Statute of Limitations for Chesterfield Car Accidents | Legal Filing Deadline | The Law Offices of Kevin Roach, LLC.
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While filing a civil claim after suffering harm in a vehicle collision may not be at the forefront of your mind, it is imperative that you stay aware of the filing deadline. Although the statute of limitations for Chesterfield car accidents is longer than most states, it can quickly pass you by.

An accomplished injury attorney in the area could help you determine whether you have grounds for legal recourse. If so, they could also ensure you file your claim before the deadline expires.

When Does the Legal Deadline to File a Car Crash Claim Change?

The statute of limitations sets the legal deadline a plaintiff has to either settle or file suit on a personal injury claim they have in Missouri. The amount of time varies from state to state and according to what kind of case a person has. Missouri has a pretty long statute of limitations of five years for bodily injury claims.

This means, somebody injured in a car wreck in the area would have only five years to file a claim. However, this deadline can change if the injured party was a child.

For minor claimants, those who are under 18, the five-year statute of limitations does not begin until they reach the age of majority. This means, the deadline can be much longer if the child is very young at the time of the accidents.

If the car accident is fatal, the statute of limitations will also change. People wishing to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the decedent have only three years to do so. In any case, it is advisable for claimants to speak with an experienced local attorney who could determine if any exceptions to the statute of limitations apply to their car crash case.

Risks of Waiting to File a Suit in Chesterfield

Since the state has a longer statute of limitations, people injured in vehicle wrecks may feel less motivated to file a claim right away. However, this is often a mistake.

Once a person files a suit prior to the legal deadline expiration, their case is protected. People have the option to dismiss their case afterward if they ultimately decide they do not wish to go through the litigation process. Unfortunately, waiting too long to file a claim could result in the case being permanently dismissed.

While people should be mindful not to file an auto collision case after the statute of limitations expires, they also should not accept a settlement too early either. Oftentimes, people injured in vehicle wrecks require treatment for several months or even years. If they do not know the extent of their losses, they may be unable to negotiate a fair damages award. A seasoned lawyer could help people involved in motor vehicle collisions in the area ensure they do not miss the legal filing deadline while also ensuring they have an accurate idea of their total damages.

Discuss the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents with a Chesterfield Attorney

Although the statute of limitations for Chesterfield car accidents is pretty long, it is often advisable that you get in touch with a local attorney early on in your case. A well-practiced lawyer could determine if any exceptions apply to your case and help you preserve important evidence before it disappears.

If you are interested in filing a claim for damages after suffering harm in a car crash, do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced lawyers. Call today and schedule your initial case consultation.