In personal injury cases, time is one of the most important factors that determines how much compensation an accident victim can recover. In Los Angeles, many injured individuals assume they have plenty of time to take legal action, only to discover that delays can severely damage their case.

When a claim is postponed, valuable evidence often becomes harder to obtain. Surveillance footage may be deleted, witness memories may fade, and accident reports may be misplaced. This weakens the foundation of the claim and gives insurance companies an opportunity to argue for lower payouts. Delays can also affect access to medical documentation, as gaps in treatment create doubt about the severity of the injuries.

California’s statute of limitations further adds urgency. In most personal injury cases, victims have only two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Once that period passes, the right to pursue compensation is permanently lost, regardless of how strong the case might have been.

Victims who hesitate often do so out of uncertainty or fear of legal costs. However, most Los Angeles personal injury law firms provide free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless the case is won. Acting quickly not only protects legal rights but also maximizes the chance of recovering full damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The lesson is clear: delaying a claim can cost victims millions. The sooner an injured person seeks legal advice, the stronger their case will be.