Being injured in an accident can be overwhelming and traumatic. Knowing your rights is critical, especially when it comes to understanding the statute of limitations for filing a claim after the incident. In Washington State, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. That time limit applies to both personal injury and property damage claims. It’s important to understand what this means so that you can file your claim in time and get the compensation you deserve.
Let’s take a look at why this is important, and how it works in Washington State.
Statutes of Limitations Explained
A statute of limitation is a law that sets a specific amount of time that someone has to file a claim or lawsuit after an incident occurs. The clock starts ticking on the day of the accident (or injury), meaning that once those three years have passed you may no longer be able to file a claim or pursue legal action. This is why it’s so important to start working with an attorney as soon as possible after being injured – so that you don’t miss out on your chance for compensation due to missing the deadline.
Exceptions to The Rule
In some cases, there are exceptions that can extend or shorten these deadlines – such as if the person injured was under 18 at the time of the incident, or if there was a delay in discovering an injury due to medical complications. If either of these applies in your situation, speak with an experienced attorney right away so they can provide more information on how it affects your case and potential settlement options.
An Experienced Attorney Can Help You Understand Your Rights
It’s always helpful to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney right away following an accident, as they can help you understand all aspects related to filing a claim – including statutes of limitation and other important factors like evidence gathering or negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. An attorney will also provide guidance on what kind of settlement amount you should expect based on your injuries and other damages caused by the incident – which could be much higher than you might realize without their help!
Final Thoughts
The statute of limitations for filing a claim after being injured in an accident in Washington State is three years from the date of incident. This means that any claims must generally be filed within 3 years from when it happened – otherwise, you may not be able to seek compensation for damages caused by another person’s negligence.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney should be one of your top priorities following any kind of accident; they will work with you every step along the way – from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements – so that you receive fair compensation for all losses caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness while protecting your rights throughout the process. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today!
