HOW LONG TO SUE FOR CAR ACCIDENT – INJURY ATTORNEY
Our MN lawyers are often asked, “how long do I have to sue after I was injured in a car accident?” In other words, what is the statute of limitations for a car accident?
Knowing the statute of limitations for your car accident case is important, especially if you were injured. This is because if you miss the statute of limitations, your case may be lost forever. Unfortunately, the date of the statute of limitations for your auto accident case is not something we can answer in a blog post; It depends on the facts of your specific situation.
Our strong suggestion, therefore, is that you call and speak with a top rated car accident lawyer about the specific facts of your case. That way, we can give you an accurate answer for your specific case. With that warning given, we will still provide some basic general information. Again, however, you should speak with an attorney regarding your situation. Do not rely solely on this general information.
The first thing to know about the statute of limitations for a Minnesota car accident injury case is the proper way to comply with it. You must do more than notify the other party about your claim; you have to actually start a lawsuit. Most car accident cases will be brought in state court. In MN state court, a lawsuit is started when the formal complaint is served on the defendant. In federal court, a lawsuit is started when the complaint is filed in court.
EXCEPTIONS TO STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS CAR ACCIDENT MN
Generally, for auto accident injury cases the MN statute of limitations is six years from the date of the accident. However, there are several important exceptions to this rule. Many of these exceptions make the statute of limitations shorter.
For example, if the car crash results in someone’s death, the statute of limitations for the surviving family is three years from the date of death.
Another important exception has to do with drunk driver cases. There is a notice requirement for a bar that may have illegally served the driver, as well as a two-year statute of limitations for a case against the bar.
Other exceptions that can reduce the statute of limitations include cases against a car manufacturer. For example, where there was a defect in the design or construction in the car. The time limit to sue the manufacturer for a car accident is shorter than the time to sue the other driver.
Some exceptions give you a longer time to sue for a car accident. For example, a child may have a longer time to sue. In some cases, the statute of limitations may be extended to the minor’s nineteenth birthday.
As mentioned, the statute of limitations for a car crash will depend on the facts of the individual case. Therefore, you should consult with an experienced lawyer to get the correct answer for your situation. In addition, even though the statute of limitations for many MN car accidents is 6 years, you should not wait that long. Cases tend to get worse over time – witnesses become harder to find, memories fade, etc. Therefore, our auto accident attorneys recommend that you contact us as soon as possible if you have a potential injury claim to preserve your rights and let us fully prepare your case.
CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER MN
Pam Rochlin and David Rochlin have more than 25 years’ experience representing people injured in car accidents. Pam Rochlin is one of MN’s few women personal injury super lawyers. She was the 2015 president of MN Women Lawyers Association and is a former partner at Meshbesher & Spence. When you contact our office, you will get a free consultation with an experienced auto accident lawyer. Our attorneys will help you determine the statute of limitations for your case, how long you have to sue after the car accident, and explain your rights to you.
One of our best car accident lawyers will meet with you at our offices in Minneapolis, Edina, St. Louis Park or Woodbury. If you have an injury from a car accident, one of our lawyers can also meet with you at your home in St. Paul MN, Roseville, White Bear Lake, Lino Lakes, Forest Lake, Brooklyn Park, and Maple Grove. We also go to Anoka, Champlin, Plymouth, Rogers. St. Cloud, Albert Lea, Chanhassen, Chaska, Mankato, Bloomington, Burnsville, and other cities throughout MN. Click here for other frequently asked questions.