There is a certain nervous energy that accompanies the debate to sue a company or person after an accident. People often understand that they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, but they worry about running out of time. Unfortunately, the rush to sue usually results in people getting smaller settlements than they could have if they waited to realize the full extent of their injuries. Many personal injury lawyers recommend waiting until after you recover to file, but do not mistake that advice as implying you have all the time in the world to file a claim.
Statute of Limitations
Personal injury lawsuits often have a statute of limitations or a window for when you can file. In most states, that window is two years from the date of the accident. However, keep in mind that the statute does not mean your case must be completed within two years; it merely means you must file within that time frame. Unfortunately, the two-year deadline is not the same everywhere or for every at-fault party. For example, if you were injured on public transportation, then you may only have four months to file your claim. If you would like to know what time frame you are dealing with, then contact a local personal injury attorney for specifics.
Exceptions to The Rule
Not every claim is created equal, and some are not burdened with the two-year timeline. If the victim is a minor, then the statute of limitations does not take effect until after they have turned 18, which means any minor has until they are 20 to file a personal injury claim in most areas. Also, if a victim is in a coma or otherwise incapacitated, there may be exceptions to the statute or family members may file on their behalf. Depending on where you live, there may be additional exceptions to the statute, which is why hiring an attorney for personal injury claims is always advisable.How long has it been since your accident? Do you feel confident that you are receiving treatment for all injuries stemming from the accident? Do you have a timeline for your recovery and an estimation of the potential costs? There is a lot of information to juggle during a personal injury claim. If you are not feeling up to the task, then consider looking for help.