A statute of limitations is a law which limits a person’s ability to file a lawsuit following an accident or incident, giving rise to a legal claim. Statutes of limitations are designed to encourage people to file lawsuits within a reasonable time-frame. Under Connecticut State law, car accident victims have two years to file a lawsuit starting from the date the collision occurred.

This article by Carter Mario Law Firm goes over specific factors with the statute of limitations on car accidents in the state of Connecticut.

How Soon After an Accident Should You Bring a Claim?

You should bring a claim against the at fault driver as soon as possible following a car accident and within the time allowed by the statute of limitations.

Specifically, you should file a lawsuit against the negligent driver after completing your medical treatment and attempting to resolve your claim with the other driver’s insurance carrier. If you wait or sit on your right, you may risk violating the statute of limitations.

Problems With Waiting to File

Aside from Connecticut’s statute of limitations, other problems may arise if you wait to file a lawsuit. Specifically, important evidence such as property damage photos may be lost or destroyed. Additionally, independent witnesses may disappear or simply forget how the collision occurred.

Statutes of Limitations on Other Injuries

While Connecticut imposes a two-year statute of limitations on car accident claims, other claims may be subject to different time limits. For example, if you were involved in a car accident in which the other driver intentionally struck you, you have three years to file a lawsuit. This is because Connecticut State law imposes a three-year statute of limitations on intentional torts.

Wrongful Death

Under Connecticut State law, wrongful death claims are subject to an overall five-year statute of limitations. The five-year time limit begins from the date of the collision. However, if a victim is involved in a car accident and dies one year after the crash due to their injuries, the victim’s family only has two years to file a lawsuit beginning from the date of the victim’s death.

Product Liability

Product liability claims are asserted against manufacturers and distributors by victims who suffered serious injuries by negligently designed or manufactured products. Product liability claims are not subject to the two-year statute of limitations. Instead, under Connecticut State law, product liability claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations.

Property Damage

Generally, property damage claims are subject to Connecticut’s two-year statute of limitations. However, if the driver who caused the property damage leaves the State of Connecticut, the statute of limitations is paused until the driver returns. Additionally, the statute of limitations is paused if the driver who caused the damage used fraud to conceal their actions.

Drunk Driving

If a drunk driver injured you, you might have a legal claim against the establishment where the driver purchased alcohol. While your claim against the drunk driver is subject to Connecticut’s two-year statute of limitations, your claim against the establishment is subject to a one-year statute of limitations. Additionally, you must provide the establishment with written notice of your claim.

Talk with a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer for Help

Connecticut’s statutes of limitations are complex and strictly enforced. The motor vehicle accident lawyers at the Carter Mario Law Firm have successfully navigated these laws for over 30 years. To learn more about the services our personal injury lawyers can provide, contact us today!

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