In the aftermath of a car accident, time is not always on your side. While you are dealing with your injuries and mounting medical bills, you may be missing an important legal deadline: the statute of limitations. This narrow window governs how long you have to file a lawsuit after an accident and determines whether you can receive compensation for your losses.
In Kentucky, missing this deadline can mean losing your right to seek justice. Acting promptly and filing on time is essential to protecting your rights and financial future.
Unique deadlines in Kentucky
Most personal injury cases in Kentucky generally have a one-year limit, but car collisions usually fall under different rules. Injured victims typically have a two-year window from the date of the car accident or from the time of the final Personal Injury Protection (PIP) payment to file a claim.
However, determining the exact last payment date can be tricky to do by yourself. Additionally, waiting until the last minute to file a lawsuit can be risky as it may be too late.
Why waiting can hurt your case
The longer you wait to take action after a car accident, the harder it can be to prove your claim. Waiting too long can also increase the chances of losing important supporting evidence and can affect your case, including:
- Memories fade with time, taking a statement later can result in less credible witness accounts.
- Skid marks can fade and vehicle repairs or scrapping can happen before evidence is saved.
- Adjusters use delays to argue that your injuries from the car crash are not as serious as you claim.
For these reasons, it is usually best to act quickly to protect your case. A lawyer can also help you preserve crucial evidence before it is lost, altered or becomes harder to obtain
When timing matters
Filing a personal injury suit early shows insurance companies you are serious about your recovery. The Hicks & Funfsinn, PLLC team can help keep track of filing requirements and deadlines so you can focus on regaining your health and stability.
