When you are injured in an accident, filing a claim promptly can mean the difference between financial security and bankruptcy. Many car crash victims, understandably, may have more pressing matters on their minds than taking legal action. Car crashes are serious – many Californians operate a vehicle every day and it can be easy to forget how dangerous cars can be. Cars often weigh multiple tons and can reach extreme speeds and they have the potential to inflict severe and sometimes catastrophic damage. Dealing with the complex aftermath of a car crash can pull focus away from taking the necessary steps to keep your legal options open. Nevertheless, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney as soon as possible. If you don’t, you may risk missing the opportunity to receive financial compensation to relieve the strain of the aftermath of your accident.
In California, dangerous drivers and car crashes are an everyday reality. While filing a claim may appear simple, the personal injury attorneys at Arias Sanguinetti bring over 300 years of combined experience and can help you tender your claim to optimize financial compensation. Even if you are unsure about taking legal action, contact our team of personal injury lawyers today to learn more about your options and the time restrictions that apply to your case.
What is the statute of limitations on personal injury claims in California?
A statute of limitations is a legal code that defines how long after an incident a claim for civil damages can be filed. Once a statute of limitations has expired, pursuing legal action becomes notably more complex. In California, there are 4 major statute of limitations on personal injury claims to keep in mind:
- 2 Years for Most Claims. For most personal injury claims, you have until 2 years from the date of the incident to file. Keep in mind, it takes your experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney time to file a claim, so it’s important to contact an attorney well before the statute of limitations expires.
- 6 Months for Government Claims. Any claims against a government entity must first be filed as administrative claim forms with the government entity in question within 6 months of the incident. It is essential to have an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer by your side to navigate this aspect of the process.
- Insurance Claims Limits. It is vital that you report your accident to your insurer within the timeframe specified by your policy. This timeframe can vary based on provider.
- Exceptions for Discovering New Damages. It can be complex to prove, but the statute of limitations can be suspended in cases where new damages arise more than 2 years after the incident. For example, if a doctor identifies long-term brain damage arising from your accident well after the fact, you may be eligible to file a claim for financial compensation.
Navigating the statutes of limitations can be complex – don’t let it hinder your pursuit of the financial compensation you deserve. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers have recovered well over a billion dollars in cases like yours. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
Who can I sue for personal injury claims?
It is a common misconception that the other driver involved is the only responsible party in instances of personal injury. While at-fault drivers or vehicle operators are indeed often liable for damages, each case can be eligible for a wide variety of claims. Our team of Los Angeles personal injury attorneys has pursued claims against:
- Government Entities. Government entities can be a significant source of financial compensation for our deserving clients. If you were hit by a vehicle belonging to a government entity, if a deteriorated roadway caused your accident, or if an employee of a government entity contributed to the harm caused to you, you have a government claim. It is crucial to remember for government claims, you must file an administrative claim form within 6 months.
- Insurance Providers. You pay for insurance to have a much-needed safety net in emergency situations. When insurance providers act unlawfully and don’t hold up their end of the bargain, they can be liable.
- The At-Fault Driver. The at-fault driver carries liability for any damages to you or your property.
- Vehicle Manufacturers. In instances of product defect, such as malfunctioning breaks or autopilot programs, vehicle manufacturers can be liable.
- Employers of At-Fault Drivers. Especially if the at-fault driver is on the clock, their employer may be liable for damages.
Our personal injury attorneys take a broad and complex approach to personal injury litigation. We believe that our clients deserve life-changing financial compensation – what happened to you was not your fault. If you have been injured in an accident, contact us today.
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