How long do I have to file a lawsuit over an accident?
In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit over an accident. This is known as the “statute of limitations.” If you do not file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, you may lose the right to pursue legal action. It is important to note that there are some exceptions to the three-year rule. For example, if the person responsible for the accident was a minor at the time, then the three-year statute of limitations does not start until the minor turns 18. In addition, if the person responsible for the accident was an employee of the state or a municipality, then there may be an even shorter statute of limitations in place which may be as short as six months. It is also important to note that filing a lawsuit is only one step of the legal process, and any actual resolution to the lawsuit may take months or even years to resolve. Therefore, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced accident attorney as soon as possible so that they can begin to investigate your case and build a strong legal claim.
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