Did you know that personal injury claims after a car accident are subject to a statute of limitations? A “statute of limitations” is predetermined period of time in which a person is allowed to take legal action. If this time limit expires, a person will lose their right to file a lawsuit. Statutes of limitations apply to nearly every type of legal action and vary in lengths from state to state.
In California, personal injury and wrongful death claims stemming from car accidents must be filed within two years of the collision in order to be valid. Certain rules and specifics regarding your accident can lengthen. For example, if you were injured in a collision with a governmental entity, you will only be entitled to file a claim within six months of the collision. This includes collisions with highway patrol, trash trucks, public transportation buses, mail carriers and other government employees.
With that being said, filing a lawsuit as soon as possible after a collision may not be the best course of action. Since a collision can cause such incredible devastation, recovery from a collision can take several months and potentially require lasting treatments, making it important to create a solid treatment plan prior to settling your claim. If you settle too early, you could face out-of-pocket expenses later on down the road that the at-fault driver would have otherwise been responsible for paying. An experienced car accident lawyer can examine your situation and guide you towards a strategy that best fits your needs.
Injured? Contact Eliot Reiner, APLC
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is urgent that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible to move towards securing the compensation you deserve. With 25+ years of experience, a Sacramento car accident lawyer from Eliot Reiner, APLC can represent your interests in a court of law and advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf. Having recovered millions of dollars for our clients throughout our firm’s successful existence, we are fully equipped to make every effort in pursuit of a desirable outcome for your situation.
To find out more about how we can help, request a complimentary consultation or call us today at (916) 778-3228.