You Have Time Limits on Filing a Claim

In Louisiana, time limits to file a claim after an accident are called the statute of limitations. This is something you must pay careful attention to, because if you don't you may lose your ability to recover damages from an accident.

The statute of limitations limits the amount of time you have to initiate legal action. These limits can vary from state to state and from one type of case to another. If you let the time limit pass without taking action, you lose your right to recover money damages with certain exceptions in certain types of cases.

In Louisiana, in personal injury cases, the time limit is one year from the date of the injury. You must file within this year or lose your right to file.

In the case of an uninsured motorist, you have a little longer to file suit. You have two years from the date of the accident. File then or lose your rights.

Wrongful death cases must be filed within one year.

There are some exceptions to the statutory time limits. In these cases, the statute of limitations is “tolled.” An example may be when the victim is a minor at the time of the injury or mentally incompetent, or when the defendant has filed for bankruptcy.

In all cases, when you are unsure of your legal rights after an accident, contact a attorney just as soon as you can.
 
The Young Firm in New Orleans understands the serious nature of automobile and truck accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Louisiana car and truck accident attorney today at (866) 660-7220 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident or an accident with a truck.