When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s natural to want to focus on your recovery. However, delaying your personal injury claim in New Jersey can have significant and often unexpected consequences.
While you may think you have plenty of time, procrastinating could end up costing you more than you realize—in terms of both your potential compensation and your ability to successfully pursue a claim. This blog will answer why acting quickly is crucial, and how a personal injury lawyer can help ensure you don’t miss out on what you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations: A Ticking Clock
One of the most critical factors to consider when filing a personal injury claim is the statute of limitations. In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. Once this time period expires, you lose the right to file a claim, no matter how strong your case might have been.
However, it’s important to note that certain circumstances could shorten or extend this timeframe. For instance, claims against government entities often have much shorter deadlines.
Delaying your injury claim might lead to a rushed process where crucial details are overlooked, or worse, you may miss the deadline altogether. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the specific timelines that apply to your case and ensure that all necessary steps are taken within the required timeframe.
The Loss of Evidence
Time can also be an enemy when it comes to gathering evidence. The strength of your personal injury claim often hinges on the quality of evidence available, including witness testimonies, medical records, photographs of the accident scene, and more. As time passes, memories fade, physical evidence can be lost or deteriorated, and it becomes more challenging to build a compelling case.
For example, if you were injured in a car accident, critical evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage, and traffic camera footage may become unavailable or less reliable over time. Witnesses who initially seemed willing to testify might move away or become unreachable. The sooner you take action and involve a personal injury lawyer, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence and securing a favorable outcome.
The Impact on Your Medical Records
Because they offer proof of your injuries, your medical records are a vital piece of evidence in a personal injury claim. If you delay seeking medical attention or fail to follow up with necessary treatments, it could be argued that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, or worse, that they were not caused by the accident in question.
Moreover, gaps in treatment or inconsistencies in your medical records can give insurance companies and defense attorneys ammunition to challenge the validity of your claim. By promptly seeking medical care and maintaining consistent treatment, you strengthen your case and make it more difficult for the opposing side to dispute your injuries.
Financial Pressure and Settlement Offers
Another often-overlooked consequence of delaying your personal injury claim is the financial pressure it can create. Medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses can quickly pile up, putting a strain on your finances. Insurance companies are well aware of this and may use it to their advantage, offering you a quick but low settlement to resolve the claim and save money. Remember, insurance companies are concerned about one thing and one thing only – their bottom line.
If you’re feeling desperate due to mounting financial pressures, you may be tempted to accept a settlement that is far less than what you’re entitled to. However, once you accept a settlement, you forfeit the right to pursue additional compensation even if your injuries worsen or new expenses arise. Working with a personal injury lawyer at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari can help you avoid this trap by negotiating a fair settlement that truly reflects the extent of your injuries and losses.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Personal Injury
Delaying your claim can also affect your legal rights. Insurance companies often have teams of lawyers and adjusters who work to minimize the amount they have to pay out. If you wait too long to file your claim or seek legal representation, you may inadvertently weaken your position and make it easier for the insurance company to challenge your case.
A personal injury lawyer will not only help you understand your rights but will also advocate on your behalf, ensuring that you’re treated fairly throughout the process. They can guide you through the complexities of New Jersey’s legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and if necessary, represent you in court.
The Cost of Delay
The decision to delay your personal injury claim in New Jersey can have far-reaching consequences. From missing crucial deadlines to losing valuable evidence and accepting lowball settlements, the costs of procrastination can be substantial. To protect your rights and maximize your compensation, it’s essential to act quickly and consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process.
Contact Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari Today to File a Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve been injured and are considering filing a personal injury claim, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact the experienced team at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari today. You can reach us by calling 973-845-4421 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.