Each state sets a statute of limitations related to personal injury claims. This is a specific amount of time an accident victim has to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Every different type of case has a unique statute of limitations in place. If the set deadline is missed, then an accident victim loses their right to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for their injuries and damages.
Since each case is unique, it’s best to consult with our legal team at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers to discuss your situation and the deadlines that apply. It’s also important for you to get in touch with us as soon as you can to ensure that no deadlines are missed.
How Soon Do You Need to File a Lawsuit After Being Involved in a Car Accident?
In the state of Connecticut, the statute of limitations to file a car accident lawsuit in Connecticut is two years from the date of the accident. However, before filing this lawsuit, you will probably have to submit a claim with the insurance company for the at-fault party. Usually, insurance companies have set deadlines regarding how long you have to file a claim. Because of this, it’s best to file the claim as soon as you can.
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Other Statute of Limitations in the State of Connecticut
While most car accident cases involve some type of personal injury, there are others that involve situations with different statutes of limitations. Knowing what these are can be helpful.
Wrongful Death Cases
If someone in your family was killed in an accident caused by someone else, their surviving family has two years to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. In this case, the two-year time period begins when the person dies, not when the accident occurs.
An example would be if someone in your family was involved in a serious car accident and died a few weeks after the incident. In this case, surviving family members would have two years from the date of the person’s death, rather than when the accident occurred.
Product Liability Cases
Sometimes, the car accident or injuries a person experiences are caused by a defective product. Examples include an explosive airbag or faulty brakes. In these situations, the party that is injured has the right to file a lawsuit against the faulty part’s manufacturer.
In these cases, there is a three-year statute of limitations. What this means is that you are required to file the lawsuit within three years of the date of the injury.
Property Damage Claims
After being involved in a car accident, there’s a good chance your vehicle will be damaged. It doesn’t matter if the damage is minor or more serious, it’s required that you file a property damage claim within two years of when the damages took place.
Claims Filed Against a Government Entity
In some situations, a car accident may be caused by the inaction or negligent action of a government official or employee. This can include an accident that was caused by an employee of the government who was using a government vehicle for work-related tasks or because of a poorly maintained or designed roadway.
The state of Connecticut requires that property damage claims that involve any type of defective highway be filed within 90 days of when the incident occurred. Claims that involve some other type of property damage have to be filed within six months of when the situation occurred. It’s also necessary for the State Claims Commissioner to receive notification of a personal injury claim being filed against the state within a period of one year after the incident occurs.
Don’t Wait to Get in Touch with Our Legal Team for Help with Your Car Accident Case
If you are involved in an accident in Connecticut and you need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation, you shouldn’t wait. The longer you wait to contact us at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, the more likely you are to exceed the set statute of limitations. By getting in touch with us as soon as you can after being involved in an accident, you can feel confident that we will get to work on your case and ensure your rights are protected. The first step is to call our office to set up a free consultation. We are ready to help with your claim.
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