If you have received a physical injury due to the negligence of another through no fault of your own, then you may have a civil claim against the at-fault party.
For cases involving negligence, the statue of limitations is two years from the date of the injury.
There is no specific waiting period for a claim to settle. However, you should never engage in settlement negotiations until you have been released from medical treatment or you are otherwise realistically aware of the full extent of your injury. Future medical costs that would be associated with the future medical treatment of your injuries must always be considered before settling a claim.
Lawyers usually charge a percentage of the civil recovery plus costs associated with bringing suit. Gayheart and Willis, P.C. charges 25% of the amount recovered if the case is settled without filing suit and usually 33.3% if it is necessary to file suit and litigate your case.
Depending on the extent of your injury, it may be best to settle your claim with the insurance company without legal representation if your injury is slight. Nevertheless, it is always best to confer with an attorney about the negotiation process with insurance companies.