Your Questions Answered: Statute of Limitations

May 05,2020

Many individuals are surprised to learn that they time can literally “run out” on a personal injury claim. Knowing the details of the “statute of limitations” for your claim can make the difference between receive the compensation you deserve or nothing at all! Read more below to learn the in’s and out’s of this important legal term.

Question:

Are there any situations that I should be aware of where I have less than 2 years to file a lawsuit for personal injuries that I sustained in a car accident?

Answer:

Yes, there are situations when you have less than two years to file a lawsuit for injuries you sustained in a car accident.

The time you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident is called the “statute of limitations.” In California, the statute of limitations for an injury sustained in a car accident is typically two years. However, if a governmental entity is involved, the time you have to file a lawsuit is significantly shortened. Action should be taken within six months to preserve your right to sue the government after a car accident. Multiple circumstances would lead you to sue the government after a car accident. Some examples of this are if the person who was driving the vehicle is a government employee, the roadway is designed in an unsafe manner, or if there was a dangerous condition in the roadway that the government failed to fix.

In these circumstances, you must present the responsible governmental entity with a “claim” no later than six months after your car accident. If the governmental entity denies the claim, which is most often the case, you then have six months from the date of the denial to file your lawsuit. This process can become very complex and the aid of legal counsel is highly recommended.

Walter Clark Legal Group has lots of experience successfully suing the government on behalf of our clients. If you suspect your car accident involves the government, Walter Clark Legal Group will make sure your case is handled properly and that you get the compensation you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to contact Walter Clark Legal Group for a free consultation.

Accident Attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group

Our firm of wrongful death attorneys in Palm Springs has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

Learn more about the team of attorneys and legal experts at Walter Clark Legal Group.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.