When is it Too Late to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident, you’re likely dealing with pain, stress, and a lot of questions. One of the most important steps you can take is understanding how the claims process works—before the insurance company takes control.

Car accident claims aren’t always straightforward. Insurance companies often look out for their bottom line, not your recovery. That’s why having a personal injury lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

The strict deadlines—called statutes of limitations—apply. If you wait too long to take legal action, you could lose your right to compensation entirely. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the crash. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

Don’t let delays cost you the settlement you deserve. The earlier you act, the stronger your case can be.

Dealing with the Insurance Company

After a car accident, one of the first calls you’ll receive is from the insurance company. They may sound helpful, but their goal is often to settle quickly—and for as little as possible.

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may question your injuries, downplay the damage, or even try to get you to admit fault. Without legal representation, it’s easy to make a mistake that could hurt your claim.

A skilled personal injury lawyer can handle these conversations for you. At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, we know how to deal with insurance companies and protect your best interests. From property damage claims to medical expenses and lost wages, we fight to ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket.

Remember, the insurance company has lawyers working for them—you should too.

Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

Hiring a car accident attorney can be the difference between a lowball settlement and full, fair compensation. After a crash, you may be dealing with serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and lost income—and you shouldn’t have to face that alone.

An experienced personal injury lawyer brings more than just legal knowledge. They understand how to:

  • Investigate the accident scene
  • Collect critical evidence, including police reports, medical records, and surveillance footage
  • Establish liability—even in cases with disputed fault
  • Calculate the full value of your personal injury claim, including future medical expenses and pain and suffering

Most importantly, they’ll handle the legal process so you can focus on healing.

At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, we’ve recovered millions for accident victims across New Jersey, and we’re committed to making sure our clients aren’t just another claim number.

our office locations

Reasons to Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident

After a crash, many people ask, “Do I really need a lawyer?” The truth is, getting a lawyer early can protect your rights and significantly impact your financial recovery.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Statutes of limitations in New Jersey and New York mean you only have a limited time—typically two to three years—to file a claim. Miss the deadline, and you could lose your right to compensation.
  • A lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes, like signing away your rights or settling too soon.
  • They’ll guide you through complex legal decisions, from valuing your claim to negotiating with insurers.
  • If your injuries worsen or new issues appear later, an early settlement without legal review could leave you uncovered.

Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, dealing with property damage, or unsure who’s at fault, an attorney can step in and protect your interests from day one.

Importance of Early Legal Action

When it comes to car accident claims, timing is everything. Waiting too long to speak with a lawyer can seriously hurt your case.

Why? Because key evidence—like dashcam footage, surveillance video, or even witness statements—can disappear quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it is to build a strong claim.

Early legal action also ensures you:

  • Meet all legal deadlines, including the statute of limitations
  • Document your medical treatment and injuries properly
  • Respond strategically to insurance companies before they gain the upper hand

At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, we know that acting promptly can lead to better outcomes. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and building a case that seeks the maximum compensation you deserve.

Finding the Right Law Firm

Not all law firms are created equal. After a serious car accident, you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Here’s what to look for:

  • A firm with a proven track record of success in handling car accident and personal injury cases
  • Attorneys who understand New Jersey laws, and how they apply to your unique situation
  • A team that treats you like a person—not a case file—and takes the time to explain your options
  • Willingness to stand up to insurance companies and, when necessary, take your case to court

At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, we’ve recovered tens of millions for our clients. With offices in New Jersey and New York City, we offer personalized attention backed by over 25 years of combined experience. We don’t just say we’ll fight for you—we prove it every day.

Taking Advantage of a Free Consultation

If you’re unsure whether you need a lawyer—or if it’s too late to get one—there’s no risk in finding out. Most personal injury law firms, including ours, offer a free consultation so you can understand your legal options with no obligation.

During this meeting, a car accident attorney will:

  • Review the details of your accident
  • Explain your rights under New Jersey
  • Discuss potential compensation for your injuries, medical bills, property damage, and more
  • Answer any questions about the legal process, including settlement timelines and next steps

At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, our consultations are completely confidential and focused on helping you make an informed decision. If we can help, we’ll explain how. If not, we’ll point you in the right direction.

There’s nothing to lose—and potentially everything to gain.

After a car accident, time matters. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills or pressure from the insurance company, don’t wait to get the legal help you need.

At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, we offer free consultations and personalized guidance every step of the way. Let us review your case and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (908) 279-7979. We’re here for you—every step of the way.

Related Posts

Get In Touch

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Call for legal service

Ready to assist you in resolving any legal issues you may have.