Were you hurt in an accident caused by another party’s negligence? If so, you have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. However, you only have a limited amount of time to initiate the process. This raises an important question: How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Georgia? Most cases are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. Here, our Atlanta personal injury lawyer provides a more in-depth explanation of the statute of limitations.
Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Most Personal Injury Claims in Georgia
The statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum amount of time you have to pursue a certain type of legal claim. In Georgia, the personal injury statute of limitations is set by OCGA § 9-3-33. Under the law, most “actions for injuries to the person shall be brought within two years after the right of action accrues.” In other words, most personal injury claims in Georgia must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Failure to do so could deny you an opportunity to pursue compensation for your injuries. The two-year statute of limitations applies to:
- Car accidents;
- Truck accidents;
- Pedestrian collisions;
- Slip and fall accidents;
- Negligent security claims;
- Dog bite injury claims; and
- Other types of negligence cases.
Exceptions: The Statute of Limitations May Be Tolled in Certain Circumstances
There are some narrow exceptions to the statute of limitations in Georgia. In certain circumstances, the statute of limitations can be tolled (paused) to ensure equity and fairness. As an example, the statute of limitations may be tolled if the personal injury case involves a minor. A minor may have additional time to file a claim. The statute of limitations may also be tolled in a case involving a serious criminal attack, such as a sexual assault. If you have any questions about the exceptions to the statute of limitations in Georgia, call an Atlanta personal injury attorney for immediate help.
Be Proactive: Initiate the Personal Injury Claims Process as Early as Possible
Personal injury claims are complicated. To put yourself in the best position to get the full and fair compensation that you deserve, it is crucial that your accident/injuries are comprehensively investigated by an experienced attorney. You do not want to fall behind the defendant or their insurance company in the claims process. Nor do you want to risk falling outside of the statute of limitations. Protect your rights by speaking to an Atlanta personal injury lawyer right away.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta
At Ponton Law, our Atlanta personal injury lawyer has the professional skills and legal expertise to maximize your compensation. If you have any questions about the statute of limitations in a personal injury case, we are here to help. Call us today or send us a message online to arrange your free, fully confidential consultation. We represent injured victims throughout the region, including Atlanta, Brookhaven, Marietta, Norcross, Sandy Springs, and Stockbridge.