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Why Contact a Lawyer Immediately After an Accident

By Paul Benson • February 1, 2026
Why Is It Crucial To Reach Out To A Lawyer Soon After An Accident? Contacting a lawyer promptly after an accident is vital to preserve crucial evidence from the accident scene. Evidence like skid marks, surveillance videos, and witness statements can disappear quickly. By involving a lawyer early on, you ensure that all necessary evidence is collected and preserved, which can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Why Do Some People Delay Contacting A Lawyer After An Accident? Many individuals delay contacting a lawyer due to the misconception that they are not "lawsuit people." However, when faced with insurance companies refusing to compensate them fairly, they realize the need to protect their rights. By waiting to involve a lawyer, important evidence may be lost, such as video footage or witness accounts, which can weaken their case significantly. What Are The Potential Problems Individuals Face When Insurance Adjusters Reach Out Early? Insurance adjusters often aim to elicit statements that downplay the severity of injuries or shift blame away from their policyholders. By recording conversations and obtaining seemingly innocuous statements, they can later use discrepancies to undermine a claim. Consulting with a lawyer before engaging with insurance adjusters is crucial to avoid inadvertently harming your case. What Key Evidence Can Be Lost If Individuals Wait Too Long After An Accident To Seek Legal Counsel? Delaying legal representation can result in the loss of crucial evidence such as video footage, debris placement at the scene, and witness recollections. Additionally, timely medical documentation is essential for accurately assessing and documenting injuries. Without early involvement, individuals risk missing out on vital evidence that could strengthen their case. How Does The Timing Of Medical Bills And Documentation Impact An Insurance Company's Evaluation Of A Claim? In Wisconsin, the timing of medical bills and documentation is critical due to the collateral source rule. Health insurance coverage may pay medical bills upfront, but individuals can still recover the full amount from the at-fault party's insurance. However, delays or discrepancies in submitting bills can lead to reduced compensation and financial risks for the injured party. What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Employ To Settle Claims Quickly Without Individuals Fully Understanding The Implications? Insurance companies may use tactics like sending blank medical releases or offering immediate settlement checks to expedite claim resolutions. Individuals may unknowingly sign away their rights or settle their claims prematurely, leading to potential long-term repercussions. It is essential to seek legal guidance to navigate these tactics and ensure fair compensation for injuries. What Steps Should Individuals Take After A Minor Accident To Protect Their Legal Rights? After a minor accident, individuals should document the scene thoroughly, report the incident to their insurance company, and consider seeking a legal consultation. It is crucial to accurately relay their version of events to the police, report any injuries promptly, and consult with a lawyer to understand their rights and potential legal options. Is It Advisable For Individuals To Seek Medical Evaluation After A Minor Accident Even If They Feel Only Minor Discomfort? Yes, it is recommended for individuals to undergo a medical evaluation after a minor accident, even if they experience minor discomfort. Prompt medical assessment can uncover hidden injuries that may worsen over time if left untreated. By seeking timely medical attention, individuals protect their health and establish a documented record of injuries for potential legal claims. What Are Some Early Moves Insurance Companies Make That Individuals Should Be Cautious About Following An Accident? Insurance companies may attempt to obtain blanket medical releases or offer immediate settlement checks to expedite claims processing. These tactics can lead to individuals inadvertently signing away their rights or settling for inadequate compensation. It is crucial to seek legal guidance to navigate such tactics and protect one's legal rights effectively.

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A man is talking on a cell phone next to a damaged car.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?

When you’ve been involved in a car accident, there are multiple things you can find yourself dealing with. From physical injuries to lost time at work and damage to your vehicle, there are a lot of elements to address and an increased amount of stress to go along with them. After a car accident, one of the ways you can seek to resolve the situation is to negotiate a settlement with the responsible party’s insurance provider. But how long does this process take? 


If you have been in a car accident and need help now, reaching out to an experienced attorney is your best option. I have been serving the needs of individuals and families in the greater Janesville, Wisconsin, area for years, and I am ready to work with you to pursue the most favorable outcome available in your case. If you are in Janesville, Beloit, or anywhere throughout Rock County, contact me at the Paul Benson Law Firm today to schedule a consultation. 

Steps Involved in a Car Accident Claim

Immediately after you have been in a car accident, your priority should be to make sure you and everyone else involved in the accident get to safety and are analyzed for injuries. After everyone’s physical condition has been determined, there are specific steps to follow to put yourself in a position to build a strong accident claim, including: 


  • Contacting law enforcement and insurance providers to notify them of the accident. 
  • Gathering as much documentation and evidence at the scene as possible (this can include contact information for all parties involved, police reports, witness statements, and photos from the scene). 
  • Contacting an attorney to help you pursue compensation (your attorney can help you assess the worth of your claim based on any physical injuries and property damage, write a demand letter requesting the amount of compensation you require, and negotiate to seek a settlement). 


One important factor to take into account is the statute of limitations on filing an accident claim. Under Wisconsin law, you have a three-year period to file a car accident claim to seek compensation for injuries or property damage. 

Car Accident Claim Settlement Timeline 

There is no simple answer to give regarding the length of time a car accident settlement can take. Due to the variety of variables involved in each accident — and the fact that every car accident is unique — there is no set amount of time. Generally speaking, however, car accident claims are often settled anywhere between nine to 18 months. It should be noted that this is a general time frame, and your claim could be settled in a matter of weeks or perhaps years. 

Strategies to Help Move the Process Along

There are some ways you can help keep the process moving, such as making sure you stay organized with your documentation and communicating promptly. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney will also help keep the process on track and moving forward. 

Reasons Why You May Wish to Extend the Process

Though it is normally preferred to get the settlement process over with as soon as possible, there are times when it would benefit you to extend the process. If the insurance provider is trying to lowball you with insufficient settlement offers, you owe it to yourself to do what is necessary — including taking legal action — to pursue the rightful amount of compensation you deserve for your claim. 

Don’t Pursue Your Claim Alone

The aftermath of a car accident can leave you feeling pretty low. Medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your car can all create instant financial strain. With so much going on at once, the last thing you need to do is add the stress and complication of attempting to handle your accident claim on your own. By turning to a knowledgeable car accident attorney, you can put your claim in skilled hands while you focus on putting your life back in order. 


At the Paul Benson Law Firm, I am dedicated to helping people seek the fair compensation they deserve after suffering damages in a car accident. I have the experience and insight to help you determine the best course of action and follow the appropriate steps to reach a satisfying resolution. If you are looking for guidance or legal representation after a car accident in Janesville, Beloit, or anywhere in Rock County, Wisconsin, contact me today to schedule a consultation.