Life often moves quickly after a car accident, with medical appointments, vehicle repairs and work responsibilities taking priority over legal matters. You might suddenly realize months have passed since your accident while you still face mounting medical bills and ongoing pain.
Many accident victims worry they may have waited too long to file a case for their injuries and damages. The good news is that New York law typically provides accident victims with significant time to file claims. However, acting sooner rather than later offers important advantages.
Understanding New York’s time limits for accident claims
Knowing the legal deadlines that apply to your specific situation can help you protect your right to compensation. Don’t ignore these key elements that may shape your circumstances:
- Three-year statute of limitations: New York state law gives you three years from the date of your car accident to file a personal injury case against the responsible party.
- No-fault insurance deadlines: You must file your application for no-fault benefits with your own insurance company within 30 days of the accident to receive coverage for medical expenses and lost wages.
- Government entity claims: If your accident involved a government vehicle or resulted from poor road maintenance, you may face much shorter notice requirements of just 90 days to file a notice of claim.
- Minor victims: Cases involving children under 18 may have extended deadlines, as the statute of limitations typically doesn’t begin until the child reaches adulthood.
These timeframes represent the absolute legal deadlines. Waiting until the last minute can create serious challenges for your case.
Why you should act quickly even months after your accident
Taking action now helps preserve your legal rights and strengthens your potential claim. Keep these key considerations in mind:
- Important evidence like skid marks, vehicle damage and witness memories fade over time
- Insurance companies could become more skeptical of claims filed months after accidents
- Medical documentation becomes more difficult to connect directly to the accident
- Your attorney needs adequate time to investigate and build a compelling case
Even if several months have passed since your accident, consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
You still have time to pursue compensation for your car accident injuries under New York law. Speaking with an experienced attorney today gives you the best chance of recovering the full compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.