When you’re involved in a car accident, it can be a stressful experience. You may be worried about your physical and mental well-being and how the accident will affect your life moving forward. Fortunately, you can take action to help put the pieces of your life back together after an accident. The first step is filing a car accident claim with the other driver’s insurance company. One of the main questions that most people ask when they are involved in a car accident is: How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Pennsylvania?
What is a Car Accident Claim?
A car accident claim is an act of filing a lawsuit against the other driver’s insurance company. This is often the first step that people take to start the process of recovering from an accident. It is important to note that you cannot create a lawsuit without first filing a car accident claim. By filing a claim, you are beginning to seek compensation for damages related to the accident legally. Car accident claims are typically pursued in civil court.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a “fault” state regarding car accident claims. This means that you must identify the other driver as responsible for your accident to file a lawsuit against them. There are time limits on when you can file a car accident attorney in Pennsylvania. You must file your car accident claim within two years of the date of the accident. If you wait longer than this period, the insurance company will not accept your claim. This means you will lose your right to pursue compensation for your damages.
Why Does It Matter When You Can File a Car Accident Claim?
There are several reasons why it is essential to know the deadline for filing a car accident claim. First, it is crucial to file the claim as soon as possible. In addition to the two-year deadline, you may have medical conditions that require treatment. If you wait too long to file the claim, you may miss the statute of limitations for submitting a lawsuit. This means that you may be unable to pursue compensation for your damages. Another essential reason to file the claim when the time limit ends is that you may have lost the other driver’s insurance information.
Tips for Filing a Successful Car Accident Claim
Here are a few tips that can help you successfully file a car accident claim:
– Know your rights: Make sure you understand your rights as a car accident victim. This can help you understand what you can expect from the insurance company.
– Be prepared: Gather all the evidence and details you can about the accident. This can help you successfully file the claim.
– Be persistent: If you are offered a low settlement, do not be afraid to ask for more. If you feel that the company is treating you unfairly, you can also consider contacting an attorney to help you pursue the claim.
Conclusion
A car accident can be a stressful experience. An accident may prompt you to wonder how long you have to file a claim. Fortunately, there is a specific timeline for filing a car accident claim in Pennsylvania. It is also important to remember that there are steps you can take to help you successfully file a car accident claim as soon as possible. These include documenting the accident, being prepared, and being persistent if you are offered a low settlement.
