Aug 01, 2024 | CHASENBOSCOLO
When you get hurt in a Maryland car crash, you need to know how long after a car accident you can claim injury. An experienced personal injury attorney can tell you. Contact a lawyer after the accident who can promptly initiate an investigation into the accident and start building your case. They will keep track of all deadlines in the case and file a lawsuit in a timely manner if necessary. Learn how long after a car accident you can claim injury in this post.
An experienced Maryland car accident attorney from CHASENBOSCOLO is ready to help you file a claim.
When Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Maryland’s statute of limitations sets the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit. How long after a car accident can you claim injury? Car accident victims in Maryland have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Although this may seem like ages, your attorney needs this time to develop a robust case on your behalf. They will investigate the facts and circumstances of your case, speak to eyewitnesses, assess the liability of all potentially responsible parties, and negotiate with insurance companies. If the insurer won’t offer you the full and fair settlement you deserve, they will not hesitate to file suit.
Why must you file your lawsuit within three years? If you miss this filing deadline, the judge will likely dismiss your case, preventing you from pursuing compensation in court. At CHASENBOSCOLO, we know these deadlines can be stressful, especially when you need to focus on healing from your injuries. Our car accident lawyers can explain the time limits for filing your lawsuit, including the bodily injury statute of limitations, and handle your case from start to finish.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations?
Yes, some exceptions to the three-year deadline do exist. However, it is critical to consult a lawyer to determine whether these limited exceptions apply to your case. Some examples of exceptions to the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit include:
- Filing a lawsuit against a municipality – If you got hurt in a car accident caused by a government employee who was performing government business, you must provide written notice to the municipality within one year of the accident.
- Filing a lawsuit as a minor – If you are under 18 years of age, you are a minor under Maryland law and cannot bring a personal injury claim on your own. Tolling statute of limitations, or pausing it, occurs if the minor’s parents do not file suit before the individual turns 18. In that case, the three-year limitations period will start running when the minor turns 18.
- Filing a lawsuit when mentally disabled – The three-year deadline set by the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits may pause if the injured party was mentally disabled at the time of the accident. The time for filing a claim does not begin until the disability is over and the injured person becomes competent.
- Filing a lawsuit in cases of fraud – If the party responsible for the accident and your injuries conceal their negligence, the three years for filing suit does not begin running until you discover that party’s negligence. Because “fraud” is a legal concept, you should rely on your attorney to determine whether fraud has indeed occurred and tolled the statute of limitations.
What Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Car Accident?
Car accident injury compensation varies from case to case based on several factors. The severity of your injuries and the extent of your financial losses largely determines the amount of money you may receive. Your attorney will advise you concerning the type of compensation you can pursue, but most car accident victims can seek money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Loss of consortium for your spouse
How Can a Personal Attorney Help Me?
Is there a time limit to make a personal injury claim? Calculating the timeline for the statute of limitations in Maryland car accident cases often requires legal knowledge. An experienced personal injury attorney from CHASENBOSCOLO will determine the deadline to file suit in your case to ensure you can pursue the money you need to cover your financial losses in court.
Additionally, when you hire a personal injury attorney, you will have a legal advocate on your side. They will work hard to settle your claim with the insurer before your case goes to trial. To build your case, your attorney will:
- Perform an Investigation – Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of the accident by speaking to witnesses, reviewing video surveillance footage, and analyzing the police report.
- Obtain Evidence – Hiring an attorney soon after an accident helps collect evidence that might be unavailable later. They will also request your medical records and income records to discover the extent of your injuries and financial losses.
- Negotiate with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company – Your attorney can handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies. Suppose the insurance company disputes their insured’s liability after you make a demand. In that case, your attorney will file a lawsuit before the deadline set by the statute of limitations expires. This will protect your right to seek compensation in court.
Call a Maryland Accident Attorney Today
At CHASENBOSCOLO, we understand the legal process may be intimidating, but we can answer all your questions. You do not have to face unexpected medical bills, lost income, and physical and mental pain alone. We will work hard to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call us today at (301) 220-0050 for a free consultation. We offer confidential consultations so you can speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer about your case. Our team of experienced lawyers is committed to helping individuals like you secure the compensation you deserve. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and address any questions you may have. With a strong history of successful cases, you can rely on us to handle your case.
