I Was Involved in a Car Accident About a Year Ago but Never Filed a Lawsuit Against the at-Fault Driver

I didn’t seem hurt at the time, and fixing my car was a simple process. But recently I’ve noticed injuries which my doctor attributes to the past car accident. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?

The length of time that a victim has to file a lawsuit after a personal injury accident is known as the “statute of limitations.” The length of time for a car accident statute of limitations can vary state-by-state, and case-by-case, but exists to give victims adequate time to take legal action after an accident occurs. In a civil lawsuit, personal injury cases, the time allowed to take legal action is determined by the date of the initial accident. If you file a legal claim during the allowed time, you consequently give up your right to file a suit later on down the road.

At Lewis & Tompkins, we represent car crash victims throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area. The guidelines can vary, so don’t hesitate to speak with an attorney if you think your injuries are related to a past car crash.

• Maryland statute of limitations – Three years from the time of the accident.
• Virginia statute of limitations – Two years from the time of the car crash.
• Washington, D.C., statute of limitations – Three years from the time of the car accident.

It’s important to remember that many car accident injuries, like concussions or soft-tissue damage, may not show up at the exact time of a crash. As soon as you experience signs of physical injury, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Insurance companies and negligent parties may try to argue that your injuries aren’t related to the past crash. Have your qualified medical physician verify and document your exact injuries and the related causes as evidence in your case.

If you have questions about your Maryland car accident and want answers, our experienced attorneys at Lewis & Tompkins are here to help and are willing to take on the most serious of cases. Call 202-296-0666 today to schedule your free consultation.