How long do I have to file a lawsuit over an accident?
In California, the length of time you have to file a lawsuit after an accident depends on the type of case. Generally, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident for most personal injury lawsuits. This means that if you are injured in an accident, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in California courts. There are some circumstances under which you may have additional time to file your lawsuit. For example, if you do not discover your injury until after the accident, the statute of limitations begins to run on the date you discovered, or should have discovered, the injury. In addition, if the person responsible for the accident is a minor or someone who was in the military at the time of the injury, you may have up to four or five years, respectively, to file your lawsuit. It is important to keep in mind that if you do not file your lawsuit within the allotted time, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Thus, if you have been injured in an accident, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss the details of your case and ensure that your legal rights are protected.
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