Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
When the sudden, violent impact of a car accident disrupts your regular routine, your world comes to a halt. In the days and weeks afterward, you must deal with the chaos. If you sustain an injury, you may have doctor appointments, efforts to manage your pain, and missed work. You also receive calls from aggressive insurance adjusters and auto body shops regarding your vehicle repairs and rental car arrangements. It can be an overwhelming, frustrating, and upsetting experience, leaving you uncertain and unsure who to trust. At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we understand the stress and confusion you face. We provide honest and straightforward answers and work tirelessly to help our clients regain stability.
What Exactly Is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a legal deadline for how long you have to file a lawsuit in court. In Pennsylvania, after a car accident, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years. The legislature passes these laws to promote fairness and efficiency. Over time, evidence gets lost, witnesses move away, and memories fade. These deadlines help prevent defendants from facing stale or outdated claims.
When Does the Two-Year Clock Begin to Tick?
In most cases, the two-year period starts on the accident date. If your collision occurred on March 15, 2025, you must file suit by March 15, 2027. However, the starting point is not always this simple, as the law allows for limited exceptions in certain situations.
What Are the Exceptions to the Two-Year Deadline?
Pennsylvania law recognizes several key exceptions that can delay or accelerate the start of the statute of limitations for a car accident.
Claims Involving Minors
The law provides extra time when a child under 18 suffers an injury in a car accident. The law pauses the two-year statute of limitations for minors; therefore, the two-year clock does not begin to run until the minor’s 18th birthday. This means minors may have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.
Lawsuits Against Government Entities
You must act quickly if a city bus, government vehicle, or worker caused your accident. In Pennsylvania, you must send a formal Notice of Claim within six months of the incident as a prerequisite to a lawsuit. If you fail to provide this notice, the court will likely bar you from filing a claim, even if the two-year statute of limitations has not expired.
Why Is the Car Accident Statute of Limitations So Critical?
The statute of limitations for a car accident in Pennsylvania is a crucial deadline that you should not overlook. If you do not file a lawsuit before this deadline, you will lose all legal rights to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will have no legal obligation to pay you and will close your claim. Once the deadline passes, your leverage and your right to recover are gone.
Does This Deadline Apply to Insurance Claims?
The two-year statute of limitations specifically applies to filing a lawsuit in court. It does not apply to submitting a claim with an insurance company. Most insurance policies require you to report an accident promptly, sometimes within just a few days. You must meet this separate deadline to utilize your own insurance coverage. However, the two-year lawsuit deadline gives you leverage when negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Their willingness to offer a fair settlement depends on the fact that you can sue their client. If you let the car accident statute of limitations expire, your ability to sue disappears, along with their incentive to negotiate.
What Steps Should I Take to Protect My Claim?
The two-year period passes quickly, so we recommend taking the following immediate steps to safeguard your rights.
- Seek prompt medical attention to document all injuries;
- Report the accident to the police to file an official report;
- Notify your insurance company about the accident;
- Gather photos of the scene, your vehicle, and your injuries;
- Collect contact information from any witnesses; and
- Consult an experienced car accident attorney well in advance of the deadline.
These actions establish a solid foundation for your case and help prevent the loss of significant evidence.
How Can an Attorney Help With the Deadline?
Managing a serious injury claim while keeping track of legal deadlines can be overwhelming. Our attorneys handle this burden for you. We quickly determine the exact deadlines for your case, including any exceptions. We send legal notices to preserve evidence and handle all communications with insurance adjusters, allowing you to focus on your recovery. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will file suit promptly to protect your rights before time runs out.
Why Choose Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers?
We are the honest, straightforward team you can trust. With over 75 years of combined experience, our nationally recognized attorneys have advocated for tens of thousands of victims, securing millions of dollars in settlements. We offer personalized, one-on-one attention from the moment you first contact us. We are dedicated, experienced, and ready to work hard on your behalf. Our promise is simple: you pay nothing unless we successfully secure compensation for you.
Take the First Step Today
The statute of limitations for a car accident in Pennsylvania is a strict deadline that you must meet. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your rights. Contact Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team will explain your options clearly and help you take the steps needed to preserve your claim.
