Laws called “statutes of limitations” tell you how long you have to file a claim after a personal injury event. After the statute of limitations has passed, your claim expires and you can no longer seek compensation. In Wisconsin, the general rule is that after a car accident, you have three years to file a claim. However, waiting anywhere near that long is not a good idea. In car crash cases, evidence has a way of vanishing quickly, often in a matter of days. If you were hurt in a car accident, getting in touch with a qualified attorney is urgent. Your attorney will want to start collecting evidence and building your case immediately.
How Long do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Wisconsin?
The amount of time you have to bring a claim after being injured in a car accident depends on a few variables. In general, the statute of limitations in Wisconsin is three years from the date of the accident. This can be problematic for people who suffer delayed injuries and do not realize the extent of their injuries for several months following the crash. This is one of the reasons it is important to call an attorney soon after the accident, even if you do not think you were seriously hurt.
There are several special circumstances that will affect the statute of limitations in car accident cases, including:
- Government employee – If the other driver was a government employee and working at the time of the accident, the time you have to file a claim goes down to 120 days.
- Minor or disabled victim – If a minor or disabled person was injured, that person has two years from the time they turn 18 years old or the disability is lifted to file a claim.
- Wrongful death – Eligible family members have two years to file a wrongful death claim resulting from a car crash.
- Victim with mental illness- A car accident victim who is mentally ill or mentally disabled has an extended period of five years to bring a claim.
Remember that just because these deadlines seem long does not mean you should wait to file a claim. The sooner you contact a lawyer and file a claim, the more likely it is that you will be able to collect the evidence you need to succeed.
Contact a Wisconsin Car Accidents Lawyer
If you were hurt in a car accident, do not wait to contact a qualified Green Bay car accident attorney. Evidence at the crash scene like tire tracks and broken glass is often cleaned up or destroyed by weather quickly. You will want your attorney to start investigating as soon as possible. Call Herrling Clark Law Firm Ltd. at 920-739-7366 to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/v/54