Why It’s So Important To Pay Attention To The Limitation
As Alpharetta car accident lawyers we must tell you that the statute of limitations is by far the most important deadline to know and keep in mind in the pursuit of your claims arising out of a car accident in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia. This is so because the statute of limitations is the last day on which you have to file a lawsuit against the party that caused the accident before you forever lose your right to pursue your claim.
Keep in mind this is not the same thing as calling your insurance company or the at-fault parties insurance company to notify them of the accident and your claim. This is actually filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party for compensation for your losses.
Two Different Limitations Periods In Your Car Accident Case
In a car accident in Georgia, you have two separate claims. Each has a separate statute of limitations.
The first claim is for property damage suffered to your vehicle. The statute of limitations to pursue damage to your vehicle is four (4) years in Georgia.
The second claim you have against the at-fault party is for your injuries. The statute of limitations to pursue your personal injury claim is generally two (2) years in Georgia.
We say “generally” because there are a few exceptions to the standard two year statute of limitations that typically do not apply in most car accident cases. For example, in Georgia, if you were injured in an accept while under the age of majority, then the two-year statute of limitations does not begin to run until after you reach the age of majority. Thus, allowing you many more years to pursue your claim in this situation. In other States for instance, In Texas, a car accident victim must file a lawsuit against the at-fault party within two years of the date of his or her accident.
In conclusion, you must be mindful of the statute of limitations applicable to your car accident claims. Procrastination on either claim could result in the inability to recover anything for your losses. As always, whether it is a lawyer at our firm or another lawyer of your choosing, it is recommended that you speak to an experienced car accident lawyer in Georgia to learn more about your rights after a car accident.
Learn More About Your Car Accident Claim
To learn more about various aspects of a car accident claim or case in Georgia and the law surrounding car accident injury claims, feel free to read any of our additional car accident articles or blog posts on various accident-related topics or call one of our car accident lawyers today.
