Time Limits on Personal Injury Cases
If you’ve been involved in an accident and suffered injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. However, it’s important to understand that there are strict time limits for filing a personal injury claim. In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you don’t file your claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Keep reading for everything you need to know about time limits on personal injury cases, courtesy of our experts at Ayala, Morgan & Buzzard
1. Why Time Limits Matter
The statute of limitations is in place to ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner and to prevent evidence from becoming stale. If you wait too long to file a claim, witnesses may forget important details, and evidence may be lost or destroyed. Additionally, if the statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you won’t be able to recover any damages.
2. Exceptions to the Rule
There are some exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. For example, if the victim is a minor, the clock doesn’t start ticking until they turn 18. Additionally, if the injury wasn’t discovered until later, the time limit may be extended. In cases involving government entities, the time limit may be shorter, and you may need to file a claim within six months.
3. What to Do If You’re Running Out of Time
If you’re approaching the two-year deadline and haven’t filed a claim yet, it’s important to act quickly. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options. They may be able to help you file a claim before the deadline expires or explore other options, such as negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party.
4. How to Protect Your Rights The best way to protect your rights after an accident is to take action immediately. Seek medical attention for your injuries, gather evidence, and document everything related to the accident. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options and ensure that your rights are protected.
