Details about the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in New York State
Taking the proper action following an accident is vital to filing a lawsuit, but you will definitely need to hurry to establish a viable case in court. Despite the fact that you have suffered injuries or have endured damage to your vehicle, you must work quickly within a specific time frame so you can receive your well-deserved compensation.
Every aspect of a car accident is governed by a statute of limitations. In the end, if you do file your lawsuit after a designated time, you will put your claim at risk.
Here is a closer look at the statute of limitations on car accident lawsuits in New York State.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
As the name suggests, a statute of limitations is a span of time in which a person can file a lawsuit for a personal injury or wrongful death. Keep in mind that different rules will apply if you are filing this claim against a government agency, due to these groups having immunity (to an extent).
Time Limit on Car Accidents
In keeping with the standard statutes of limitations, people who are involved in car accidents have a window of three years in which to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit from the date the crash occurred. Negligence and emotional distress, both associated with car accidents, also fall under the same time span.
In some cases, even if you have filed your lawsuit in the window of three years, the court may continue to assess the lawsuit past this window. You do not need to be concerned if this happens. Regardless of the extension, your case will not be at risk.
Can I Still File a Lawsuit after This Window?
In most cases, the courts will block a lawsuit if the injured party or the family member of a deceased victim files a lawsuit after the three-year window. In some cases, though, certain factors may allow the court to reassess your case:
- Child victims
- Poor communication
- New evidence
Personal Injury Lawyer in New York State
In the blink of an eye, a simple drive down the road or major highway can turn into a fight for your life or the life of your loved one. Without warning, you and those you care about can become victims of deadly motor vehicle accidents and suffer from excruciating injuries like bone fractures, which can take a long time to heal and mend. As a result, you will have to reap the consequences, which can include hefty medical bills and an overloading cost of vehicle damages. Simply put, no one should have to suffer through these problems, particularly if the accident was triggered by negligence or malicious intentions.
Although this might be difficult, though, you must remain calm. With the assistance of a lawyer who is experienced with personal injury cases, you can gather viable resources to create a strong case in court.
Here at Gattuso & Ciotoli, our combined 50 years of legal experience overlays some of the most high-quality legal services to accident victims who live in the vicinity of Syracuse, New York. We value your perspective on your case and your goals for the future and ready to help you receive the justice you deserve, every step of the way. For more information on our four practice areas or details about a claim, contact us at (315) 314-8000 today.