Got Injured in a Car Accident a Year Ago, Is It Too Late to Make a Claim?

car accident a year agoMany people are injured in automobile accidents and do not realize how injured they actually are until later. This is especially true with issues like back injuries that have a way of hanging on throughout the remainder of the victim’s life in some situations. The truth is that many injuries do not manifest quickly, and those who did not file immediately may think they have no recourse after waiting or failing to seek medical treatment. While failing to consult a doctor within 14 days of your accident will affect coverage by your own insurancecompany, you may still be able to file a lawsuit and receive damages paid by the negligent party’s insurance company. There is an important deadline to remember, however. By law, under most circumstances, injured parties have four years to file an injury claim against a negligent actor. This stipulation applies to automobile accidents as well as other accident injury claims. So do not delay. As soon as your begin feeling your injuries, consult an experienced attorney like Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore Tampa car accident lawyers. We can help you file your claim and maximize your recovery.

 

Starting the Clock

The statute of limitations in all states includes what is termed a “clock” that designates the time at which the limitations period begins. This normally begins at the time of the injury when an injury is realized immediately during the mishap or closely after the fact. However, there could be a determination of a delayed clock beginning when the injury is not recognized by the victim in a timely manner.

 

Limitations Altercations

There are also some cases where the statute of limitations clock can be “tolled,” which is stopping the clock due to the nature of certain physical conditions along the way to recovery. This can be confusing for the typical injured party, but an experienced attorney can often successfully argue the claim to the court in specific instances when an injury is not recovering as expected or when the claimant did not seek extensive medical treatment from the first point the injury was realized. Injuries can worsen over time; someclaims get filed late under certain circumstances.

 

Never assume it is too late to file an accident injury claim. Always call Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore Tampa car accident lawyers for advice on pursuing damages. Your claim may still be valid and much more valuable than you think.