What Is The Time Limit To File An Injury Lawsuit After An Accident in California?

In most cases, the time limit to file a lawsuit after an accidental injury or wrongful death in California is two years from the date of the injury. However, there are circumstances where the time limit is much shorter. There are also situations in which you might be allowed extra time. In any case, it is important to get started as soon as possible to preserve the evidence in your case and to act strategically.

What To Know About Time Limits For Injury Claims In California

The time limit to file a legal claim is called the statute of limitations. For personal injury claims in California, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury. For instance, if you were in a traffic accident while riding in an Uber driver’s vehicle, then you would have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

However, the statute of limitations is shorter in some cases. If your claim is against a government entity, then the time limit is only six months. In other cases, it might be only a year. An attorney can provide the specific statute of limitations for your case.

There are also situations in which the statute of limitations is put on hold. For example, consider a person who suffers a brain injury and spends months in the hospital unconscious or incoherent. They are unable to make decisions during this time. Thus, the statute of limitations would not start until they regain legal competence.

Another important consideration is for minors. The statute of limitations does not start until age 18 for individuals who were minors at the time of the accident. For example, a child injured in a dog attack would not have the statute of limitations begin until they turn 18.

Furthermore, if the person responsible for the injury leaves the state before you file your claim, then the statute of limitations would be put on hold. This could apply, for example, to an out-of-state driver who causes a fatal accident and then leaves California.

Why You Should Not Wait To Contact An Attorney

There is no advantage in waiting to file a claim, but there are several advantages to getting started right away. For example, consider the child injured in a dog attack. While they would have until age 20 to file a lawsuit, the deadline to file an insurance claim with the dog owner’s insurance company is much shorter, typically within 30 to 90 days of the incident.

Moreover, the evidence in your case begins to disappear over time. Accident scenes are cleaned up, damaged vehicles are repaired and witnesses’ memories fade. A personal injury attorney plays a crucial role in investigating the accident and gathering the necessary evidence to prove your claim. This task becomes increasingly difficult as time passes. Immediate action ensures that all relevant facts and evidence are captured accurately, which is pivotal for the strength of your case.

Finally, there are strategic reasons to contact a personal injury attorney right away. The more time your lawyer has to prepare your case, the better. Also, your attorney may be able to negotiate a settlement that is in your favor, but only if they have time to do so.

Conclusion

Understanding the time limits for filing an injury lawsuit in California is important if you may have a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The general rule is a two-year statute of limitations, but several exceptions could either shorten or extend this period. Starting the legal process promptly is essential.