How long do I have to file a Personal Injury Case?

You may be in severe pain, an unfit mental state, and distressed after an accident.  Under the circumstances, you may not be in the right state of mind to file a lawsuit against the negligent party.

Soon after, you may realize that your injuries are continuously getting worse, and your bills are adding up. However, you are still bound to this lingering question: How much time do I have to file my case?

Timing Your Personal Injury Case

It is always better to start the process of your case as soon as possible.  Get the medical treatment that you need right away.  Retaining an attorney gives you someone on your side, and can assist in helping you receive the maximum compensation. As a general rule, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in California (2 years) apply to all personal injury cases, and the clock starts running as soon as you are injured. There are exceptions to this general rule and shorter times for cases against Government entities (Cities, Counties, public schools, public agencies, etc.)! For example, if you trip on a city sidewalk and don’t file your claim within 180 days of your incident, you could be barred from suing the City forever! If the statute for limitation were to run out, you lose your right to file a lawsuit. Don’t take a chance and don’t guess on the law!

Why You Shouldn't Wait

Waiting to file a personal injury lawsuit may also result in difficulties in your case. It may be more difficult to prove that certain injuries were as a result of the accident. Your medical bills may begin to accumulate and you might begin to experience financial issues. Speaking to an experienced attorney right after an accident will help you gain a better understanding of your situation, as well as provide you with the next steps that need to be taken in order to move forward with your case.

Steps To Take

It is important to speak with an experienced attorney immediately after you have been involved in an accident. This will help you gain a better understanding of your situation, help you understand the likely timeline of your case, as well as address and questions or concerns you may have. The experienced legal team at Live Oak Injury Law Group can help.
Skip to content