NC Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
Filing a claim within North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations should be on top of your list of tasks to complete after a car accident. Legal deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, apply to all legal actions, from a trucking accident lawsuit to a medical malpractice case. Understanding the statute of limitations set by North Carolina is essential, but it isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
What Are Statutes of Limitations?
Statutes of limitations are laws that limit how long you have to file a civil lawsuit, such as a personal injury lawsuit. These time limits are governed by state law and usually depend on the legal claim or crime involved in the case; they also vary from state to state, and when the defendant is a government entity, this can change the timeline. Rather than guessing, work with a car accident lawyer in Raleigh or a nearby city who can confirm the case details and verify the deadline.
North Carolina Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
North Carolina General Statute §1-52(16)¹ requires that personal injury lawsuits be brought within three years of the action happening. This ruling generally applies to all injurious collisions, including passenger vehicle wrecks, motorcycle crashes, and commercial vehicle accidents.
The three-year time limit begins to run on the date your claim arises. In a personal injury case involving a car accident, the ‘timer’ begins on the day of the incident. Once the statute of limitations has expired, you will be barred from filing a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can be detrimental to your recovery. Legal action may be your only route for compensation for physical injuries, property damage, or economic and non-economic losses.
One of several factors that affect the timeline is if the accident resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit. For a fatal car accident, the North Carolina Statute of Limitations drops to two years from the date of the person’s passing.
When To Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Contact a car accident lawyer in Raleigh or nearby as soon as possible to discuss your case and confirm your filing deadline. The proverbial timer doesn’t pause if you are hospitalized or undergoing therapy. And though three years may seem like a lot of time to file a claim, the deadline will arrive faster than you think. Your legal team must investigate the case and verify your claim’s merit before filing. Inquiries and vehicle inspections for complex crashes and multi-vehicle claims take considerable effort and time. Contacting an attorney early will ensure they can build a strong car accident case and file before the North Carolina Statute of Limitations lapses.
Car accidents are one of Miller Law Group’s core practice areas, and we’re happy to provide personalized legal advice to help you through these difficult times. If you’re unsure about North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations or whether an accident justifies a lawsuit, contact us for a free consultation.
¹ http://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_1/gs_1-52.html