Education – the process. Or, how does a personal injury claim work, or, (why) do I need an attorney –– this is similar to asking how a watch works, but definitely a fair question that is entitled to an overview of the process.
As opposed to a workers compensation claim, which can be left open for life so whenever the injured person needs care for that specific injury they can get whatever care they need, a personal injury claim needs to be resolved at some point. Thus, your first question should be –– how long do I have to file a personal injury claim? In legal terms this is referred to as the applicable statute of limitations.
The most common statute of limitations allows you to file a personal injury claim within two years of the accident. However, if a public entity is involved, i.e. you were rear ended by a sheriff, that statute changes and becomes quite complicated. You are better off hiring a personal injury attorney to help you handle the process for a better outcome. Make sure you know how long you have for filing a personal injury claim.
