Many people who are injured due to another’s negligence work against against their own interests, even though they don’t realize it. On TV shows, long lost evidence or witnesses suddenly appears, winning the case. In real life, it doesn’t usually act that way.
How do accident victims work against themselves? They let their cases get cold before talking to an Accident Lawyer.
The Statute of Limitations
Kentucky has a short time limit in the statute of limitations: only one year. This means that if a personal injury, medical malpractice or product liability case is not filed within one year, the court will refuse to hear the case. Waiting for one year plus one day means that the victim has forfeited their chance to get the compensation that they are due for their injuries. The insurance company won.
Witnesses Disappear and Forget
The police interview any witnesses that they are aware of after an accident. However, the accident victim or someone who was with the victim may know of other witnesses. Interviews of new or old witnesses by the victim’s investigator could reveal crucial information.
Witnesses change their addresses and other contact information. Also, many people do not want to be involved and will “forget” as time goes on. The more time passes, the more difficult it is to receive valuable testimony from witnesses.
Evidence is Lost
Pictures taken shortly after the accident are always useful and may reveal valuable information. For example, suppose that weather was a factor. A picture can reveal whether there was thick fog or heavy rain. A weather check performed much later may say that it had been rainy. In reality, that rain could have been intermittent and it was clear at the time of the accident. It’s not always known which evidence will really matter later on.
If your investigator goes to the scene soon after the accident, the investigator may find something that the police didn’t spot. If the victim didn’t talk to an attorney soon after the accident, the opportunity to investigate the scene while it is fresh is lost forever.
Danny E. Darnall is an Accident Lawyer who has been fighting for his clients’ rights to fair compensation for 39 years. It’s in your own best interests to review your case with an attorney sooner rather than later. To book an appointment to discuss your case, visit website name or calll (270) 769-9179. You can also connect them on Facebook.
