All information provided about the law is very general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every situation is different and should be analyzed by a lawyer who can provide individualized advice based on the facts involved in your unique situation, and a consideration of all of the nuances of the statutes and case law that apply at the time.
How Soon Should I Hire an Attorney After an Accident?
One of the most common questions we hear from accident victims is: “When should I hire an attorney?” The short answer: as soon as possible. Delays can cost you valuable evidence, weaken your negotiating power, and even put your right to compensation at risk. Acting quickly ensures that an experienced attorney can preserve evidence, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and prevent mistakes that could hurt your case.
As Montlick attorney Alyssa White explained on Lawyers in the House®, “We always encourage people to call us as soon as possible after an accident so we can explain the process… and they know what to expect as things start coming up in the days after.”
1. Early Legal Help Protects Your Rights
Immediately after an accident, crucial evidence can disappear within hours. Skid marks fade, vehicles are repaired, and eyewitnesses become harder to track down. Hiring a personal injury attorney early allows them to collect and preserve key evidence while it’s still available.
More importantly, a lawyer will shield you from insurance company tactics designed to minimize your payout. As Montlick attorney Alyssa White warned, “The biggest mistake people make is telling the insurance company everything that happened and how they’re feeling right after the accident… because anything you tell them, whether you think they’re helping you or not, they’re going to use it later against you.”
Insurance adjusters often call victims within days of a crash, hoping to secure recorded statements or early settlements that undervalue the claim. Once you have legal representation, your attorney handles all communications, working to ensure that you control the narrative and facts or statements aren’t taken out of context.
In short, calling a lawyer early isn’t about rushing into a lawsuit; it’s about protecting your right to fair treatment from day one.
2. An Attorney Helps You Get the Care You Need
Many accident victims don’t know where to turn for medical treatment, especially if they lack health insurance or are unsure how bills will be paid. An experienced personal injury lawyer can often provide you with names of qualified doctors who can treat you under a medical lien, meaning payment for the doctor’s services comes from your case settlement rather than having to pay out of pocket. As Montlick attorney Alan Saltzman explained on Lawyers in the House®: “There are doctors who can treat people for these injuries on a lien basis, meaning you will not have to pay until the case is over.”
Early legal help also ensures your medical documentation is complete from the start. Gaps in treatment or delayed care can lead insurers to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. By coordinating timely medical evaluations, your attorney strengthens your case and protects your health simultaneously.
In short, calling a lawyer early helps you focus on recovery, not paperwork.
3. Waiting Too Long Can Hurt Your Case
Every personal injury case is governed by a statute of limitations – a legal deadline to file your claim. In Georgia, most accident victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. But waiting even a few months can make it harder to gather records, interview witnesses, or prove damages.
Additionally, waiting to treat for your injuries could seriously undermine your claims. The adrenaline rush after a crash can mask serious conditions like concussions or soft-tissue injuries. By the time symptoms appear, crucial evidence may already be gone. Montlick’s attorneys often see clients who waited too long. As attorney Alyssa White noted, “Even the smallest accidents can cause big injuries… people suffer severe injuries even when it doesn’t seem that bad right away.”
Hiring an attorney immediately ensures all legal deadlines are met, and your claim starts on strong footing. It also prevents missed opportunities for early negotiations, accident reconstruction, and medical evaluation that can lead to larger settlements.
4. The Sooner You Call, the Sooner You’re Protected
You don’t need to be in the hospital to call a lawyer – and you don’t need every document in hand. The best time to reach out is as soon as you’re medically stable.
Montlick’s legal team offers free consultations and can advise you on next steps, even if you’re unsure whether you have a case. As attorney Alyssa White emphasized on Lawyers in the House®, “When you call for that consultation, you get to talk to me or Jason or another attorney at our firm… and we’ll tell you what to expect, if we can help you. And if we can’t help you, we’ll tell you why.”
That transparency and immediate access to a real attorney—rather than an intake representative—sets Montlick apart. When you call 1-800-LAW-NEED, you’ll speak directly with an experienced lawyer who can protect your interests from day one.
In personal injury cases, time is your most valuable asset. The sooner you hire an attorney, the stronger your case will be. From preserving evidence to preventing costly mistakes, early legal representation can make the difference between frustration and fair compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, workplace incident, or slip-and-fall, don’t wait. Call 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or visit Montlick.com/contact for your free consultation today.
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At Montlick, we believe comprehensive legal representation is a right, not a privilege. That’s why we provide our services on a contingency fee basis. You only pay when we win.