What is the Statute of Limitations for a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles?

Statute-of-Limitations-for-a-Motorcycle-Accident-in-LA.jpg

Getting injured in a motorcycle accident can be a life-altering experience. The physical pain, emotional stress, and financial burden can be overwhelming. If another party caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, California law imposes a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit – the statute of limitations.

What is the Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is a law that sets a strict time limit on a victim’s right to pursue a case or make a legal claim after an incident occurs. These time limits vary depending on the type of case and the state where the incident occurred.

California’s statute of limitations gives you a certain period to file a lawsuit for injuries or damages stemming from a motorcycle accident. If you fail to file your claim before the statute of limitations expires, you may be permanently barred from recovering compensation even if the evidence proves the other party was at fault.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

For most personal injury cases related to motorcycle accidents in California, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident. This two-year window applies to claims for:

Bodily injuries
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Lost income/wages
And other damages resulting from the accident

It is crucial to note that the two-year clock starts ticking on the date the motorcycle accident occurred, not when you discovered your injuries or damages.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

While the standard statute of limitations is two years for most personal injury claims from motorcycle wrecks, there are a few key exceptions to be aware of:

Injury to a minor: If the victim was under 18 at the time of the accident, the two-year statute does not begin until their 18th birthday.
Lack of discovery: In some cases, injuries from a motorcycle crash may not be immediately apparent. California allows for a “delayed discovery” rule, which can pause the statute until the victim knows or reasonably should have known that their injury had occurred.
Property Damage Only: Claims for vehicle or property damage alone must be filed within three years of the accident date.
Claims against a government entity: When suing a California city, county, or state agency, you typically only have six months to file an initial claim. Strict notification procedures must also be followed.

As you can see, determining the correct statute of limitations in your motorcycle accident case can be quite complex. Even just a few weeks’ delay in filing could jeopardize your ability to recover damages.

Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

One of the biggest advantages of working with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney is ensuring your case adheres to all applicable statute of limitation deadlines. At Kosnett Law Firm, our lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of injury claims in California.

We know how to:

Accurately calculate your statute of limitations based on the specifics of your case
Identify any exceptions or extensions that may apply
Gather the necessary evidence to build a strong claim
File all paperwork promptly before the statute expires
Comply with special notice procedures if suing a government entity
Navigate the complex legal process to recover maximum compensation

Even if you think you may have missed the statute of limitations, it is still worth consulting our office. Depending on the details of your situation, there could be exceptions or avenues to request an extension.

Do Not Leave Money on the Table

After a serious motorcycle wreck, dealing with injuries, medical bills, and other losses is stressful enough without worrying about complex legal deadlines. By working with the Kosnett Law Firm, you can have peace of mind knowing your case will be filed properly and on time.

If your motorcycle accident case has merit, we will vigorously pursue the money you deserve by:

Calculating and meeting all applicable statutes of limitation
Investigating to prove the other party’s negligence
Handling negotiations with insurers to maximize your settlement
Taking your case to trial if the offer is too low

Do not let the statute of limitations stop you from getting fair compensation after a motorcycle accident in California. Our legal team is ready to fight for your rights. Get in touch with the Kosnett Law Firm today to get started.

Seek the Help of Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in California, Kosnett Law Firm can help. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to protecting your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for consultation.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles?