Being involved in a car accident can be an overwhelming and terrifying experience, especially if the accident resulted in severe injuries for you or your loved ones. You have the right to pursue legal action and try to get some justice for what you have been through. To accomplish this with the help of a lawyer, you need to make sure you abide by the California car accident statute of limitations. Otherwise, your case may not go the way you hope it will.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for a car accident case is two years since car accident cases are considered personal injury cases. That means you will generally have two years from the date of your accident to establish grounds for a solid claim, put together a strong case, gather the evidence that supports your case, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages.

If you are not able to bring your case to fruition for whatever reason before two years have passed, you may have to brace yourself for the fact that your case will end before it begins. The court enforces these deadlines, so your case may be tossed out entirely. Your opportunity to seek damages for what happened to you will pass by. No legal action will be taken. If you do not act in a timely manner, this could mean the end of your pursuit of damages.

It can take a lot more time than you might think to build a solid car accident case. It is recommended that you start developing your case as soon as possible. If you are at all concerned that your case is not strong enough, you may want to consider bringing what you have to an injury lawyer for an evaluation. They can assess your situation and give you sound advice. You may be surprised to find out you have a lot of evidence already.

Getting in a Car Accident

Any time you are driving, you should never ignore the possibility of an accident. They can come out of nowhere to either briefly ruin your day or cause devastation to your entire life. It depends entirely on the details of the accident. If you do end up getting injured or suffering property damage, you should consider reaching out to an experienced car accident lawyer to start building a case and holding the right person accountable in civil court.

What to Do After a Car Accident in California

You should always keep in mind that the actions you take immediately following a car accident are going to influence your accident claim and be included in the police report. It is important that you try to conduct yourself with logic and with a calm demeanor. Otherwise, things could get out of hand for you quickly. Here are some important steps you can take to ensure that your future claim is as protected as it can be:

  • Remain Calm: It may seem difficult to calm yourself after being in a car accident, but it is vitally important that you try to do so. Being able to react to things with a cool head can help as you try to navigate what is sure to be a stressful experience.
  • Do Not Flee: Whatever you do, do not flee the scene of an accident. Not only is it illegal and could result in severe penalties, but it could also negatively impact your ability to file a claim. In California, any vehicle involved in an accident must stay put and wait for the authorities to take control of the scene.
  • Check for Injuries: Depending on how severe the accident was, you may be dealing with serious injuries. If you are in shock, you may not even know you have them. Be sure to check yourself for any injuries, then do the same for any passengers.
  • Call 911: Make sure you call 911 as soon as you are able to. Get the police to come and block off the scene, and get the EMTs to come check survivors for injuries.

FAQs 

Q: How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?

A: In California, you will have two years from the date of your accident to file a car accident claim. If you are not able to file your case before two years have passed, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will not be able to pursue damages any further. Building a case can take a long time, so you should start as soon as you can.

Q: Is There a Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents in California?

A: Yes, there is a statute of limitations on car accidents in California. You want to make sure you file your case within two years of your accident. Since car accident claims are considered personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is the same. There may be some exceptions that would give you more or less time to file the claim, depending on the situation, but it is generally two years.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim?

A: While you technically do not need to hire a lawyer for anything, it is highly recommended that you do. A good lawyer can make sure you are not taken advantage of and that your interests are consistently protected throughout your case. Having someone in your corner who understands the stakes and can provide you with legal help can only benefit you in the long run.

Contact an Experienced and Skilled Car Accident Law Firm Today – McLachlan Law, APC

At McLachlan Law, APC, we have vast experience helping clients obtain the compensation they are entitled to after being involved in a car accident. Our seasoned legal team can help you develop your case and maximize your compensation. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about what we can do for you.