Statutes of limitations are laws that determine how long someone has to bring a claim. These “time limits” are decided by lawmakers in each state, and they vary depending on what type of case you have.
While most laws are subject to interpretation, these statutes are very specific, and generally, cannot be overruled. At times, these laws seem harsh and can prevent someone with a legitimate case from receiving the compensation they deserve, but statutes of limitations are important to the legal process.
The statute of limitations for motor vehicle accident cases (car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents) is two years from the date of the accident.
I can’t tell you how many times I have received calls about cases, and I’ve had to tell people, who were seriously injured in an accident, I couldn’t help them because they waited too long to call me. If you or someone you love was involved in a bad accident, you have to call me right away to protect your right to compensation.
Even if you think your accident happened outside of the two-year statute of limitations, make sure you call me because there might be something I can do. Like most rules, there are some exceptions to the statute.
In Ohio, if you were a minor at the time of your accident, or you exhibited delayed-symptom injuries, your case may fall within an exception to the two-year statute of limitations.
For most cases, there is a discovery rule exception for statutes of limitations. The discovery rule applies when the victim of the accident didn’t immediately realize the injury or the severity of the injury. The two-year time limit doesn’t begin until the victim discovers his or her injury.
The following are common accident injuries that may not manifest right away:
- Concussions
- Herniated Discs
- Internal Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries (whiplash)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
If the victim was a minor at the time of the accident, he or she has two years from their eighteen birthday to bring a claim.
If your loved one was a victim of a bad accident. Don’t wait. Call me immediately at 1 (800) 556-4769 to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
As your Ohio accident lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.