If you have suffered injuries in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, you can bring a lawsuit against this driver. But time plays a vital role in such kinds of cases.
Car accidents can take place instantly and have life-changing impacts on you and your family. No matter how careful you are while behind the wheel, you can still become a victim to a crash. When this happens, you can sue the party responsible for the accident for your injuries and damages. However, you do not have all the time in the world to do this. You should be aware of how much time you have to file a car accident claim in Connecticut. Attorneys at Etemi Law Firm are aware of the laws that surround such cases and can fight for the monetary compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases
In Connecticut, you have two years from the car accident date to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver responsible for your injuries. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. Failing to comply with this time period can result in the dismissal of your claim. Because of this, you must consult with a lawyer right after a collision to know how much time you have to bring a case against the other driver.
Why You Should Not Wait to File
Waiting to file a car accident lawsuit for the injuries and damages you have sustained is risky. Even if two years may seem a long time, you might miss this deadline as you navigate the many complexities of the legal process. Missing this deadline means losing your chance of getting the monetary compensation you need. This compensation can cover the expenses you incurred because of your accident-related injuries. Your attorney can review each aspect of your claim and determine your legal options. They will need enough time to investigate your case, calculate your economic and non-economic damages, and collect vital evidence.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Insurers know that car accident victims often hope to resolve their claims right away. Thus, they usually offer lowball settlements quickly, hoping you are desperate enough to accept them. But the initial settlement offer may not reflect the true value of your claim or all the damages you have suffered.
In car accident claims, you can pursue economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and property damage. Meanwhile, non-economic damages include emotional distress, mental anguish, pain and suffering, physical impairment, and loss of consortium. A lawyer who specializes in handling car accident claims can review your claim and calculate the compensation you are entitled to for damages and injuries that resulted from the accident.
When the Deadline Can Be Extended
The two-year time limit has exceptions that pause the countdown under the following circumstances:
- The defendant hid evidence. The countdown begins on the date the hidden evidence was discovered.
- You discovered delayed or hidden injuries. If your injuries didn’t manifest right away, the filing deadline might begin when you discover or should have discovered your latent injuries.
- The defendant left Connecticut. The time limit countdown includes the time the negligent party spent away from Connecticut.
If you have sustained injuries in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, you may be eligible for compensation. A car accident attorney understands how difficult your situation might be for you and your family. They can help you by handling the insurer, so you concentrate on your recovery and do not make mistakes that can jeopardize your claim. They can answer your questions about your case and walk you through the steps involved in the claims process.
