Contact a Lawyer

Why Reaching Out to a Lawyer Is a Smart Move

After an accident, your world can feel upside down. You might be in pain, missing work, and worrying about bills. It’s a lot to handle. That’s why contacting a lawyer is one of the most important things you can do.

You don’t have to be rich or important. You don’t need to understand legal stuff. You just need someone who knows how to protect your rights and get you help. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better off you’ll be.

What Happens If You Don’t Call a Lawyer?

Some people try to handle everything on their own. Maybe they don’t want to “make a big deal” out of it. Maybe they think lawyers are too expensive. Or maybe they just don’t know where to start.

But here's the truth: if you wait too long, or if you say the wrong thing to the insurance company, you could lose your chance to get help. You could end up paying for someone else’s mistake.

A lawyer can step in and take over the hard parts. You won’t have to fight alone.

Lawyers Know the Rules—and the Tricks

Serious injury lawyers deal with insurance companies every day. They know all the tricks the companies use to get out of paying you. They know what paperwork needs to be filed. They know what deadlines can’t be missed.

Most people don’t know that one mistake—like missing a form or saying “I’m fine” on the phone—can hurt their case. A lawyer knows how to avoid those mistakes and make sure your case stays strong.

Types of Injuries That Need Legal Help

Not every bump or bruise needs a lawyer. But if your injury is serious, or if it’s costing you a lot of money or pain, then it’s worth making the call. Some examples include:

• Broken bones

• Head injuries

• Back and neck problems

• Injuries that need surgery

• Long-term or permanent damage

• Emotional trauma or mental health problems caused by the accident

• Any injury caused by someone else’s carelessness or bad behavior

If you’re unsure, that’s okay. Talk to a lawyer. Most of them will let you ask questions for free before you decide anything.

Common Cases That Serious Injury Lawyers Handle

There are lots of ways someone can get hurt, and a lawyer can help in many situations. Here are some of the most common:

Car Accidents

This includes crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or even bicycles. Whether it was a rear-end collision or a major wreck, a lawyer can help deal with insurance and figure out who was at fault.

Slip and Fall Injuries

If you fell because of a wet floor, icy sidewalk, or uneven surface, and someone else was supposed to keep that area safe, a lawyer can help you take action.

Workplace Accidents

Even if you’re getting workers’ comp, you might also have a case against someone else, like a contractor or equipment company.

Dog Bites

Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets. If a dog attacks you, a lawyer can help you get medical bills covered and hold the owner accountable.

Civil Rights Violations

If you were hurt by police or while in jail, or if your rights were violated because of who you are, this goes beyond personal injury. Civil rights lawyers can help in these very serious and complicated cases.

What to Expect in Your First Call With a Lawyer

Most lawyers who handle serious injury cases offer a free consultation. That’s just a fancy word for a first call or meeting. You’ll get to talk to the lawyer about what happened, and they’ll tell you if they think they can help.

You don’t have to bring anything special, but it helps if you have:

• Notes about the accident

• Any photos or videos

• Medical records or bills

• A list of missed workdays

• Any letters or emails from insurance

If you don’t have these things yet, don’t stress. The lawyer will still listen and let you know what to do next.

How Long Do You Have to File a Case?

In Pennsylvania, most injury cases have a two-year limit. That means you have two years from the day you got hurt to start a lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations.

If you wait longer than that, you might not be able to file at all—even if your case is strong. That’s why it’s smart to talk to a lawyer early and not put it off.

Some cases, like civil rights or claims against government agencies, might have shorter deadlines. A lawyer can tell you the exact timeline for your case.

What If You Don’t Have Money to Pay a Lawyer?

Most serious injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means they only get paid if you win. You don’t need to pay anything upfront. If they don’t win your case, you don’t owe them anything.

This allows regular people to get good legal help, even if they don’t have money right now. Just make sure to ask how the fees work before you sign anything.

What Makes a Good Lawyer?

Not all lawyers are the same. Some are pushy or hard to reach. Others are great at fighting for their clients and taking the time to explain things clearly.

Look for a lawyer who:

• Has experience with injury or civil rights cases

• Has good reviews or client stories

• Communicates clearly and listens to you

• Doesn’t make you feel rushed or ignored

• Has time for your case—not just a quick call and goodbye

The lawyer should make you feel safe, respected, and confident that they’ll do their best for you.

Your Case Might Be Worth More Than You Think

A lot of people settle for way too little because they don’t know what their case is worth. An insurance company might offer a small amount of money fast to make the problem go away. But what if your injury gets worse? What if you need more treatment later?

A lawyer will look at the big picture, not just today’s bills. They’ll think about:

• Your current and future medical costs

• Missed work and lost income

• Pain and suffering

• Mental health struggles

• How the injury changes your daily life

• Future support if you can’t return to your job

You only get one chance to settle your case. A lawyer makes sure it’s fair.

The Legal Process: What Comes Next?

Once you hire a lawyer, they’ll guide you through the steps. Here's a simple breakdown:

1. Investigation – They collect facts, photos, witness statements, and medical records.

2. Insurance Negotiation – They talk to the insurance company to try to reach a fair deal.

3. Filing a Lawsuit – If needed, they file the case in court.

4. Discovery – Both sides exchange info and ask questions.

5. Settlement Talks – Most cases settle here, without going to trial.

6. Trial – If no deal is reached, your lawyer presents your case in court.

Don’t let the process scare you. Your lawyer handles the hard parts. You just stay in touch and follow their advice.

What If You Were Partly at Fault?

Even if you think the accident was partly your fault, you might still be able to get help. Pennsylvania uses something called comparative fault. If you’re less than 51% responsible, you can still win money—but the amount is reduced based on your share of fault.

So if the court says you were 30% at fault, and your case is worth $100,000, you’d still get $70,000. Your lawyer will fight to show that the other side was mostly to blame.

Can You Contact a Lawyer for Someone Else?

Yes. If a family member was hurt and can’t call for themselves—maybe they’re in the hospital or unable to speak—you can help. Lawyers will talk to close family to get started, especially in serious injury or wrongful death cases.

This is especially important if the injured person is a minor, elderly, or has a disability.

Lawyers Can Also Protect You From Mistakes

There are small things people do that hurt their case without realizing it. Posting on social media, talking to the other side, signing insurance forms without reading them—these things can cause big problems.

A lawyer helps you avoid those mistakes. They’ll tell you what to do and what to stay away from so your case stays strong.

Civil Rights Cases Need Fast Action

If your case involves being hurt by police, in jail, or by any public agency, contacting a lawyer fast is critical. These cases often have tight deadlines, and public agencies won’t admit fault unless they’re forced to.

Lawyers who know civil rights law can help you:

• Request body camera footage or jail surveillance

• File complaints with the right agencies

• Demand accountability from the right people

• File lawsuits if your rights were violated

These cases are tough—but with a strong lawyer, justice is possible.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re hurt and feeling lost, contact a lawyer. Don’t wait until the bills are out of control or the insurance company starts pushing you around. A lawyer is there to protect your rights, fight for what’s fair, and help you get your life back on track.

You don’t have to know all the answers. You don’t need a perfect case. You just need to take that first step. Call someone who knows how to help—and let them walk with you through the rest.

The call is free. The advice can change everything. And your future is worth fighting for.