Car accidents can be scary and traumatic, and the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve sustained injuries. One of the questions you may have is how long after a car accident can you claim injury? In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of injury claims in the US and specifically in California.
Before we dive in, it’s essential to note that if you’ve just been in a car accident, seek medical attention right away. Your health is the top priority, and you can return to this article later.
Injury Claims in California
So, how long after a car accident can you claim injury?
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This timeframe is known as the statute of limitations. If you don’t file your claim within this period, you’ll likely lose your right to do so.
The Basics Of Car Accident Injuries
To understand how long after a car accident you can claim injury, it is essential to understand the basics of car accident injuries. Therefore, we will cover who will cover your injuries financially, how long after a car accident can injuries appear, then we will look how long after a car accident can you claim injury.
Who Covers My Injuries In A Car Accident?
One of the first questions you may have is who covers your injuries in a car accident. If you’re at fault, your personal car insurance policy will cover your medical expenses up to your policy’s limits. If someone else is at fault, their insurance company will be liable for your medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and other necessary treatment.
In California, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $30,000 per accident. However, these minimum limits may not be enough to cover all of your medical expenses, so it’s crucial to consult with an attorney to ensure that you’re not left with significant out-of-pocket expenses.
If you are met in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be wondering if you can sue an uninsured driver for damages. You can file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company, and they may pay for some of your medical expenses.
How Long After A Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?
After a car accident, your body may be in shock, and you may not feel any pain immediately. Adrenaline can mask your sense of pain, and injuries may show up later. For example, whiplash, a common car accident injury, may not appear for 24 hours up to several days after the accident.
Regarding how long after a car accident you can claim injury, you have two years from the date of the accident in California. If you’ve sustained injuries, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away and document your injuries to support your injury claim.
How Long After A Car Accident Can You Claim Injury?
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for injuries sustained in a car accident. It’s essential to seek medical attention right away and document your injuries. If you don’t file within this two-year window, you’ll likely lose the right to do so.
Also, if you’ve been in a car accident and sustained injuries, you must know what type of attorney handles car accidents. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine fault and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is Considered Serious Injury In A Car Accident?
In a car accident, serious injuries are those that cause long-term physical or psychological damage. Some common examples of serious injuries include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, paralysis, and amputations.
If you’ve suffered any type of injury in a car accident in San Diego and need to seek medical attention or require long-term medical care, you should consult with a San Diego car accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It’s also important to note that some serious car accident injuries may not appear immediately after the accident. It’s essential to document all of your injuries, even if they appear days or weeks after the accident.
By consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer in San Diego, you can ensure that all of your rights are protected and you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Can You Sue Someone For A Car Accident Without Injury?
If you were involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault but didn’t sustain any injuries, you may still be able to sue the other driver for property damage or other losses resulting from the accident. However, it’s essential to consult with an attorney to understand your legal options.
When To Involve A Lawyer
It’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after being involved in an accident. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your legal options, file a claim for compensation, and protect your rights if the other driver is at fault.
Here are a few scenarios where you may need to hire a personal injury lawyer:
Serious Injuries
If you’ve suffered serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or any injury that requires long-term care, you should hire a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Disputed Liability
If the other driver is disputing fault, or if there are multiple parties involved, you should hire a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove liability and help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to.
Insurance Company Is Not Offering a Fair Settlement
If the insurance company is offering a settlement that does not cover all of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost income, you should connect with a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Statute of Limitations
Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which means there is a time limit on when you can file a lawsuit. If the statute of limitations is approaching, you should hire a personal injury lawyer to ensure you file your claim in time.
In general, partnering with a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can also provide you with peace of mind during a difficult and stressful time.
Stinger
If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California. It’s important to seek medical attention right away and involve an attorney to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy attorney to represent your interests, consider The Law Office of Michelle Gershen. Michelle Gershen is an experienced personal injury attorney based in San Diego, California. Her law firm specializes in representing individuals who have sustained injuries in car accidents and other personal injury cases.
Michelle Gershen has a proven track record of success in obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts for her clients. She is dedicated to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to help her clients recover the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been in a car accident and need legal assistance, contact The Law Office of Michelle Gershen today. With our help, you can focus on your recovery while they fight for your rights and fair compensation.