The statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident claim in Ohio is two years from the date of the accident. You must file your lawsuit within two years, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Our Toledo motorcycle accident lawyers can meet this critical deadline for you. We will guide you through the legal process, gathering case-supporting evidence and determining if any exceptions to the statute of limitations apply.
We can also handle negotiations with insurance companies and advocate for your rights, allowing you to focus on recovery while protecting your right to seek fair compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Ohio Motorcycle Crash Cases?
The statute of limitations is the legal time limit for filing a lawsuit. In simple terms, it’s the deadline for taking legal action after an accident or injury. These time limits exist to make sure claims are filed while evidence is still fresh and witnesses are available.
Without a time limit, people might wait too long to take action, making it harder to prove what happened.
Why Does the Statute of Limitations Matter?
The statute of limitations is important because missing the deadline can have serious consequences. The court will likely refuse to hear your case if it isn’t filed on time.
This likely means you will lose your chance to receive money for your medical bills, lost pay, and other damages. Setting filing deadlines also encourages people to act quickly. When plaintiffs file their cases sooner, it’s easier to find evidence and get accurate witness statements.
If too much time passes, evidence can be lost, and witnesses might forget important details.
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Are There Exceptions to Ohio’s Statute of Limitations Deadline?
In some situations, the two-year statute of limitations might not apply, or it could be extended. These exceptions include:
- If the injured person is a minor: If someone under age 18 is injured in a motorcycle accident, the two-year clock might not start until their 18th birthday.
- If the at-fault party leaves the state: If the person who caused the accident moves out of Ohio, the time they’re gone may not count toward the two-year limit.
- Cases involving wrongful death: If someone dies in a motorcycle accident, the two-year statute of limitations may start on the date of death, not the date of the accident.
Since these exceptions can be complex, our Toledo personal injury lawyers can advise you on your next steps. We can determine if an exception applies to your case and make sure you meet the deadline.
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How We Can Help Your Ohio Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim
We can provide legal guidance and support regarding the state’s filing deadline for your case and your insurance claim.
Here’s how we can help:
- Calculating deadlines: We can figure out exactly when the time limit for your case ends so that you don’t miss the deadline as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10.
- Gathering evidence: We will collect and preserve evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements, before it’s lost.
- Identifying exceptions: We can review your case to see if any exceptions to the two-year rule apply, like those involving minors or out-of-state defendants.
We Will Handle Talks With the Insurance Company for You
Insurance companies often try to settle for less, but we will fight for what you deserve. We will handle negotiations with the insurer as we pursue fair compensation that helps you put the accident behind you.
When you hire our law firm to represent you, you can focus on recovering while they handle the legal process. Our injury lawyers will also keep a close eye on the calendar to make sure we file your lawsuit within Ohio’s two-year time limit.
This is especially important because some insurance companies may delay the claims process, hoping to run out the clock on your ability to file a lawsuit. Our firm won’t let this happen—we will protect your rights and keep your claim on track.
What Happens If We Can’t Settle Your Case Before the Statute of Limitations Deadline Expires?
If we cannot settle your case and the statute of limitations is close to running out, we must file a lawsuit in court to protect your right to seek compensation. Filing the lawsuit stops the deadline and allows your case to move forward, even if settlement talks are ongoing.
Our attorneys will prepare your case for trial while continuing to negotiate with the insurance company. This dual approach means you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement just because the deadline is approaching.
We will handle all legal paperwork, meet court filing deadlines, and represent you during legal proceedings.
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How We Can Prepare an Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Case
If settlement talks fail and the deadline is near, we will present your case to the court. We will explain the court process, including what to expect during hearings, depositions, and, if necessary, a trial.
To build a solid case, we will collect important evidence, such as:
- Police reports or accident reports
- Medical records
- Photos or video footage of the crash
- Witness statements
We may also work with experts, like accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, to strengthen your claim.
We also will:
- Develop a legal strategy: Every case is different, so our legal team will create a strategy tailored to your specific situation. This could include deciding which damages to pursue, which legal arguments to make, and how to present your case in court.
- Continuing settlement talks: Settlement talks can continue, even if we have filed your lawsuit. In many cases, insurance companies are more willing to offer a fair settlement once a lawsuit is filed, and they see you are serious about pursuing your case.
We prepare for trial, but we always keep the possibility of an out-of-court settlement on the table. With us representing you, you can focus on healing from the accident while we fight for your damages, including your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost income.
If you are filing legal action for a loved one who suffered fatal injuries, our compassionate wrongful death lawyers in Toledo can lead your case to recover compensation for your loved one’s funeral and burial fees, medical expenses, and other related losses.
We Can Explain Ohio’s Statute of Limitations for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
If the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident claim in Ohio expires, you risk permanently losing your right to sue the liable party for your damages. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action–the legal team at Groth & Associates can help you.
We have helped injured Ohioans for more than 100 years. We will review your situation, explain your rights, meet important deadlines, and pursue compensation for your losses. Contact us for a free consultation and let us protect your claim before the deadline for your case runs out.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form