How does the statute of limitations affect my claim?
The statute of limitations is a law that sets time limits on how long a person has to file a legal claim. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing an accident or injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. This means that after three years, a claimant may not pursue a legal action for damages or compensation associated with the accident. The statute of limitations is in place to preserve the integrity of the legal process, since both parties must have access to evidence in order to make an informed decision. When too much time has passed, witnesses may have forgotten key details, evidence may be lost or destroyed, or the defendant may have moved away and can no longer be found. The statute of limitations is also in place to ensure fairness for the defendant. If a person is accused of causing an accident, they should not have to worry that they will be held liable for it years down the road. It is very important to keep in mind that the statute of limitations in South Carolina is only three years from the date of the accident. After that point, it is unlikely that a court will consider a claim. This means that it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your case is filed in a timely manner.
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