If you have been injured in an accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of a third party, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your suffering and related expenses by filing a personal injury claim. In order for your claim to be legitimate, you will have to file it within a certain period of time. This window is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations varies depending on the state and the crime committed, but usually floats between one and six years. Although there are instances in which the circumstances surrounding the statute of limitations will vary, in general:
- The statute of limitations begins on the day the accident occurs or when the crime is committed.
- You can not file a personal injury claim after the statute of limitations has run its course, nor can you be prosecuted for a crime.