Time Limit for California Auto Accident Lawsuit

Statute Of Limitations Places A Time Limit For Car Accident Lawsuits

Because of the statute of limitations, or SOL for short, anyone who is damaged by another should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Waiting too long could result in no lawyers taking the case, either because the SOL has run or that there is no longer enough days to prepare and submit the lawsuit appropriately. While the general rule is two years, there are circumstances where it is extended. Where there is an extension beyond the general 2 year rule, this is known as "tolling."

Since complex legal principles must be applied in order to determine whether an exception exists, consulting with an motor vehicle accident attorney is a MUST. To discuss your situation directly with an experienced litigation attorney, call Napolin Accident Injury Lawyer . Or visit our main website to send us an email. All consults are free of charge. Where Napolin takes on representation, the client only pays from the proceeds of a successful money recovery.

Extensions of Auto Crash Statute of Limitations

Tolling for Minors and Incapacitated Parties

One circumstance that creates a tolling situation is where the victim is a minor. For that minor and for them alone (not for adults who also may have be hurt in the collision), the 2 year period does not start to run until their 18th birthday. For example, if a minor is harmed on their 16th birthday, they have until the day before their 20th birthday to file an auto accident lawsuit. The same goes for those who experience a coma. Under those circumstances, the clock only starts counting on the date that the incapacitated party wakes up.

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Tolling for Delayed Discovery of Injury

Time Limit to auto accident

Another circumstance that creates an extension is where harm occurs, yet is not discovered right away. The rule says that clock does not start ticking against the 2 year period until the day that the injure party actually discovers the harm. This is an objective standard, meaning that the counting begins on the date that a reasonable person would have discovered the health problem. The reasonable individual standard puts a duty on each and every victim to take the steps that a reasonable person would take to discover the health condition. Therefore, if you have been hurt in a bus, truck, motorcycle or car crash, be sure to seek medical help as soon as possible. Ignoring the suspected health issues does not extend the SOL just because you did not go to the doctor for a formal diagnosis. For example, back pain will trigger knowledge of a slipped disc even if a doctor does not tell you that you have a slipped disc!

Situations Where the Time Limit Is Shortened

Injury Crash Claims against Public Entities of Any Sort

Time Limit car accident lawsuit

If the driver who is the cause of the harm is working for a public entity and the entity is to be sued, a claim must be submitted within 6 months of the accident. A delay in filing a claim form can result no recovery even where the claim is a good one. Few exceptions exist and a lawyer should be consulted immediately if you intend to bring action for bodily injury against the public. Some municipal entities (and their respective subdivisions included) are cities, states and counties. Therefore, those injured in a bus accident or collision with a police patrol car should get right to a personal injury lawyer immediately.

In the event the claim is rejected, the victim has 6 months from the date of the rejection to file against the applicable municipal unit and its division or subdivision. Due to the complexity of the rules involved here, only determine when you are required to submit your case with the help of a licensed attorney. Going it alone and relying on the information here without further professional guidance could result in a failure to meet the correct deadline, in turn resulting in zero recovery. So avoid the California Auto Accident Lawsuit Time Limit and call us today.