Time Limits to Remember After a Car Accident
When you’re hurt in a Rockford car accident, the clock for your lawsuit starts ticking. You may not realize it right away, but you only have a certain amount of time to report your accident, contact the insurance company, file your claim, and get compensated.
Unfortunately, many Illinois residents don’t realize how short they are on time. It’s easy to miss these deadlines if you’re not focused on your lawsuit, especially if you’re hurt and focused on your health.
Luckily, a car accident lawyer can help you move quickly and take advantage of your time, while you work on your physical recovery. Reach out for help acting on these time limits to remember after a car accident.
Time Limits to Report an Accident
When you’re involved in an Illinois car accident, you typically need to report your car accident as soon as possible. Rockford residents must file a report if more than $1,500 in damage was done or if someone was hurt or killed. That accident report must be filed within ten days of the accident. If you don’t report the accident, you may face criminal penalties for failing to file.
Luckily, filing a car accident report as soon as possible can help your legal claim succeed. Your car accident lawyer in Rockford can help you report your accident quickly and then use the information in your report to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Statute of Limitations
Once you’ve reported your car accident, you may need to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you’re due for your injuries. But you don’t have unlimited time to act on your claim. You only have two years to file to get the compensation you’re due. If you don’t act in time, your claim can be dismissed without providing you compensation.
Luckily, acting quickly for your lawsuit can benefit you. Evidence in a car accident claim can be destroyed or lost over time, making it difficult to build a claim against the at-fault driver. Acting as soon as possible may sound difficult after a serious injury, but your lawyer can use your evidence more effectively in these cases.
If you or a child in your care is under eighteen, though, your claim can be more complicated. You can’t sue if you’re not yet an adult. Luckily, your time limit doesn’t begin until you’re eighteen, or your parent or guardian can act on your behalf. Your car accident lawyer can discuss your best options for a lawsuit based on the details of your accident and your situation.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Before Your Time Runs Out
When you’re unsure what your time limits are for a lawsuit, it’s easy to run out of time and lose your chances for compensation. These time limits can leave you paying out of pocket for expenses you shouldn’t have to worry about.
That’s where the lawyers at Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC come in. We have the tools you need to act now, not later. When you’re ready to act fast, start with a free consultation with our lawyers. Call 815-656-4600, or fill out the online contact form below.
