How Much Time Do You Have To Bring a Personal Injury Case in California?
If you have suffered a personal injury in California, it is understandable that you may have many things on your mind. However, one of the most important things you need to keep in mind is the time limitation for pursuing a legal claim. Failure to stay on top of these filing deadlines can prevent you from filing your case and receiving the financial damages you deserve. That is why, in this blog post, we will review how much time you have to bring a personal injury legal claim in California and how an experienced civil litigation attorney can help you.
What Is the Statute of Limitations
Every state has laws that establish deadlines for filing civil damage lawsuits. The purpose of these laws is to prevent claims from becoming too old, where evidence such as witnesses, documents, and other relevant information may no longer be available. Moreover, these laws encourage people to file their claims in a timely manner.
The Statute of Limitations in California
When pursuing a personal injury legal claim in California, individuals will only have two years from the date of the injury to file this suit. However, there are exceptions to this rule that can change this time frame. For instance, if the harm was not discovered right away, then the time frame to file a claim will be one year from the date the injury was discovered.
In addition, if individuals miss this filing deadline, their case will be dismissed, and they will lose their ability to pursue the compensation they deserve. That is why it is crucial that victims of a personal injury accident do not wait to explore their legal options. When these individuals work with an experienced civil litigation attorney, these legal professionals can determine not only how much time a person has to file their case but they can also help ensure that appropriate motions and files are prepared and filed before this time expires.
Do These Timelines Apply To Insurance Claims?
It is important to recognize that insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits are vastly different. If you have been involved in a car accident and sustained injuries, it is crucial that you file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Unlike the statute of limitations in California for personal injury lawsuits, insurance claims have specific deadlines that you must adhere to.
However, to better understand how these timelines apply to your case, consider speaking with a skilled civil litigation attorney. These lawyers can walk you through what actions you should take next and what time frames are critical to your claim.
Contact Herrera Clifton Hess Today To Review Your Case
If you believe you have a viable personal injury claim and want to explore the deadlines involved or learn about the civil litigation process, contact Herrera Clifton Hess today to schedule a consultation with our legal team and learn how our firm can help you pursue the justice you deserve.