Being in a car accident is a terrifying experience. What’s more, if your injuries are serious, you may be unable to take immediate action to file a claim right after your crash happens; instead, you may be incapacitated for days, weeks, or months. While the best strategy is always to bring forth a claim as soon as possible after a crash if you are unable to, here’s what you should know about how long you have to make a claim after a car accident–
Check Your Insurance Policy
As stated above, it is always within your best interests to bring forth a claim as soon as possible after a crash. And this isn’t just because that’s when evidence is the freshest–it’s also because the insurance company may have rules and regulations in place for how long you have to file a claim before it’s denied. Insurance companies have a right to investigate a claim and, if too much time passes, this right is impeded. It’s important that you review your policy and familiarize yourself with the rules for providing your insurance company with notice.
For a free legal consultation, call (419) 930-3030
Know the Statute of Limitations
You’ll need to provide the insurance company with notice of your claim within the required amount of time. However, if you want to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party in Ohio, you’ll likely have a little bit more time. That’s because your right to file a lawsuit is regulated by the state’s statute of limitations, which is found under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10. The statute reads that a person who suffers a personal injury–such as injuries sustained in a car accident–has two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for damages.
If you wait longer than two years to file your lawsuit, then your right to recover is forfeited. Similarly, if you don’t provide the insurance company with notice of your accident within the required time frame (per your policy), then they may have cause to deny your claim.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
How to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident
As stated earlier, it can be very difficult to take action after a car crash, both because you may be seriously injured and also because you may be emotionally scarred. However, time matters, and there are few exceptions to the limits that exist for making a claim after a car accident. In order to help you meet these time requirements, and to advocate for your right for your full damages amount and assist you in a number of other ways, working with a skilled attorney is strongly recommended.
Call Groth & Associates Today
If you’ve been in a car crash, our Findlay car accident lawyers can start working on your case immediately. We will investigate your claim, ensure that all parties are notified in a timely manner, gather evidence, build your claim, and negotiate your settlement. To learn more about how we can assist you when you’ve been in a crash, as well as how to ensure that you don’t breach the statute of limitations, please call our legal team today.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
