Imagine you are in a car crash. You’re probably focused on your health and getting your car repaired. But while you recover, a critical legal time limit is fast-approaching. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
It sets a strict end date for filing a personal injury or property damage lawsuit after a car accident. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation forever. These laws ensure cases are handled while the evidence is fresh.
Know your deadlines for injury and property damage
In California, you have a limited time to act after a car accident. For most personal injury cases, the deadline is two years from the date of the crash for claims including compensation for medical bills, lost wages and your pain and suffering.
If you only have damage to your vehicle or personal belongings, a different deadline applies. You have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for property damage. It’s important to understand these are two separate deadlines. You must act within both to protect your rights to compensation for all your losses.
Important exceptions to understand
While two and three years may sound like plenty of time, some situations have much shorter deadlines. California’s statute of limitations differs for:
- Government claims: If your accident involved a government vehicle like a city bus or was caused by a poorly maintained public road, the deadline is drastically shorter. You must file an official claim with the government agency within just six months of the accident.
- Injuries to minors: If you were under 18 at the time of the crash, the two-year deadline for your injury claim does not begin until you turn 18.
Don’t assume your situation fits the standard rules. These exceptions show why you can’t delay seeking advice after a crash.
Don’t wait to protect your rights
The clock starts ticking the moment a car accident happens. You cannot rely on an insurance company’s negotiations to pause this countdown. Your right to compensation is on the line. The best way to protect yourself is to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after a crash. A skilled car accident lawyer can help you understand your deadlines and take the necessary steps to gather evidence and secure your claim.
