If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, the law provides an opportunity to seek compensation for the losses incurred. However, you won’t have an indefinite amount of time to pursue your personal injury case. Every state has a statute of limitations in place that restricts how long a person has to recover damages. Thus, it’s important not to wait to hire an attorney and begin the claims process. Below is some information you must understand about the filing deadline in Ohio.  

A Guide to Ohio’s Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims

1. Timeframe to File a Claim

Ohio law allows car accident victims to file a personal injury claim for up to two years from the date of the incident. This is the same timeframe afforded to most personal injury cases in the state. If you are a surviving family member pursuing a wrongful death claim on behalf of someone who died in a crash, the two-year statute of limitations begins on the date the death occurred, which may be different from the date of the collision. 

2. Exceptions to the Rule 

Although rare, there are certain situations in which the statute of limitations does not apply. For instance, filing deadlines are extended for minors who have sustained injuries. The statute of limitations for minors begins from the date of their eighteenth birthday rather than the date they were injured. It is also possible to get a filing extension if a victim’s injuries aren’t discovered until after the date the accident happened. In this case, the statute of limitations starts when the injuries were realized. 

3. Consequences of Missing the Deadline 

Under most circumstances, statutes of limitation are strictly enforced. Failing to take action before the deadline has passed typically means you lose your right to recover damages. If you file after the allotted time, it’s likely your case will be automatically dismissed. This could leave you facing significant financial burden from medical expenses and lost wages. Although two years may seem like a long time, you shouldn’t wait to contact an attorney, as claims can take a while to prepare and negotiate. 

After suffering injuries from a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who will fight to uphold your right to compensation. The legal team at Pater, Pater & Halverson has helped numerous Hamilton, OH, residents navigate the complexities of filing a personal injury claim. The firm has a longstanding history of success that dates back to 1889, and many clients have benefited from their attorneys’ effective counsel and representation. Call (513) 867-1411 to schedule a case review or visit their website for additional information.