How Long Do You Have to Sue for a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, there is a time limit for a car accident victim to bring a personal injury claim. Even with a great case, it’s important to get the case filed by the deadline. Our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys explain how much time you have to sue after a car accident.
In Pennsylvania, you have two years after a car accident to bring a lawsuit. The time limit begins to run on the day when the accident occurs. If you don’t start the case by the time limit, even by one day, the defense can ask the court to dismiss the claim regardless of the merits of the case. As a victim, it’s important to initiate the case by the two-year limit that you have to sue for a car accident in Pennsylvania.
Key Takeaways
- In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years to sue after a car accident — this is the standard statute of limitations for car crash injury claims.
- Filing a lawsuit is required — an insurance claim alone isn’t enough to satisfy the PA time limit for legal action.
- Suits against government agencies may require a shorter timeline, such as a six‑month notice before you can file a lawsuit.
- Exceptions like minors, hidden at‑fault parties or drivers who flee the state can toll or pause the two‑year deadline.
- Missing the deadline can bar your right to compensation completely — don’t wait to speak to a PA car accident lawyer.
How long after a car accident can you sue in PA?
You can sue for up to two years after a car accident in PA. Pennsylvania law creates a limit of two years for pursuing financial compensation for a car accident. 42 PA Code section 5524 says that legal actions to recover damages for injury or death caused by wrongful death or negligence must be filed within two years. There are different time limits for different types of legal claims. How long you have to sue for a car accident in PA is two years.
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Does filing an insurance claim meet the statute of limitations?
No, filing an insurance claim does not meet the statute of limitations. Remember, just filing a claim with an insurance company isn’t enough to keep your claim from getting dismissed. Even if the insurance company promises that they’re still working on the case, that doesn’t meet the deadline in court. You must properly file the lawsuit in a court with jurisdiction. You may have the assistance of Philadelphia personal injury attorneys who can work quickly to bring your claim.
Is there a time limit on a car accident case after you file?
As a victim, you meet the statute of limitations when you initiate your case. After the time that you file, it may take some time to resolve the case. For the purpose of the statute of limitations, the amount of time that it takes to pursue the active case isn’t important. As long as you file the case at least one day before the expiration of the statute of limitations, you do not have a particular time frame to complete the case. Your Philadelphia personal injury attorney can pursue strategies to move the case quickly and help you get the justice that you deserve.
How our attorneys for Philadelphia personal injury claims can help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, our team of Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers can help. Our team of relentless legal professionals can work quickly and efficiently to advance your claim and meet the statute of limitations. Contact us today to talk about your case.
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