How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
A car accident can throw all your well-laid plans into chaos—especially if it causes serious injury to you or someone you care for. In the scramble to return to your regular life after the accident, it’s important to make filing a car accident lawsuit a priority.
First: Contact Your Insurance Company
Before you start the process of finding an experienced car accident attorney or filing a lawsuit, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Insurance policies have much shorter limits on filing claims than Pennsylvania law has for filing lawsuits, and if you don’t file your claim within the time limit, your insurance adjuster may have grounds to deny it altogether. Make your insurance claim the first step you take in seeking compensation after an accident.
Then: Consider Your Time Limits
Pennsylvania allows two years after a car accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. If a claim is not filed within this “statute of limitations,” courts will almost certainly throw it out without a hearing.
Even if you believe that your case will settle out of court—as most car accident claims do—it’s important to keep this two-year time limit in mind. The ability to file the lawsuit can be powerful leverage during insurance settlement negotiations, and a lawsuit offers an opportunity to seek compensation if negotiations fail. You don’t want to lose this opportunity, so contacting an attorney promptly is a good way to help ensure that you preserve the option to go to court and gain an ally who can help fight for a full and fair settlement.
If you have questions about the time limit, don’t hesitate to speak to an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer. Car accident attorneys are typically well-versed in Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations laws and can answer any specific questions you have about your own case.
After a car accident, you may be struggling with serious injuries and wondering how you’ll handle missed work, errands, or car repairs. An experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can take on the task of dealing with insurance companies and pursuing compensation for your injuries, making your load lighter. Contact Berger Lagnese & Paul, LLC at 412-471-4300 or via our online contact form to learn more today.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.