If you have been involved in a car accident, you have suffered damages. To recoup compensation for your losses, you will need to file a personal injury claim. In most states, you hold the at-fault driver liable for the damages, so you will pursue a personal injury claim against the other party.
However, every state has a statute of limitations, which is basically a time limit, for pursuing a personal injury claim against the other party. If you wait too long, you will be barred from recovering compensation for your damages after a car accident.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is dependent on state laws. In California, you have two years after an auto accident to pursue a personal injury claim. In Arkansas, accident victims have three years to bring a claim.
Florida and Utah both give car crash victims a four-year statute of limitations. North Dakota allows six years for an accident injury claim and two years for wrongful death. In Tennessee and Kentucky, there is a one-year statute of limitations.
However, the rules are slightly different for minors. Typically, the statute of limitations for a minor does not kick in until he or she reaches age 18. As an example, a 12-year-old child is injured in a car crash in Florida. He or she can bring legal until age 22, which is four years after turning 18, and is consistent with the state’s four-year statute of limitations.
Suing After a Car Crash
When you bring a lawsuit to recover compensation for your damages after a car accident, it is called a personal injury claim. Because of the complexity of dealing with such claims and the challenges of negotiating with the auto insurance companies, you should consult with a personal injury attorney.
You need a lawyer who is licensed in your state because the state laws are constantly changing. It is imperative to have a lawyer who understands how the accident injury laws work in your state and the proper ways to proceed with your personal injury claim.
Maintain evidence and documentation to support your claim. This means make sure an accident report is completed by police, take photos of the crash scene and the damages, get written repair estimates for fixing your car, keep copies of medical bills and medical records, and maintain documentation that shows your missed work and lost wages.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in an auto accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. With a lawyer representing you, your odds of a successful personal injury claim increase significantly. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page, so you can be put into contact with a lawyer who is licensed in your state. Accident injury law can be complicated, and all your damages must be included in a single claim. Don’t risk missing out on your chance to recoup compensation for your damages.
