>Charlotte Parker Question By: Charlotte Parker  Posted in: Lawyers & Law Firms

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to initiate legal proceedings in the civil court system against the party you believe to be responsible for your injuries and damages resulting from the accident.

It's crucial to understand that the statute of limitations serves as a strict deadline, and failing to file within this timeframe can result in your case being dismissed by the court. There are some important considerations related to this timeline:

Firstly, if you discover your injuries or damages after the accident date, the two-year period typically begins from the date of discovery. This rule applies to situations where injuries manifest or become known sometime after the initial accident.

Secondly, if the accident involves a government entity, such as a city or county vehicle, you must file a claim within six months of the accident date. This is a shorter timeframe and applies to cases where government negligence is alleged.

Thirdly, certain exceptions or tolling of the statute of limitations might apply in specific circumstances, such as if the injured person is a minor or if the defendant leaves the state after the accident.

Their dedicated Inland Empire car accident lawyer is committed to advocating for a client’s fair compensation. Contact the Law Office of Joseph Richards, P.C. to receive your free potential case review and to begin the process of recovery. Click here for more information: https://pi.law/injuries-that-may-have-delayed-signs-after-a-car-accident/

Claire PriceAnswer By: Claire Price