How Long do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

To ensure there is adequate time to determine all the damages you have suffered due to personal injuries, the state of Georgia allows you up to two years to file a claim.

Even minor mishaps can result in potentially serious injuries. Unfortunately, in the aftermath of an accident, the full extent of your symptoms, or any ongoing issues you are likely to suffer, may not be apparent for weeks or even months after it occurs. It takes time to recover and to determine all of the medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses you are likely to suffer, both now and in the years to come. As a result, Georgia allows you up to two years after the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance companies, however, are not nearly as generous in allowing you additional time to file your claim.

Giving Yourself Time to Recover from Personal Injuries

If you are in an accident, there are three important steps you need to take right away:

● Report it to local law enforcement or on-site security;

● Seek treatment for your injuries;

● Notify your insurance company.

If the person responsible for your injuries has insurance, you may be entitled to compensation in a claim filed against his or her policy. While it is important to act quickly in terms of notifying the insurer, you should proceed slowly when considering any settlements offered.

Pain Science reports that it can take six months to a year to recover from even non-life-threatening injuries, such as a muscle strain or sprain. Even after receiving treatment for personal injuries, additional symptoms can arise which require additional medical attention which in turn could cause you to miss additional time at work. In many cases, personal injuries end up developing into long term disabilities.

When Should You File a Personal Injury Claim?

Rather than going through an insurer, there are several situations in which it may make more sense to file a personal injury lawsuit instead. These include:

● When the at fault party lacks coverage;

● When the insurer denies or disputes your claim;

● When the amount offered is far below what you are likely to get in court.

Under Section 9-3-33 of the Georgia Code, you have up to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This allows you time to reach the maximum level of medical recovery, after which any ongoing effects are likely to be permanent. In many cases, filing a claim in court may also entitle you to additional types of compensation. This includes more extensive coverage of future costs and expenses, compensation for pain and suffering, and punitive damages in cases in which the at fault party’s actions were particularly willful and negligent.

Get the Guidance You Need from Our Norcross Personal Injury Attorneys

You have only one chance to get the compensation you need for accidental injuries in a claim. Before settling for less than what you deserve, get legal guidance you can count on from Zimmerman & Associates. Contact our Norcross personal injury attorneys today and request a free consultation.