Filing a personal injury lawsuit may be something you want to do in certain situations. There are many instances where a personal injury claim can get you the help you need to recover from your injuries. Car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites and other accidents that lead to injury often lead to these kinds of claims. However, the process of taking legal action can be challenging, and you will likely require the services of an attorney. Here are three things that you need to know before you hire a personal injury lawyer. 

How Long You Have To Make A Claim

The first thing that you should know before you hire a personal injury attorney is that there are time limits for making personal injury claims. If you are looking into filing a personal injury lawsuit, the sooner you reach out to a lawyer, the better. A statute of limitations determines the amount of time you have to take legal action. With personal injury cases, this time limit usually ranges from one to six years, depending on state laws.

When The Time Limit Goes Into Effect

Another thing you need to know is that when the statute of limitations goes into effect can vary depending on your injuries and when you discovered them. Many states have a discovery of harm rule, which means that you can file a lawsuit within a certain amount of time after realizing you have suffered harm from your accident. So even if your accident was years ago, you might still be able to file depending on state laws. If you have questions, a personal injury lawyer will be able to tell you whether taking legal action is an option.

Fee Structures Vary

Another thing that you need to know before hiring a personal injury attorney is that fee structures can and do vary. While most personal injury lawyers use contingency fees, there are other costs that you may be responsible for. When a lawyer charges a contingency fee, they get paid out of your settlement or award. However, additional costs you need to discuss with your lawyer include court filing fees, deposition costs, expert witness fees, and more. Before hiring a lawyer, you need to know what you are responsible for and whether those expenses are necessary upfront.

If you are making a personal injury claim and need a lawyer, there are a few things to know. First, when it comes to personal injury claims, the clock is ticking, and there is a time limit for taking legal action. Second, statutes of limitations don't always go into effect immediately after the accident. In some cases, the clock starts after discovering you have been harmed, and an attorney will help determine whether you have a case. Finally, it's important to note that fee structures vary when it comes to personal injury attorneys. Contact a personal injury attorney to learn more.