Woman with a neck injury making a phone call
You only have a short time to file suit after an accident. Contact a lawyer for help soon.
By PIeRCE | SKRABANEK
PUBLISHED ON:
November 2, 2023
UPDATED ON:
September 17, 2024

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, you have a short time window to bring a lawsuit for damages. Once that time passes, you usually cannot pursue legal action. 

A car accident can be an unexpected and scary event–even more so if your accident results in physical injury or property loss. Sometimes, the only way to be able to heal from your car wreck is to bring a lawsuit for damages. Financial compensation can help reimburse you for the monetary hardships you and your family may be facing.

A lawsuit for damages can ensure that you are compensated for your injuries and that responsible parties are held fully accountable. However, in most states, there is a time limit in which you must file a lawsuit after an accident. An experienced car accident attorney can ensure that you meet all the deadlines required to bring your case. 

The team at Pierce Skrabanek is well-experienced in handling car accident litigation and can help make sure that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Contact the law offices of Pierce Skrabanek online or by calling (832) 690-7000. We are standing by to handle your matter with care and efficiency. 

What Kind of Damages Are Available in a Car Accident Lawsuit?

In a car accident lawsuit, various types of damages may be available to compensate the injured party for their losses and injuries. The specific damages that can be pursued in a car accident lawsuit can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction. Consider the following:

  • Medical Expenses: Damages can cover the cost of medical treatment related to the accident, such as hospital bills, surgery, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
  • Lost Wages: If the accident results in the victim's inability to work and earn income, they may be entitled to compensation for the wages they would have earned had the accident not occurred. This can include past and future lost earnings.
  • Emotional suffering: Non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress, can be sought. The amount can be challenging to quantify but is intended to compensate for the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where the accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members may be entitled to damages such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

The availability of these damages and their specific calculation can vary by jurisdiction and the details of the case. It's important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate your case, determine the applicable damages, and pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled.

Car accidents can range from rear-end accidents to devastating wrecks. In any case, you deserve to be compensated if you have sustained any injuries. To begin the legal process, contact the attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek online or by calling (832) 690-7000. We are standing by to evaluate your case and get you the justice you deserve. 

How Long Can I Sue After a Car Accident?

The time limit for filing a lawsuit after a car accident is known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations will vary by jurisdiction. In Texas, the amount of time you have to bring a lawsuit for damages after a car accident is two years. 

If you have been involved in a car accident, an attorney can be a valuable asset who can help guide you through the complicated legal process. Your car accident lawyer can help you by: 

  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Evaluating your case 
  • Preserving and gathering evidence 
  • Calculating damages 
  • Meeting important court deadlines

Additionally, knowing that you have a car accident attorney on your side can provide peace of mind. If you have been injured in a car accident, this can be especially important as this will allow you to heal in peace. 

Failing to file a lawsuit within the specified statute of limitations can result in your claim being denied. If you fail to file, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. This is the reason why it is so important to contact a lawyer as soon as you are able after a car accident.

The statute of limitations can vary based on the state you are located in, the age you were at the time of the accident, and other factors. Therefore, it's essential to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a car accident to understand your rights and take the necessary legal actions within the prescribed time frame.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney 

Hiring a car accident attorney is one of the most important steps you can take when you begin the legal process. An experienced attorney will be able to help you receive the maximum amount of damages that you are entitled to. Without a lawyer, it may be difficult to fully understand the requirements needed for full financial compensation.  

The attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek have been very successful in achieving positive results for our clients who have been involved in car accidents. Our successes include a $2 million dollar jury award for an individual who had been injured in an automobile accident. 

When you are ready to begin the legal process, contact our offices online or by calling (832) 690-7000. Our helpful associates are standing by to make sure that you receive the justice that you are entitled to. 

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