Typically, you have three years to file a claim after a rear-end collision in North Carolina. After three years, North Carolina’s personal injury statute of limitations will expire for most injury victims, and the court can dismiss any claims filed after this period.
A North Carolina rear-end accident lawyer can give you more information about the deadlines associated with personal injury claims. An attorney can also help you file a claim to get fair compensation for your losses.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Rear-End Collision in North Carolina?
In most cases, you get three years to file a personal injury claim after sustaining injuries in a rear-end crash in North Carolina. This time limit comes from North Carolina’s personal injury statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations controls how long injury victims can wait to seek compensation after crashes and other accidents. Individuals who wait too long to file their claim will lose their chance to get paid for their:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property repairs
- Pain and emotional distress
- Mental suffering
Therefore, it’s crucial that you begin the legal process quickly after a crash. A North Carolina personal injury lawyer can take charge of your claim right now.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations for Rear-End Crashes
Most motorists have three years to seek compensation for their losses after a rear-end crash. However, exceptions exist in the legal system in North Carolina. Some of these exceptions give you more time to seek compensation, while others reduce the time you have available to take legal action.
These exceptions may apply if:
The Crash Causes a Fatality
If you lose a loved one in a rear-end collision, your family will only have two years to move forward with a legal claim. In this case, you’ll need to file a wrongful death claim against the liable party.
The Crash Involves a Government Employee
Sometimes, government employees cause rear-end accidents. In this situation, you will have less time to move forward with your claim. An attorney will have to review your situation and explain how long you have to seek compensation.
The At-Fault Party Leaves North Carolina
Sometimes, drivers leave the state of North Carolina after causing rear-end accidents. In this situation, the court may extend the statute of limitations until you can get “service of process” on the party that caused your crash.
The Injury Victim Counts as Legally Disabled
Individuals who qualify as legally disabled will have more time to file a claim after an accident. In fact, the statute of limitations on their claims won’t begin running until they recover from the disability.
Individuals in North Carolina may qualify as disabled if they’re insane, incompetent, or under the age of 18.
An attorney can give you more information about these exceptions and explain how long you have to file a claim after a rear-end collision in North Carolina.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline on Your Claim?
If you wait too long to take legal action after a rear-end accident, the court will dismiss any request you make for compensation. You will no longer have a chance to seek money to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
It’s crucial that you begin working on your claim with an attorney as quickly as possible after a crash. A lawyer can review your situation and give you specific information about the deadlines on your case and keep things moving.
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How Lawyers Help After Rear-End Accidents
Attorneys can provide you with comprehensive legal assistance after a rear-end accident. Your lawyer can focus on:
- Answering any questions you have about your legal claim
- Giving you information about your next steps
- Gathering evidence to show that someone else caused the crash
- Tracking the losses you sustained
- Helping with an insurance claim or a lawsuit
Getting immediate legal help can improve your chances of making a full financial recovery, so don’t wait.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Talk to Us After a Rear-End Collision in North Carolina
So, how long do you have to file a claim after a rear-end collision in North Carolina? Our state will usually allow you three years to seek compensation for your losses, though some state laws may extend or reduce the statute of limitations that applies in your situation.
Our team at DeMayo Law Offices can review your situation and provide exact information about the deadlines you face. We’ll get to work quickly to help with your claim when you reach out to us, drawing on over 250 years of combined legal experience to help you secure the money you need to pay for your healthcare bills, vehicle repairs, and other losses.
We have a reputation for successfully assisting clients like you, securing over $1 billion in compensation for injury victims. We even secured $1,600,000 for a client who became paraplegic after a rear-end crash. Find out more about how we can help by contacting us now for assistance.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
