When Should You Call a Lawyer After an Injury?

 Posted on February 19, 2026 in Birth Injuries

If you were hurt because of someone else’s actions, it is often best to call a lawyer as soon as possible. Getting legal help early can protect your rights, preserve important evidence, and help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.

Personal injury law can be complex, but early guidance can make a big difference. Our Schaumburg, IL personal injury lawyers help injured individuals understand their options and take steps to protect their future.

As of 2026, Illinois law still allows injury victims to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. Acting early can help you protect your claim and focus on your recovery.

Why Is It Important To Call a Lawyer Soon After an Injury?

The time right after an injury is important for your case. Evidence may only be available for a short period. For example, surveillance footage may be deleted, accident scenes may change, and witnesses may forget what they saw.

A lawyer can take steps to preserve evidence and build a strong case to protect your rights. This may include obtaining accident reports, securing video footage, and reviewing medical records. Acting quickly also helps ensure that your injuries are properly documented.

Illinois law sets deadlines for filing injury claims. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury cases must be filed within two years. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover compensation.

What Types of Injuries Should You Call a Lawyer About?

You should consider calling a lawyer if your injury requires medical treatment, causes you to miss work, or can affect your health long-term. Even injuries that seem minor at first can become more serious later.

Common situations where legal help may be needed include:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Slip and fall incidents
• Workplace injuries caused by third parties
• Injuries caused by unsafe conditions on a property

These types of cases often involve insurance companies that may try to reduce or deny claims. Legal guidance can help ensure your case is taken seriously.

Should You Call a Lawyer Before Speaking With an Insurance Company?

It can be helpful to speak with a lawyer before giving detailed information to an insurance company. Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the accident and ask questions about what happened.

Their goal is to evaluate the claim and protect the insurance company’s interests. They may ask for recorded statements or request documents. Your answers could affect how your claim is handled.

A lawyer can explain what to expect and help you avoid saying something that could be misunderstood or used against you.

How Can a Lawyer Help Prove Who Was Responsible for Your Injury?

To recover compensation, you must show that another person or company was responsible for your injury. This usually means proving negligence.

A lawyer can review accident reports, gather medical records, and collect other evidence that explains what happened. They may also speak with witnesses and identify everyone who may be responsible.

Can a Lawyer Help You Recover Compensation After an Injury?

If someone else caused your injury, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. This compensation is meant to help with both financial and personal harm caused by the accident.

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Future medical care
• Reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering

Every case is different, and the amount of compensation depends on the facts and evidence involved. A lawyer can review your case and help you understand your options.

Do You Need To Call a Lawyer for Every Injury?

Not every injury requires legal action. However, if your injury led to medical bills, missed work, or long-term health problems, it may be helpful to speak with a lawyer.

Even if you are unsure whether you have a case, getting legal advice can help you understand your rights. This allows you to make informed decisions about your situation and your future.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Palatine, IL Personal Injury Attorneys

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we are proud to serve local communities and help injury victims protect their rights. We value our clients and bring many decades of combined legal experience to every case. We’ve also recovered millions of dollars in successful verdicts and work hard to help injured individuals move forward after devastating injuries.

If you were injured and need guidance, contact our Schaumburg, IL personal injury lawyers by calling 847-797-8000 today to schedule a free consultation.