Getting into a car accident can be overwhelming, and dealing with the aftermath of medical bills, insurance claims, and lost wages only adds to the stress. If you’ve been injured in an accident, understanding your legal rights and the time limits for filing a claim is crucial. Acting quickly can help protect your ability to recover compensation and ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.
At Koller Baker & Associates, we help car accident victims across Oklahoma pursue the compensation they deserve. Our experienced personal injury attorneys guide clients through every step of the legal process, ensuring their claims are filed on time and handled properly. Here’s everything you need to know about how long you have to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
Oklahoma law sets a strict deadline for filing personal injury claims after a car accident. This is known as the statute of limitations. In most cases:
- You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- If the accident resulted in a fatality and you are filing a wrongful death claim, you also have two years from the date of death to file.
- Claims for property damage, such as vehicle repairs, must also be filed within two years of the accident.
Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Exceptions to the Two-Year Deadline
While two years is the general rule, some exceptions could extend or shorten the filing deadline:
- Claims Against the Government: If your accident involved a government-owned vehicle or entity, you must file a notice of claim within one year of the accident, and you may have even less time to act.
- Minors and Incapacitated Individuals: If the injured party is a minor or legally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be paused until they turn 18 or regain capacity.
- Discovery Rule: In rare cases, if injuries from the accident were not immediately apparent, the clock may start from the date the injury was discovered rather than the date of the crash.
If you’re unsure whether any exceptions apply to your case, consulting an attorney as soon as possible is critical to protecting your claim.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly
Even though you have up to two years to file a lawsuit, waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reports can become harder to obtain over time. Insurance companies may also try to delay or deny claims if too much time has passed.
Taking action early gives your attorney time to:
- Gather crucial evidence before it disappears.
- Speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Prepare a strong case if a lawsuit becomes necessary.
Contact Koller Baker & Associates Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Oklahoma, don’t wait to take legal action. The sooner you get started, the better your chances of securing the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. At Koller Baker & Associates, we are committed to fighting for car accident victims and ensuring they get the justice they deserve.
Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.
