How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?
People in car accidents who suffered injuries because of another’s negligence may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses, such as medical expenses, emotional distress, and lost earnings. But they must act as soon as possible to secure compensation from the at-fault party.
Connecticut law gives injured parties two years from the accident date to file a claim against a liable party. If an injured party fails to comply with the two-year time limit, they may lose their right to file a case in court and seek compensation from the at-fault party.
The Connecticut Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Claims
The statute of limitations is a strictly enforced deadline injured parties must follow if they want to take legal action against a liable party. The time limit will vary based on the injury a person suffered or the type of case they want to file.
Take note this deadline doesn’t apply to insurance claims. Insurance companies will require injured parties to file their claims or notify the insurer of their intent to file a claim as soon as possible, usually after several days or a week or two after the accident.
Under Connecticut law, a party injured in a car accident, whether a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or another motorist, must file their claims within two years of the accident date. The two-year time limit also applies to claims involving property damage resulting from a crash.
While two years might seem adequate to file a claim, building a strong case could take weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the claim. The sooner an attorney can review the case, the sooner they can start working on it. They will, among other things, have more time to investigate the crash, gather evidence, ensure all deadlines are met, and identify all potential compensation sources.
The Statute Of Limitations Can Sometimes Be Extended
Technically, the exceptions to the standard two-year time limit don’t extend the deadline but toll or pause the countdown under these circumstances:
- The defendant concealed evidence – The countdown starts on the date the concealed evidence was discovered.
- The defendant moved out of state – The time the defendant spent away from the state would not be included in the time limit countdown.
- The claimant discovered hidden or delayed injuries – If the injuries the claimant suffered did not manifest until some time after the car crash, the countdown might start when the claimant discovers or should have reasonably discovered the latent injuries.
Even if an exception applies, the absolute statute of limitations for filing a claim is three years.
Get In Touch With A Coventry Roadside Lawyer Now
To learn more about how the statute of limitations works in car accident claims or other claims involving personal injuries, contact the Coventry roadside lawyer at Berman & Russo immediately. Dial 860-644-1548 or contact them online to arrange a free consultation with a Coventry roadside lawyer.
