Accidents occurring years ago

Why the date of an injury or fatality accident matters

Accident Data Center hears every day from people seeking information and legal assistance related to accidents that occurred years prior. Sometimes the accident was a few years ago, sometimes decades. The date the accident occurs affects the ability to file an insurance claim.

Every state has a statute of limitations that dictates when an insurance claim must be filed

Every state has enacted its own statute of limitations, requiring any personal injury suit be filed in court within a set time after the incident or injury. The specific limit prescribed by each state ranges from one year (in Kentucky and Tennessee) to six years (in Maine and North Dakota). Go to this link to find out what the statute of limitations is in your state.

However, there are exceptions to the standard Statute of Limitations, in claims where a minor was involved. In this case, the statute usually states that the minor has a certain period of time from the date the minor turns 18. There are other circumstances as well that affect the ability to file a personal injury claim.

Contact a personal injury attorney immediately, to avoid any issues with the statute of limitations after a serious injury accident

The one way to avoid running into problems with your state's statute of limitations is to contact a personal injury attorney soon after your accident. Your accident lawyer will review your potential claim, and will handle all aspects of your insurance claim in a timely manner, so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with life.

Go here to learn more about personal injury law, and about why finding a good accident lawyer is the next step after you or your family member have suffered a significant injury in an accident.