An accident is a traumatic situation, and if faced with one we find a lot of things we have to deal with. Amid injuries, losses, and a feeling of shock and terror, it is not uncommon to forget about filing a personal injury claim. However, even if you forgot to file a claim at the time of the accident, it doesn’t mean that you have lost the chance to do so. You can file a claim even a couple of years after the time of the occurrence of the accident. There’s a specified deadline for this in every state. You need to be aware of this deadline. In general, the time given for filing a claim is around three years from the date of the accident.
Reasons For Not Filing A Claim
When you approach your insurance company or a court of law for your claim, you may need to explain why you did not file a claim at the time of the accident. In this situation, the following instances are acceptable:
- You did not know your rights in terms of an accident and the compensation you can claim.
- You were not sure whether there is compensation for your type of injury.
- You did not have sufficient legal help to approach the process.
- You thought you were dealing with a minor accident, but over time it took a major form.
Points To Keep In Mind When Filing For Compensation
There are certain things you have to keep in mind when you approach the system of applying for compensation. These are:
- Which party caused the accident
- The circumstances in which the event took places
- The support of witnesses
- The severity and seriousness of your injury
- Medical tests and evidence
- The consequences of the accident on your health and livelihood
Filing a compensation requires professional knowledge, and the absence of this can make the process difficult. You can contact the reputed company Car Accident King services for professional help regarding the filing of injury compensation claims in the case of car accidents.
Cases Where The Deadline Doesn’t Apply
There are certain instances where the normal deadline of three years doesn’t apply. If your situation resembles these and if you can prove your case in court, the deadline for filing will not affect you. These instances are:
- The discovery of an injury caused by the accident but which did not surface during that time
- Going bankrupt due to the accident
- If a minor gets injured due to the incident
- If you suffer a mental illness or are decapitated
What To Do Before Filing A Claim
- Collect necessary data: Note the date of the accident and also try to access the insurance policy numbers of the other parties involved. Gather any information that feels relevant.
- Look for medical support: Always ensure medical attention after involvement in an accident. The medical reports serve as strong evidence in your favor.
- Consider getting an attorney: While most cases are simple and require minor coordination with the opposite party, some cases require legal assistance. Depending on the complexity of your situation, decide whether you need a personal injury attorney or not.
Conclusion
As a citizen who faces harm due to an accident, you have the right to approach the involved parties for compensation. It is best to do so at the earliest, but even if you were aware, you can always do so later on. Just make sure you know the statute of limitations for your case!