QUESTION

How long after an accident do I have to sue?

Asked on Aug 04th, 2011 on Personal Injury - California
More details to this question:
I got hit by a taxi july 22 2010 and havent filed a lawsuit yet. Did I wait too long or do I still have more time?
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43 ANSWERS

Personal Injury Attorney serving Los Angeles, CA
Partner at TORKLAW
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You need to immediately speak with an attorney who can properly look at the applicable statutes of limitations in your case. Typically, there is a 2-years statute of limitations on bodily injuries claims. That means that you have two (2) years from the date of your injury to file a suit to preserve your statute. Should you fail to do so, you will forever lose your rights to make a claim. However, there are instances, for example, claims against government entities or public entities which have a six (6) month statute to file your claim. Again, you should immediately speak with an attorney who can properly look at your specific situation.
Answered on Sep 19th, 2012 at 10:35 AM

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In Texas you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident.
Answered on Aug 11th, 2011 at 7:17 AM

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Products Liability Attorney serving Durango, CO at Law Offices of Richard Copeland, LLC
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A person injured in an automobile accident has three years to sue under Colorado law. However, don't wait. If you are going to pursue a claim, pursue it now and remain persistent.
Answered on Aug 10th, 2011 at 8:28 AM

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Houston D. Smith III
In Georgia, the statue of limitations for personal injury actions is two (2) years from the date of injury.
Answered on Aug 08th, 2011 at 12:39 PM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving Portland, OR at Law Offices of Thomas Patton
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It depends upon where the accident occurred. In Oregon, the statute of limitations is 2 years, in Washington it is 3 years. So if the accident happened in Oregon or Washington, you still have time.
Answered on Aug 08th, 2011 at 11:18 AM

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General Civil Trial Practice Attorney serving Beaverton, OR at Vincent J. Bernabei, LLC
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Usually 2 years, but if you've received some payments, such as medical payments or car repairs, from the taxi's owner or insurer, this could be extended. You should contact an attorney right away.
Answered on Aug 08th, 2011 at 11:18 AM

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Business Attorney serving Sandpoint, ID at Berg & McLaughlin, Chtd.
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No, you have not waited too long. The statute of limitations is likely two years. Call me for a free consultation if you want to talk about it more
Answered on Aug 08th, 2011 at 11:02 AM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving Charlotte, NC at Paul Whitfield and Associates P.A.
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3 years from date of injury
Answered on Aug 08th, 2011 at 10:10 AM

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Criminal Defense Attorney serving Anderson, SC at The David F. Stoddard Law Firm
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In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of the accident to file suit. If you are suing the government or a charity, it is two years.
Answered on Aug 08th, 2011 at 10:09 AM

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Sorry to hear you were struck. Typically, in New York, you have 3 years from the date of the negligence to bring a claim in suit. Sometimes this can be shorter if there is municipal involvement. Regardless, get to an attorney right now because waiting will only hurt you. Also, you likely need to satisfy the serious injury threshold but, your attorney can explain that to you. Lastly, make sure you fill out your no-fault application immediately. Good luck.
Answered on Aug 08th, 2011 at 10:09 AM

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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY at Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
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The statute of limitations is three years.
Answered on Aug 08th, 2011 at 10:08 AM

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Criminal Defense Attorney serving Montrose, NY at Law Office of Jared Altman
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You have three years.
Answered on Aug 07th, 2011 at 11:07 AM

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Criminal Law Attorney serving Worcester, MA at Gregory Casale, Attorney at Law
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Typically the statute of limitations on a personal injury suit is 3 years from the date of loss. However, each case is different and some cases require notice to be given right away, others have a 2 year statute of limitations. You should consult with an lawyer ASAP to make sure that you preserve your rights, assuming they are not gone already.
Answered on Aug 07th, 2011 at 10:58 AM

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Automobile Negligence Attorney serving Orlando, FL at Kelaher Law Offices, P.A.
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In Florida, you have four years within which to file a lawsuit.
Answered on Aug 07th, 2011 at 10:55 AM

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In Virginia, the statute of limitations, the period in which you have to file a lawsuit, is two years for most personal injury cases. The time limit runs from the date of the accident (in most cases). There are exceptions to every rule and you should consult an injury lawyer to see if your case is ordinary and governed by the 2 year limit or if there is an applicable exception. You should be aware that the jurisdictional limit for general district court increased to $25,000 this past July 1. So if your claim is worth under that amount, you can have a quick result in that court.
Answered on Aug 07th, 2011 at 10:52 AM

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Family Law Attorney serving Baton Rouge, LA
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The normal time limit for filing an injury suit in Louisiana is one year, with a few exceptions. You should see an attorney right away to determine whether or not your suit may still be viable.
Answered on Aug 07th, 2011 at 10:52 AM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving Omaha, NE
In Nebraska, typically, it is 4 years. The period can be shorter depending on the circumstances.
Answered on Aug 07th, 2011 at 10:47 AM

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Brain Injury Attorney serving Baton Rouge, LA at The Lucky Law Firm, PLC
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In Louisiana, you have one year from the date if the accident to file suit. It appears you are too late.
Answered on Aug 07th, 2011 at 10:35 AM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving Indianapolis, IN at Bernard Huff
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Indiana has a two year statute of limitation for bringing personal injury lawsuit. Find out what your State's statute of limitation is and/or contact a local plaintiff's personal injury attorney to represent you.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 11:36 AM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving Missoula, MT at Judnich Law Office
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In Montana you have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Every state is different though.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 10:18 AM

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Railroad Injuries Attorney serving Portland, OR
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You have two years from the date of the injury to file or settle your claim.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 10:16 AM

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Small Businesses Attorney serving Livonia, MI at Klisz Law Office, PLLC
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You have three years from the date of the accident to file suit. Medical bills are a different story and could be a problem.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 10:02 AM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving Marietta, GA at Law Office of Ronald Arthur Lowry
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The statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for a personal injury claim in Georgia is 2 years. I would not wait that long however as evidence will disappear and witnesses will get out of pocket. You have already waited longer than a year. Many lawyers will not accept a case where the statute of limitations is close to running. Get a lawyer who is experienced in personal injury matters NOW.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:50 AM

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Wrongful Death Attorney serving Dublin, OH
Partner at Oliver Law Office
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That statute of limitations for negligence claims in Ohio is 2 years from the date of injury.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:41 AM

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The statute of limitations in Utah for negligence is 4 years. However, if you have recovered from your injuries you should find an attorney and start pursuing the case now.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:41 AM

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Civil Practice Attorney serving Redmond, WA at Magnuson Lowell P.S.
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In Washington, you have 3 years.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:37 AM

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Business Attorney serving North Andover, MA at Law Offices of Andrew D. Myers
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The Statute of Limitations in New Hampshire is 3 years. However, with respect to various insurance benefits there are short notice provisions. Also, if you seek benefits such as medical payments or uninsured/underinsured you have a duty of cooperation with your insurance company which includes the duty of prompt notice.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:21 AM

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Workers Compensation Attorney serving West Palm Beach, FL
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4 years from date of accident
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:21 AM

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Automobile Accidents Attorney serving Portland, OR at The Law Office of Josh Lamborn, P.C.
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Every state has statutes of limitations that cut off your right to sue after a certain period of time. In Oregon most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the incident. There are some exceptions to this general rule, but you should be well within the statute in your case. Having said that, you should not wait until the last minute to pursue your case. If you get too close to the time limit and then make a mistake filing your case you won't have the ability to re-file.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:21 AM

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Criminal Law Attorney serving Decatur, GA
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Two years.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:21 AM

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Business/Commercial Attorney serving Centralia, WA at Olson, Althauser, Samuelson & Rayan, LLP
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Generally the statute of limitations on personal injuries is 3 years.
Answered on Aug 06th, 2011 at 9:17 AM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving St. Louis, MO at The S.E. Farris Law Firm
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The statute of limitations for a personal injury suit in Missouri is 5 years. Malpractice and death cases are different, but that is the general rule. The problem you have in delaying, especially with a taxi company, is that they disappear. Evidence gets harder to gather, witness memories fade and so on. Taxi companies are often under insured if they have coverage at all. Their assets are minimal and frequently held in shell companies. You should contact an attorney immediately to discuss this matter.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 11:08 PM

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Bad Faith Attorney serving Orlando, FL at Riley Allen Law
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You have up to 4 years in Florida from the date of accident assuming it's a private cab company.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 11:06 PM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving Portland, OR at Kaplan Law, LLC
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Oregon has a two year statute of limitations.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 11:06 PM

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Real Estate Litigation Attorney serving Newport Beach, CA at Fink & Abraham LLP
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You have until July 21, 2012, but don't delay. The meter is running.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 11:03 PM

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SOL is 2 years.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 11:02 PM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving New York, NY at Rothstein Law PLLC
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3 years in New York. In order to have a case, you need to show you had "serious injury" as defined under the Insurance Law. I am a former federal and State prosecutor and now handle accident cases so feel free to check out my web site and contact me to discuss your case.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 11:02 PM

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Alternate Dispute Resolution Attorney serving Edmond, OK at Woska Law Firm, PLLC
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The statute of limitations in Oklahoma is 2 years from the date of the injury. If the accident was July 22, 2010, you still have almost 11 months left to file.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 10:40 PM

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Wrongful Death Attorney serving Salem, OR at Swanson Lathen Prestwich, PC
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In Oregon, you typically have two years in which to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit to protect your interests. There are some exceptions due to the type of claim and/or the type of at-fault party.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 10:34 PM

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Motor Vehicle Accidents and Injuries Attorney serving Fayetteville, NC at Beaver Courie Law Firm
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The statute of limitations for negligence claims is 3 years in North Carolina.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 10:34 PM

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Plaintiff Animal Bites Attorney serving Missoula, MT at Bulman Law Associates PLLC
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Montana has a 3 year statute of limitation.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 10:33 PM

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Personal Injury Attorney serving Portland, OR at Tim Jones PC
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You have 2 years from the date of the accident to either settle your claim with the responsible party, or to file your lawsuit.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 3:25 PM

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Employment Law Attorney serving Beverly Hills, CA at Dordick Law Corporation
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You have 2 years from the date of the accident to sue. Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 states: 335.1. Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.
Answered on Aug 05th, 2011 at 3:24 PM

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