How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?
If you have been injured in a car accident in Nova Scotia, you generally have a limitation period of two years to file a lawsuit although there are certain exceptions with shorter limitation periods. This period may be extended under certain conditions. As lawyers, we always recommend filing a lawsuit within the first year from the date of the auto accident. This allows us to help many injured victims around Nova Scotia to secure the compensation they need and deserve. **Not sure if we want to keep the part about filing within 1 years**
What is limitation period?
Simply put, limitation periods provide a time restriction for claiming for damages after an accident occurs. If this limitation period lapses, the victim may be considered ineligible to claim damages from the negligent party. How the limitation period is applied may vary from case to case. A lawyer can assess your case and advice on whether you still have time to be eligible to claim damages after the car accident.
How long does it take to settle?
After filing a car accident claim, it may take one to five years for the case to conclude. This length of time it takes to conclude auto accident claims will vary from case to case depending on the severity of injuries, amount of damages being awarded, the court’s schedule as well as the complexity of the case. For instance, if there is a dispute concerning the facts of the case or who is at fault, the claim is likely to take a longer time to settle. Additionally, claims involving minor injuries resolve more quickly as opposed to those that involve catastrophic injuries that are disabling.
If the car accident results in complex fractures, chronic pain, psychiatric injuries, brain or spinal cord injuries or other serious medical issues, it’s likely to take longer to resolve. These conditions often require longer periods of recovery and some will take a longer time to diagnose. If there is a high caseload in Nova Scotia, your claim will take a longer time to conclude. You need to work with a reliable legal team that’s willing to move your case quickly without sacrificing your long-term interests.
Why you should hire a lawyer
It’s important to reach out to a lawyer promptly because they will not only help ensure that timelines are met but also begin gathering all the time-sensitive evidence that will prove your claim. There’s a lot that will go into determining whether you will receive any compensation and the amount you’re entitled to. When you work with an experienced legal team, you’ll get all the help to build a strong case. Lawyers will not only help you by preserving evidence from the scene of the accident but will also gather all witness statements and medical records to prove the extent of your injuries. When you approach an experienced auto accident lawyer, he/she will begin by gathering evidence that could make or break your case.
If you’ve been hurt in a
car accident and you’re not sure about the timeline to file your claim, contact us today for a free consultation.
