After getting into a personal injury accident, you can file for a claim to get financial compensation for your injuries and losses. However, filing for a personal injury claim has to be done within a specific timeline decided by the law. It is vital to start the process of filing a personal injury claim as soon as your accident since gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and paperwork can be time-consuming.
Furthermore, it is crucial to speak to a personal injury lawyer in LA to understand the deadlines and make the process quick and hassle-free.
How long do you get to file a personal injury claim?
If you get into an accident due to someone else’s fault, the law provides two years from the date of the incident to file a claim and get financial compensation. For most personal injury cases, the statute of limitation remains two years. If you pass the deadline, you will not be allowed to file a claim.
However, there may be exemptions depending on the case. For instance, if the personal injury accident involves a minor, you can file a personal injury claim two years after the child’s 18th birthday. The exemptions again depend on your case type, so it would be helpful to speak to a lawyer who can understand your case and let you know when to file a personal injury claim.
Will you be allowed to file a personal injury claim if your injuries become worse?
It is essential to understand that once the victim accepts the settlement offer or the case is resolved, you can no longer file for the same case again. For example, you received financial compensation for your injuries, but after a few months or years, you realize your injuries are getting worse. You cannot file a personal injury claim again in such a situation.
Therefore, when you deal with a personal injury claim, you should always have a presence of a lawyer to understand whether the settlement amount is sufficient to cover your previous and future medical expenses. A lawyer will help you decide whether you have received complete treatment and recovered fully. Additionally, the lawyer will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to demand the rightful compensation amount. In case your case goes to trial, you need a lawyer to represent your claim since the judge will decide liability and compensation amount depending on the evidence present.