Boston Injury Attorney Blog
At-fault perpetrators should compensate car accident victims for their injuries. However, you must submit your complaint under the appropriate rules of procedure in order to get compensation. Additionally, Massachusetts has a three-year statute of limitations on vehicle accident injuries claims. There is a chance that your case may be dismissed entirely if you fail to meet the deadline.
If you have been in a car accident, speak with an auto accident attorney at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. The attorneys at Bellotti Law Group will fight aggressively for your rights. Call 617-225-2100 for a free consultation today!
Lawsuits for Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Every state has its own set of rules that govern when a prospective plaintiff may start a civil lawsuit. When it comes to vehicle accidents, the date on which the cause of complaint accumulates is nearly often the same as the date of the accident itself. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260 Section 2A, the statute of limitations for vehicle accident injuries cases is two years since the date of the injury. The sooner you take action, the sooner you will get the damage compensation you deserve.
A Few Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
Fortunately, there are several exceptions to the statute of limitations for vehicle accident injuries, and being aware of these exceptions might be significant and beneficial. For example, in Massachusetts, the clock does not begin to tick until the victim reaches the age of majority (18 years old in Massachusetts) or until their mental competency has been restored.
Another exemption occurs in the case of a car accident in which the at-fault motorist departs Massachusetts after the collision. The defendant’s time spent outside of the Commonwealth may be deducted from the time required to run under the statute of limitations in your case, if the court so orders. In other words, as long as the responsible person is outside of the state, the clock will continue to run at its current speed.
Notification Guidelines for Filing a Lawsuit Following a Car Accident
There are a number of exceptions to the four-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims that may allow you to file a lawsuit against a government organization after the four-year period has expired. It is possible that state, county, or municipal government agencies may be liable for your injuries if one of its agents was responsible for the accident. Some examples of these scenarios include collisions involving school buses, police cars, or other vehicles operated by the government or the military, among others.
To initiate a case against them effectively, most governments need plaintiffs to give them prior notice. These notification requirements are usually less than the three-year statute of limitations in the state. The exact period for notification will be determined by the nature of the case and the government entity involved. Rather than attempting to figure out what restrictions apply to your case on your own, we highly advise you to call our Cambridge car accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Car Accident
Wrongful death lawsuits are similar to vehicle accident claims because they are time-limited. Wrongful death lawsuits in Massachusetts must be filed within three years. The clock starts ticking on the day of the victim’s death, not the date of the accident.
Wrongful death cases may take even longer to prepare than personal injury claims because you must identify and inform all potential beneficiaries of the action. Our automobile accident lawyers can guide you through this challenging procedure.
Conclusion
Under Massachusetts law, the statute of limitations for vehicle accident injury claims is three years, save in circumstances where the victim is under 18, mentally ill, or injured outside of Massachusetts. If you have been injured in a car accident, you should be aware of the statute of limitations for bringing a claim.
Car accidents may be highly stressful to cope with, and it can be challenging to know what to do next. A personal injury lawyer can help safeguard your rights in the event of a vehicle accident, so don’t hesitate to get one. If you or a loved one has been harmed or injured in a car accident, call Bellotti Law Group, P.C. at 617-225-2100 for a free consultation.