How Long Do I Have To Take Action After An Accident?
Every state sets a deadline for accident claims. Missing it usually means losing the right to recover anything.
The legal deadline for filing a personal injury claim is called the statute of limitations. It varies by state and by claim type. In most states, you have between 2 and 4 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and a separate window (often shorter) for property damage.
Key points to know: . The clock generally starts on the date of the accident . Claims against government entities often require notice within 30 to 180 days . Insurance claims have their own, much shorter deadlines, often days or weeks . Some injuries discovered later may extend the clock under the discovery rule
Do not wait until the deadline approaches. Evidence weakens, witnesses move, and attorneys need months to build a case properly. If you are uncertain about your deadline, a brief consultation can clarify it before time runs out.
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