If you are the victim in an accident with a negligent driver, one of the most crucial things to keep in mind is that time is of the essence. You need to act fast.
This may not be easy, especially if you have suffered serious injuries as a result of the accident. However, under California law, the clock starts ticking from the time you suffer your injury, so it is important to take action as soon as possible.
California Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Each state has its own laws regarding the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in personal injury claims. A statute of limitations is the law's way of regulating the amount of time it will allow a plaintiff for filing a claim. In California, this can be as short as six months from the date of the injury for personal injury claims.
While six months may seem like an ample amount of time, the truth is that it can go fast when you are dealing with all the pain and suffering of an injury, medical bills, insurance claims and all the other paperwork and hassle involved with seeking compensation for your injuries. You may not feel like confronting the reality of filing a lawsuit or government claim or want to face the stress of a court battle, and hesitation can set in.
Why Waiting Can Hurt Your Case
Insurance companies want to protect their business and their interests. They will work hard to ensure they do not pay any extra compensation and will often try to find ways to avoid paying compensation if they can. If you wait before filing a suit, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim they are. Acting fast shows that you are serious about obtaining compensation and that your injuries require the compensation you are seeking.
The prospect of filing a lawsuit and having to go through a legal process to obtain compensation can seem overwhelming. However, personal injury attorneys know how to work with these cases and know how to put your mind at ease while they handle the technical details to work towards getting you the compensation you deserve. Many of these attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you can move forward with your case without having to face additional expenses.
If you have a case, contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help you.