How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue?

Understanding the Statute of Limitations

In Maryland, the statute of limitations dictates the time frame you must file a lawsuit. For car accidents, this is typically three years from the date of the accident. This rule applies to personal injury claims as well as property damage claims. After this period, you generally cannot sue the at-fault driver or their insurance company for compensation. It’s important to note that the clock starts ticking the day the accident occurs. Therefore, it is crucial to act promptly to ensure you don’t miss this deadline.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

While three years is the standard timeframe, there are a few exceptions where the deadline might be extended:

Minor victims: If the injured party is a minor (under 18 years old), the statute of limitations does not begin until they reach the age of 18. This means they have until their 21st birthday to file a lawsuit.

Mentally incapacitated victims: If the victim is declared mentally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be paused until they regain capacity.

Hit-and-run accidents: If the at-fault driver is unidentified, such as in a hit-and-run case, there might be extensions based on when the at-fault party is found. However, filing insurance claims promptly and consulting with an attorney for guidance is crucial.

Understanding the exceptions to the statute of limitations is crucial, as they can provide additional time to file a lawsuit, ensuring that unique circumstances don’t prevent you from seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.

Acting Quickly is Important

Regardless of the exceptions, acting quickly after a car accident is essential. Here are a few reasons why:

Preserving evidence: Over time, evidence can be lost, destroyed, or become less reliable. Witnesses might forget details, and crucial evidence, such as surveillance footage, might be erased. Acting quickly helps ensure all necessary evidence is gathered and preserved for your case.

Building a strong case: The sooner you begin the legal process, the more time your attorney will have to build a strong case. This includes interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts, and reviewing medical records.

Peace of mind: Starting your case early helps provide peace of mind, knowing that the legal aspects are being handled, allowing you to focus on recovery.

By acting quickly after a car accident, you enhance your chances of gathering crucial evidence, building a strong case, and ultimately securing the compensation you deserve for your recovery and peace of mind.

Contact Our Attorneys For a Free Consultation

In Maryland, you generally have three years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit. Understanding this timeline is crucial, as missing the deadline could forfeit your rights to recover compensation. Although exceptions exist for specific situations, acting promptly after an accident is universally beneficial. Remember, the legal process can be complex, and securing professional legal assistance is a valuable step.

At Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers, we are committed to helping accident victims in Maryland navigate their claims effectively and seek the justice they deserve.

Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today

For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a car accident lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Maryland.

We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:

Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7

Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers serves injured clients throughout Maryland. Our offices are conveniently located in Lanham, Waldorf, Frederick, and Rockville. We also serve Accokeek, MD; Annapolis, MD; Baltimore, MD; Bowie, MD; College Park, MD; California, MD; Columbia, MD; Frederick, MD; Hughesville, MD; Huntingtown, MD; Landover, MD; LaPlata, MD; Laurel, MD; Lexington Park, MD; Mechanicsville, MD; Upper Marlboro, MD; Prince Frederick, MD.