Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim
Whether it’s a fender bender on Penn Street or a serious crash on I-176, what happens next is just as important as what happened on the road. There is one thing you need to know right now: If you were hurt in a car accident in Pennsylvania, you only have two years to file a lawsuit. That’s the legal time limit, called the statute of limitations, and once it passes, your right to compensation is gone, no matter how serious your injuries are.
That’s why it’s crucial to talk to our experienced Reading car accident attorney at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., as soon as you can. They can help you avoid costly delays, preserve vital evidence, and take the pressure off while you focus on healing and getting back on your feet.
How The Statute of Limitations Works in Reading Car Accident Claims
The two-year deadline applies whether your car crash happened on Route 222 or a busy street in downtown Reading. However, if your loved one was killed due to crash injuries, the two-year clock starts from the date of their death, not the date of the crash. There are very few exceptions to this deadline. If the injured victim is under 18, the clock may not start until they turn 18. However, most adults will not get an extension, even for severe injuries.
Likewise, if the at-fault driver was operating a government vehicle or a government agency is otherwise involved in your car accident, the deadline is drastically shorter. You may have as little as six months to provide official written notice of your claim to the government entity before you can even file a lawsuit. Missing this initial notice period can negatively impact your claim.
In addition, in very limited circumstances, the state’s discovery rule may apply. This exception states that the statute of limitations may not begin until you discover, or reasonably should have discovered, your injury or the cause of it. While this is rare in car accident claims where injuries are usually immediately apparent, it can be relevant for latent or invisible injuries not felt or diagnosed until much later.
Waiting too long can cost you more than just your case. It can make it nearly impossible for you to prove what happened. Eyewitnesses may be harder to find, surveillance footage might be erased, and accident reports can become difficult to track down.
Time is Not On Your Side, But a Reading Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A credible Reading car accident attorney who understands insurance dynamics, the nature of car crashes, and local court procedures can help you:
- Move quickly to preserve key evidence, including video from nearby businesses, traffic cam footage, or 911 call logs.
- Evaluate the full value of your claim, including future medical needs, lost earnings, and the emotional toll of your injuries.
- Communicate with insurers, pushing back on low offers and protecting you from tactics that pressure you to settle early.
- File all documents correctly and on time so you don’t miss the statute of limitations.
- Fight for maximum compensation, whether that means negotiating a strong settlement or taking your case to court.
Beat The Statute of Limitations With Our Proactive Reading Car Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one was injured in a car crash, don’t wait until the two-year deadline to act. The sooner you speak with our Reading car accident lawyers at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., the stronger your case can be. Schedule your free consultation online or at 570-286-6500.