How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Injury Claim?
The state of California had over 3,700 life-threatening car accidents in 2020. Since then, hundreds of accidents have occurred in the Los Angeles metro area alone.
When you get into a car accident and suffer minor to severe injuries, your priority should be focusing on recovery. Car accidents can impact victims physically and emotionally. So, take the time you need to recover before you reach out to a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.
Despite wanting your clients to have a swift and full recovery, we also urge you to act as soon as possible if you intend to file a claim against the negligent party. All states have a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which is a deadline for an individual to file an accident claim. Don’t let a negligent driver get away with the accident!
In this article, we provide detailed information about the statute of limitation policy in California.
How The Statute Of Limitations Work For Car Accidents
Different claim types have varying guidelines, but auto accident claims are the most common due to the number of collisions on California highways. Any accident lawyer in Los Angeles would tell you the state law allows injured victims two years to file a legal action against a negligent driver. If you lost a loved one because of what occurred, you also have two years to file a wrongful death claim.
The only exceptions to this statute of limitations are if the victim was a minor or you have not yet discovered the injury.
- Younger victims are unable to act until they turn 18 years old. However, a parent or guardian can represent them should the minor have little to no insurance coverage.
- Individuals who might have sustained severe injuries, like a concussion, might not know what took place immediately after an accident. The courts would grant them two years from the date of discovery.
To file a successful claim, you’ll need to have ample evidence. That includes medical records of any injuries you’ve received, photographic evidence of car damage, or documentation that you’ve been unable to work. We can obtain missed or lost wages on your behalf if you can provide proof. If there’s additional information you need, let us know during your consultation.
Does The Statute of Limitations Also Apply For Property Damage?
Suppose you get into a car accident and don’t sustain any injuries. While this is great to hear, your car might have significant damage. Fortunately, you will have more time to report the damage. The statute of limitations for property damage in California is three years after an accident. Be mindful that the clock starts after the accident and not after you submit an insurance claim.
Avoid Handling The Insurance Alone
Many injured claimants attempt to handle their accident case with the respondent insurance company alone. We strongly advise you to refer all communication to your car accident attorney in LA. Negotiating for fair and full compensation will be a complex process. The typical issues usually center around reducing or denying a claim. Insurance companies tend to offer a low-ball settlement to encourage plaintiffs to withdraw their case.
The financial assets of the negligent driver can matter greatly when their insurance coverage is insufficient. The negligent driver is still liable for damages beyond insurance protection. In addition, respondent insurance companies also typically argue over comparative negligence issues. When all parties cannot agree on the claim’s value, it takes a traffic accident lawyer to file a lawsuit.
Contact A Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Immediately
It’s always best to contact a Los Angeles car injury lawyer as soon as possible following an accident. Legal help increases your chances for maximum compensation. The right attorney will not hesitate to take charge when the claim is valid and complete injuries are in line.
Do not delay and call Grey Law as soon as possible to get the help you deserve. Our car accident lawyer in Los Angeles knows how serious accidents can cause emotional, financial, and physical destruction. The representation you choose can matter greatly, and the limited filing period is essential.
About Grey Law
“When it comes to getting you more, I won’t settle for less.” – David Grey.
When you or a loved one gets injured due to negligence, carelessness, or wrongful acts of another person, David Grey is ready to help. Seeking compensation or negotiating with insurance companies can be stressful, especially while recovering. Let us do that for you. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers are well-versed in several practice areas:
- Traffic Accidents
- Premises Accidents
- Personal Injuries
- Product Liability
- Nursing Home Abuse
Why do you need a lawyer for accident compensation? With thousands of lawyers in California, we understand it’s not easy to choose legal representation. We have 35+ years of experience and secured millions for our clients. From the time you retain our firm, we build your case. For a free case evaluation and consultation, reach out to us at (323) 857-9500 or email info@greylaw.com.
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