Car wrecks happen all the time. If you sustain an injury and/or property damage in a car wreck that is not your fault, Oklahoma negligence laws allow you to pursue the liable party for financial restitution.
However, while it can be consoling to know that you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, you need to understand that you cannot file your personal injury claim at the time of your convenience.
Oklahoma statute of limitations for personal injury
Every state has laws that define the time period within which you can file a civil lawsuit against the negligent party. This time period is known as the statute of limitations. When it comes to car accidents, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Oklahoma is two years. Meaning, that if you sustain an injury or property damage following a car accident, you have exactly two years from the date of the accident to sue the responsible party for damages. If the period lapses before filing your claim, you may lose the legal right to compensation no matter how strong your case might be.
Why is the statute of limitations in place?
The statute of limitations is meant to serve three essential functions:
- Ensure timely resolution of the case: The statute of limitations avoids people having to worry for the rest of their life that someone could sue them over a past event.
- Evidence preservation: Waiting long to file a claim in a case where a witness’ account is key, like a car accident case, can lead to inaccuracies and conflicting memory.
A car accident can leave you hurt, disoriented and confused. Find out how to safeguard your rights while pursuing your personal injury claim.