Following your car accident, a common question is “How long after a car accident can you claim injury?” It is an important question as some injuries don’t manifest right away, but in the days or weeks after your accident. The length of time you have to file a car accident claim is known as the statute of limitations and, in most cases, it is two years.
Of course, the circumstances surrounding your accident may change the limitations. An experienced personal injury attorney, like those at The Barnes Firm in New York and California, can analyze the facts of your car accident and guide you in the length of time you have to file a claim. Let’s explore the potential timing of your car accident claim in more detail.
What to Do After a Car Accident?
Following any car accident, the first thing you should do is get medical attention. Even if you don’t feel you’ve sustained injuries, you should have a medical assessment by your family physician to be sure. Many car accident injuries don’t manifest for days or weeks after the accident.
Always call the police when you are involved in an accident. The responding officer will assess the scene, investigate, and prepare an official police report, which you will need. If you aren’t severely injured, take pictures to document the accident scene, your vehicle, and any other evidence.
Next, you’ll need to get the damage to your vehicle assessed and talk to your insurance company. If you have been severely injured, a member of your family should report the accident to your insurance carrier promptly. Generally, insurance carriers require notification within 30 days of an accident, though that does not mean you must file a claim in that period of time.
An experienced car accident lawyer may advise that you delay filing your claim, but you should always let your insurance carrier know about the accident and your injuries, as well as the fact that you believe the other driver was at fault.
When to File a Claim after a Car Accident?
The amount of time you have to file a claim regarding your injuries varies from state to state. In most states, the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit is two years, but a few states allow as little as one year to as many as six years.
The statute of limitation for filing a claim with your insurer may be considerably shorter, and if you file your insurance claim after that date, the insurer may not be obligated to pay. This is also true for the insurance carrier of the at-fault driver. A well-qualified car accident attorney, like those at The Barnes Firm, can help you file your claim in a timely manner, protect your rights, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Call on The Barnes Firm for Answers
The Barnes Firm’s expert personal injury attorneys are always prepared with the answers and guidance you need following your car accident. If you or a loved one has been injured following an accident, let the New York and California law firm’s accident lawyers analyze your case and guide you through the complex details regarding your injuries, damages, lost wages, medical expenses, insurance, and legal options to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Call (800) 800-0000 anytime for your FREE consultation.
Tags :
Car Accident Attorneys , car accident claim , Car Accident Injuries , Car Accident Lawyers , Car Accident Police Report
