Can I Sue for Car Accident Injuries Years Later?
If you are injured in a car accident, statutes of limitations restrict how long you have to file a lawsuit. In Virginia, the general deadline is two years. If you do not file your lawsuit within that time, you will lose the right to sue.
However, statutes of limitations are not always clear-cut. More than one may apply, and exceptions can also impact it. Speak with a personal injury lawyer to discuss the factors affecting the statute of limitations for your case.
Virginia statutes of limitations related to car accidents
As stated above, you have two years to file. This applies if you were injured as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bystander.
The statute of limitations may be tolled or extended if the injury victim is a minor. In these cases, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the victim reaches the age of 18. Other situations, like the victim’s disability, can also impact the deadline.
Moreover, if you are involved in an accident with an on-duty employee of the Commonwealth or even a municipal employee of Virginia Beach, Newport News, or Portsmouth, the statute of limitations may be different. You may need to file a notice of claim as little as six months after the accident.
What happens if you still have losses years after the accident?
Real life does not always follow the timeline anticipated by the state laws. Experienced personal injury lawyers understand the challenges this presents and consider future damages that you may incur.
If you have not fully healed by the time you go to court, your attorney will work with doctors and other experts who can offer a professional opinion on your recovery. This might include treatments you need, when you will likely be healed, how long you will experience pain, and how this will affect you financially. When backed by competent evidence, your claim for future damages may be the key to ensuring you are fully compensated for your injuries.
Contact us for a free consultation
If you are involved in a car accident, do not take any chances that could lead to missing the deadline to file a lawsuit. Discuss your case with a personal injury attorney who can determine which statute of limitations applies to your case and make sure that even your future damages are accounted for. Contact Rutter Mills today to discuss your case for free.
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