When a person is injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, they are entitled to damages that cover the cost of their medical treatment and lost wages. In order to receive those benefits, they must file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company within a specified time period. This is known as the statute of limitations. An Auto Accident Lawyer in Bel Air will ensure that his client doesn’t miss this crucial date.
The length of time a person has to file a personal injury lawsuit in the United States depends upon the state in which they are filing the claim. It can vary from one to six years. While it is possible for an Accident Attorney in Bel Air to convince to the court to extend this time period, it is very difficult to do.
The statute of limitations can be extended if the injured person finds about his injury or of the driver’s negligence after the statute of limitations has expired. It can also be extended if the negligent driver was out of the state for a period of time.
Being injured in a car crash is not sufficient to collect damages. The person has to show that the other driver was negligent. If proof of that negligence surfaces after the statute of limitations has run out, then a lawyer would use that as reason to have them extended.
People who were injured before they were 18 may also be able to extend the statue of limitations. If a person was hurt in a car crash as a child, they may be able to sue for damages when they reach the age of 18. Disabled people or those who are mentally ill may also be granted more time.
A Car Accident victim should seek appropriate medical care immediately after the accident, then they should contact an Auto Accident Lawyer in Bel Air to advise them on the case. Under most circumstances, the statue of limitations begins on the date of the accident. Hiring an attorney early in the process will ensure that the injured person files the required paperwork on schedule.