In most cases, you get three years to claim injury and file a claim for compensation after a car accident in New York. However, the statute of limitations for these claims can vary based on the circumstances surrounding a crash, so this time limit is not exact.
It’s crucial that you speak to a Long Island car accident lawyer to ensure you understand the exact deadlines for your claim.
How Long After a Crash Can You Claim an Injury in New York?
New York has a three-year personal injury statute of limitations, outlined in CPLR § 214, that applies to most car accident claims. This legal code limits the time you can wait to take legal action after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
However, this rule has several major exceptions. In some cases, such as accidents involving government vehicles, you may have much less time to pursue compensation. In other circumstances, our court system may give you more time to take action against the at-fault party.
Common Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
Several exceptions can change how long after a car accident you can claim injury. For example, you may get more time to file your claim if you are under 18 at the time of the accident or if you face a serious mental health condition.
Additionally, New York may extend the deadline for your claim if the at-fault party leaves the state after the crash. You can discuss all potential exceptions to the statute of limitations with a Long Island personal injury lawyer.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Claim Injury?
If you wait too long to take legal action after your crash, the statute of limitations will expire, and the court will dismiss any requests you make for compensation. It’s essential that you get legal help understanding the deadlines on your claim so that you have a chance to make a full financial recovery.
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What Happens After You File a Car Accident Claim?
After you file a personal injury claim, your attorney will help you navigate the legal system with a focus on securing maximum compensation for your losses. Your attorney will need to:
Gather Evidence to Back Up Your Claim
An attorney must collect evidence that shows that someone else caused your accident to bring you compensation in some cases. The investigative process may require your lawyer to:
- Speak to eyewitnesses and take their statements
- Get copies of the police accident report
- Visit the scene of the collision
- Look for any videos or photos of the collision
It’s crucial that you reach out to an attorney immediately after a crash to give them a better chance of collecting all potentially relevant evidence.
Track All of Your Losses
Your attorney will need to gather documentation and other evidence to demonstrate the full extent of your losses. This information can help your attorney determine a fair value for your legal claim.
Handle Insurance Negotiations
After filing your claim, your lawyer can take care of all communications and negotiations with the insurance company. A lawyer can reject subpar settlement offers and focus on securing you the funds you need to move forward with your life.
Assist with a Lawsuit
In some cases, your claim will end up going through the court system. You can rely on an attorney to assist with all stages of litigation, working aggressively to bring you maximum compensation from the at-fault party.
Your Compensation for a Car Accident Claim
An attorney can help you secure the funds you need to cover all the economic and non-economic damages you face after a collision. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for funds to pay for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and emotional distress
- Mental suffering
- Vehicle repairs
Your lawyer will need to carefully assess your situation to determine an exact value for the losses you sustained due to someone else’s negligence or dangerous actions on the road.
You do not have to handle the financial pressures associated with a crash on your own. Instead, you can rely on a lawyer to put you first, standing by you every step of the way.
Talk to Us About Claiming an Injury After a Car Accident
So, how long after a car accident can you claim an injury? Generally, New York will give you three years to move forward with a personal injury claim after an auto accident, though exceptions to this deadline can apply.
Our team at Levine And Wiss can assess your situation and give you more precise information about the time limits you face on your injury claim. We can also immediately step in to help build your claim so that you can focus on your recovery.
Our law firm has over 100 years of combined experience, and we’re ready to take charge on your behalf, so reach out right now for answers to your legal questions and compassionate support.
