experience, to say the least. In an instant, you can go from being a normally functioning person, able to work and enjoy your usual activities, to being injured, in need of treatment, and perhaps unable to do many of the things you love.
You may also be worried about how you will provide for yourself and your family, and you may be wondering if hiring a personal injury lawyer would help. At the very least, it is always worthwhile to schedule a consultation with an attorney to discuss your situation and whether or not you may have a valid case. In many cases, the answer is a resounding yes. In some cases, however, a personal injury lawyer may not be able to take your case.
Why would that happen? A few potential reasons include:
- There are issues with proving fault regarding the accident: One of the most essential aspects of a personal injury case is fault. To succeed in a personal injury case, the victim must be able to establish that the accident was caused by the negligence of the other party involved. As a result, if you were entirely at fault in the accident, recovery of damages won’t be possible. Depending upon your particular circumstances, it may be the case that a personal injury lawyer has assessed the situation and determined, based upon the allocation of fault, that recovery would be unlikely.
- The statute of limitations has expired: “Statute of limitations” is basically a legal term for a deadline – a deadline by which a case has to be filed. Many different types of legal cases have a statute of limitations, and that time limit will vary depending upon the type of case that it is. If you contact a personal injury lawyer about your case and the lawyer won’t take your case, it may be that the statute of limitations has already expired. This is only one of many reasons why contacting an attorney as soon as possible after an injury or accident is important. If you want to file a claim, there’s no need to delay. Reach out to an attorney as soon as possible and discuss your options.
- Your case may be outside of the lawyer’s jurisdiction: Typically, personal injury cases have certain jurisdictional requirements – that is, rules that pertain to where a case may be filed. Generally, lawyers are licensed to practice in certain states and particular jurisdictions. Depending upon the unique circumstances of your case, you may have to file the claim in a jurisdiction where the attorney you’d like to hire is not licensed to practice. In some cases, the attorney may seek special permission to practice in that jurisdiction, which is typically only granted at the discretion of a judge and is not guaranteed. If special permission is not granted, the attorney may not be able to take your case.
These are only a few reasons why a personal injury lawyer might not take your case – although depending upon your particular situation, other reasons might apply. In all situations, the wisest course of action is usually to consult with a personal injury lawyer who knows and understands the law to determine if you have a valid claim, and if so, how you should move forward. If you’re seeking a team of personal injury lawyers who knows and understands the law and can provide you with the expert advice you need, look no further than Roden Law.
RODEN LAW – YOUR TALENTED TEAM OF PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
If you have been injured as a result of an accident that wasn’t your fault, you need time to focus on what matters most – healing and moving forward. The last thing you need is the stress of mounting medical bills, difficult discussions with insurance companies, and uncertainty about how you will continue to provide for yourself and your family in the midst of an overwhelming experience.
At Roden Law, our talented, experienced, and knowledgeable team of personal injury attorneys is here to help. We’ll pursue the best and most effective legal strategies on your behalf, and we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve. If you’re ready to move forward, we’re ready to walk beside you on that journey. There’s no time like today to get started by taking the first step. Give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you soon.