When you get injured in a vehicle accident, you might not be aware that there is a clock ticking. That clock is the amount of time you have to take legal action against the person that caused you harm.
It’s important to act quickly when taking legal action after a car accident, for reasons that we’ll look at below. First, we must understand the legal concept of a statute of limitations.
How Long Do You Have to Sue Someone for a Car Accident?
The period in which you can file a lawsuit against someone for your injury is called the statute of limitations. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for cases of injury is two years after the injury is suffered. This means that you have two years after your injury occurs to begin taking legal action.
In some cases, there are exceptions for this rule. If the injured person suffered from certain disabilities after a crash, they might have longer to file a claim. If the injured person was a minor at the time of the crash, there might also be an exception. However, it’s best to act quickly after being injured in a car accident to be sure that your lawsuit faces no obstacles or legal challenges.
Other Reasons You Should Consider Filing a Claim Promptly
In the days, weeks and months following a crash, you will encounter many challenges. You’ll see doctors and be given tests or treatments. You might be forced to miss work because of your injuries. You’ll also be contacted by representatives of insurance companies to discuss an accident. Many of the challenges you’ll face will also bring opportunities to maximize the compensation you receive, while others will threaten the viability of your legal claim to compensation.
It’s important to follow all of your doctor’s advice and to avoid working when you shouldn’t be. If you ignore a doctor’s advice and push through an injury to go back to work, these actions could be held against you when seeking compensation for your injuries. When you are contacted by insurance companies, the representatives of another driver’s insurer will try to get you on record making a statement that they’ll then use to lessen or deny the benefits you are owed.
By contacting an attorney soon after your accident and beginning the process quickly, you’ll make sure you have counsel from an attorney and are guided through each step of the process by an experienced legal representative.
Contact Jeff Green to Find Out More About Your Options
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Illinois, remember that you shouldn’t wait too long before beginning the process of filing a lawsuit. Though the statute of limitations is two years from the time of your injury, you’ll be best served by contacting an attorney soon after your car accident.
Contact Jeff Green to schedule a free consultation with an attorney who knows how to get results for his clients. We want to hear more about your story and give you our initial assessment of your case. Call us today at (309) 699-0111 or simply fill out our online contact form to get started.
