Car accidents can occur instantly; however, their impact can usually be long-lasting. If you have been in one of these accidents, you may be wondering how much time you have to file an accident claim and secure the compensation you deserve and need. There are many questions you must ask and a Rockford car accident lawyer can give you the answers you need. Waiting too long to file a car accident claim can result in you losing the chance to get compensated for your injuries. Especially if you require ongoing medical treatment and cannot work, a successful claim can offer a helpful financial cushion. Because of this, you must understand the applicable rules.
What to Know about a Statute of Limitations
This legal deadline tells how much time you have to file a claim. In Illinois, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Once this deadline expires, you may forfeit your right to file a claim. Thus, you must consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after a crash to determine the right path forward. A great lawyer can explain the law to you and help you make informed decisions.
Other Factors You Must Consider
Aside from ensuring you file a claim promptly, there are other reasons you should delay your filing. These include:
- Collecting and organizing evidence. Often, time is important when collecting and preserving evidence. Over time, documents may be misplaced or lost, witnesses may not remember what happened, and it can become more difficult to find valuable evidence. Acting quickly after a crash provides you with maximum opportunity to collect and organize evidence that you can use for presenting a strong case.
- The extent of your injuries. After an accident, you may not know you have sustained injuries since there are no obvious symptoms. But you must take into consideration all available legal options. Car accidents can be abrupt and shocking. In some instances, injuries do not present immediate symptoms. You may end up sustaining internal damage. Because of this, you must seek immediate medical attention even if you were in a minor accident. Some car accident-related injuries can get worse over time or require more extensive medical treatment than you may have thought.
If you have sustained injuries in a car accident, reach out to an experienced attorney for a free consultation as soon as possible. This way, your attorney will still have enough time to collect the necessary evidence to support your claim.