Every year, more than 20,000 individuals suffer injuries caused by auto accidents in the State of California. Victims who seek compensation from liable parties are able to file civil lawsuits in California courts. However, personal injury lawsuits against parties responsible for roadway accidents must be filed within a specific time period designated by the statute of limitations laws of the state of California. Failure to file your claim within the timeline established by law will result in the eliminations of your right to financial recovery under the law. A qualified attorney who has experience in car accident claims can help you stay within the timeframe of the statute f limitations
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Injury Lawsuit in the State of California
In the state of California personal injury claims including auto accident must first be filed within TWO YEARS from the date of the incident which resulted in the harm suffered.
Wrongful Death Auto Accident Claims: Under California Civil Procedure 335.1 wrongful death lawsuits for the death of a loved one in an auto accident has TWO YEARS from the date of the incident to file a Wrongful death cause of action.
More information on CA Statute of Limitations can be found here or by contacting one of our accomplished attorneys with experience in car accident cases.
Accidents Involving Government Vehicles – Lawsuits Against Public Entities
Government and public vehicles may include public transportation vehicles, buses, trains, as well as police patrol cars and government vans and trucks. In the state of California victims of injury caused by government agencies or individuals working for government agencies must first file an administrative claim within SIX MONTHS (120 days) from the date of the accident. If and when the administrative courts denies a claim the claimant (plaintiff) will then have TWO YEARS from the date of the original accident to file a claim in state civil court.
Can I Still File a Lawsuit if the Statute of Limitations Has Passed: In limited circumstances, courts in the state of California have allowed for the filing of a lawsuit by an injured party despite the statute of limitations having passed. Some examples where courts have allowed for a tolling of the statute of limitations are included below.
If you feel you may be eligible for an exception to the statute of limitations, call an expert attorney with expertise in car accident injury lawsuits.
Seeking Out Legal Help: If you have any further legal questions regarding the filing of a car accident lawsuit feel free to contact our top-rated law offices. Our top attorneys have ample experience handling car accident claims and will answer all of your questions. All of our clients are given free legal consultations when they call, and we can discuss your injury, the statute of limitations, and the possible compensation you can earn in a settlement. An experienced attorney is available around the clock to evaluate your case.
Further, we offer all clients a zero fee guarantee on their cases. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing, and if we bring you a settlement, our fees come out of the settlement amount itself, not from your savings. Our experienced lawyers want you to stay healthy and will work to preserve your financial integrity.
To speak to a skilled lawyer experienced in car accident injury cases, call Normandie Law Firm today.