In California, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, this deadline has exceptions. Our car accident attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area explains what factors affect the car accident claim time limit.
1. Basic Information Date and Time: When the accident occurred. 2. Parties Involved Driver Information: Name, address, phone number, driver's license number, and insurance details for each driver. 3. Witnesses 4. Accident Description 5. Law Enforcement 6. Additional Information 7. Conclusion 8. Attachments
If you don't report an accident within 24 hours in California, you could lose your driving privileges. Failing to report may also lead to hit-and-run charges, resulting in potential criminal consequences.
“Incident (Accident) Investigations: A Guide for Employers” simplifies how to approach incident or accident investigations — providing helpful information on how to: Preserve and document the scene. Collect Data. Determine root causes. Implement corrective actions.
Stick to the Facts Focus on the facts without adding opinions or assumptions. Describe what happened during the accident clearly and avoid discussing fault or other details. Never guess or estimate. If you don't know the answer to a question, admit that you don't know and move on.
Provide your name, phone number, and address. If pressed for more, inform the adjuster of things like the date, time, and location. However, you are not required to discuss the nature of your injury, the treatment you received, and how the crash occurred.
Report accidents to your insurer within the stipulated period, often 72 hours, to avoid claim denial. The California statute of limitations for auto accidents is two years. However, there may be exceptions that would permit you to move forward with your case even if more than two years have passed.
There is no damage cap for pain and suffering from vehicle accidents in California. The state, however, puts a $250,000 limit for pain and suffering claims from medical malpractice.
In California, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, this deadline has exceptions. Our car accident attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area explains what factors affect the car accident claim time limit.
If anyone is injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $750, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. Failing to do so could lead to a suspension of your driver's license.