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How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit?

On Behalf of | Jun 12, 2019 | Firm News |

Every day in Oregon, dozens of car accidents take place. One recent incident resulted in several people needing to go to the hospital for nonlife-threatening injuries. The crash occurred as a result of one driver running a red light and colliding into three other vehicles.

Often, victims of a car crash require more compensation than what they can get from insurance. If you are in this situation, it may be in your best interest to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator of the collision. However, there is a set amount of time Oregon residents have to file personal injury lawsuits, so you need to be aware of the statute of limitations.

How long do you have to sue someone after a car accident?

In general, the statute of limitations for personal injuries after car accidents is two years from the date of the crash. You simply need to begin the proceedings within two years. These type of cases can become drawn out in the courts for a while, but a settlement can come past the two-year mark as long as you file within the proper timeframe. It may be in your best interest to file a personal injury lawsuit sooner rather than later. You can decide to drop the case later if you end up with sufficient compensation, but it is good to get things underway.

How long do you have to inform your insurance company?

Generally, you want to inform your insurance company of the collision as soon as possible. This should ideally happen within 24 hours of the crash. This will allow the insurance adjuster to begin the claims process so that you can try to receive compensation quickly. You may need to pay for medical expenses for injuries related to the crash. Regardless of whether you are at fault or not, you always want to contact your insurance company right away.

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