What is a Statute of Limitations & How Does It Affect My Case?

You may have heard the term statute of limitations before in legal or business discussion and dismissed it as technical jargon that didn’t apply to you. But if you have been in an accident, you may want to listen up.

Like all states, Arizona has a law that is called the statute of limitations. This law sets a time limit on bringing a personal injury case to court. It affects any case you might file in court after an accident or injury. This includes car accidents, work place accidents, motorcycle accidents, and all other personal injury related accidents.

In Arizona, you typically have two years to file a lawsuit related to a personal injury. In most cases, this time limit starts running on the date of your accident or injury and actually ends the day prior to the two-year mark. So if you were in an accident on February 3, 2016, then February 2, 2018, is the last possible day you can file a lawsuit related to an injury incurred in that accident.

Although two years may seem like a long time to file a lawsuit, there are many cases in which this time period goes faster than expected. A prolonged recovery schedule from your medical provider or a difficult insurance company are just a few examples of circumstances that can easily eat away months of this time. If you do not bring your claim within the statute of limitations applicable to your case, you will lose your right to bring or continue your claim(s).

Not as typical, there are other circumstances where a different time limit may be imposed. For this reason, it is important to seek legal advice as promptly as possible after you are involved in an accident or suffered injuries. A good attorney will counsel with you regarding the merits of your case, the statute of limitations applicable to your particular injury, and direct you in finding the best solution possible.

Still have questions? Feel free to contact Moore Law today and we will help get you the answers you need.