Statute of Limitations in Connecticut Car Accidents
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, leaving you grappling with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. While you focus on recovery, it’s also important to remember that time is ticking on your right to seek compensation.
Connecticut law grants you the ability to pursue a claim against the responsible driver, but you need to act quickly. A legal principle known as the statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing your claim. Failing to act within this timeframe can have severe consequences, potentially barring you from seeking the settlement you deserve. New Haven motor vehicle accident attorneys can help you navigate your claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is generally two years from the date of the car accident. If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the two-year mark, the court will likely dismiss your case outright, regardless of its merit. This leaves you with no legal recourse to recover damages for your injuries, property damage, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.
No action to recover damages for injury to the person, or to real or personal property, caused by negligence, or by reckless or wanton misconduct, or by malpractice of a physician, surgeon, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor, advanced practice registered nurse, hospital or sanatorium, shall be brought but within two years from the date when the injury is first sustained or discovered or in the exercise of reasonable care should have been discovered, and except that no such action may be brought more than three years from the date of the act or omission complained of, except that a counterclaim may be interposed in any such action any time before the pleadings in such action are finally closed.
Are There Exceptions to Connecticut’s Statute of Limitations?
While the two-year limit is the general rule, Connecticut law recognizes certain exceptions that may extend or shorten the statute of limitations. These may include:
- The Discovery Rule: If the injury was not immediately obvious or could not be discovered right away, you may have longer to file a claim. The statute of limitations may begin from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered.
- Mental Incapacity: If you were mentally or physically incapacitated at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations may be paused until the period of incapacitation has passed.
- Claims Involving Minors: If you were a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations does not begin until your 18th birthday. You will have until your 20th birthday to initiate a claim.
- Claims Against the Government: If the accident was caused by a government employee or agency, you have a much shorter timeframe. Generally, you must initiate your claim within six months.
Speak to a Connecticut Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Today
Time is critical after a car accident in Connecticut, which is why you should reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. The attorneys at Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante can evaluate your situation and take prompt action to protect your interests.
Our New Haven injury lawyers understand Connecticut’s statute of limitations laws and how they may impact your case. Contact us today at (203) 333-3333 to learn more about your legal options and identify your filing deadline.