If you are the victim of a car accident, you need to understand the Washington car accident claim deadlines. These deadlines will outline the Seattle car accident statute of limitations, which will have a significant impact on your ability to get compensation. If you don’t follow these deadlines, you risk not having your claim considered and losing your right to a settlement.
At NBF Accident Law, our auto accident attorneys in Washington are dedicated to providing our clients with the legal guidance they need as they begin filing a car accident claim. Our attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf to protect your rights, help you stay organized, and follow all the steps needed to file a successful claim.
Deadlines for Filing Different Types of Claims
Depending on the type of claim you are filing, you may have to follow a different deadline. For instance, personal injury claim timelines in Washington may look different than other claims, like wrongful death claims. You need to understand the specific statute of limitations for the claim you are filing so that you don’t accidentally bypass the deadline and lose your right to compensation.
Here is a breakdown of the deadlines you need to follow according to Washington state laws:
- Property damage: File your claim three years from the date that your property sustained the damage.
- Personal injury: File your claim three years from the date of the accident or the date the injury was diagnosed.
- Wrongful death: File your claim three years from the date of your loved one’s death.
The reality is that if you miss the deadline to file your claim, you will no longer be entitled to compensation. That is why it is essential that you act quickly and file your claim immediately, if at all possible.
Deadline Exceptions in Washington
Something to keep in mind is that there are some exceptions to the Washington car accident claim deadlines, depending on the situation. As you can tell from the deadlines outlined above, the average statute of limitations is three years. However, here are some unique situations that could alter this:
- For minors, the three-year deadline begins when they turn 18.
- For those who are deemed mentally incompetent, the deadline begins when they’re competency returns.
- The deadline may be shorter if the at-fault vehicle was a federal vehicle.
- You may not have to follow the deadline if your injuries were sustained from an uninsured driver and you have uninsured motorist coverage.
- For injuries discovered later on, the deadline will begin on the date the injuries were discovered or diagnosed.
If you believe that any of these unique situations apply to you, which would give you a more flexible deadline, you need to hire an auto accident attorney. An attorney will help you navigate the claims process, ensuring you are able to get compensation even if you have missed the general three-year deadline.
Steps to Take to Meet Deadlines
Navigating what comes next after an auto accident can be overwhelming, especially when you consider the importance of following the deadlines. However, there are a few things you can do to be better prepared and organized so that you do not miss the filing deadline and lose your right to compensation.
Hire an Attorney
To ensure you follow the personal injury or property damage claim time limits, you need to hire an auto accident attorney. An attorney will be up-to-date with the latest deadlines for the different types of claims, ensuring you understand the deadlines for your situation.
Your attorney will take over many tasks for you, such as negotiating with insurance companies and gathering evidence. Additionally, an attorney can examine your situation to help you understand whether or not you qualify for a more flexible deadline if you meet one of the exceptions.
Start Your Claim Immediately
It is never a good idea to wait to file an auto accident claim, especially if you are worried about the deadline. Not only does filing quickly eliminate the risk of missing the deadline, but it also ensures all of your evidence will be fresh and easily accessible.
Gather Documentation
A common issue Washington residents run into when trying to file an auto accident claim is not having enough documentation. This can put your chances of receiving compensation at risk as well as stretch out the claims process.
Before you file your claim, make sure you have gathered as much evidence as possible to prove fault and the extent of your damages.
FAQ Section
What if I discover injuries after the deadline?
Washington law has exceptions for auto accident victims whose injuries were not immediately apparent. This is a common scenario, and if this applies to your situation, the deadline for filing your claim will be moved to the date you discovered the injury.
Can the statute of limitations be extended?
There are several scenarios where the statute of limitations for claims is extended, but you must be able to prove that you qualify for the extension.
How soon should I contact a lawyer after an accident?
Ideally, you should contact your lawyer as soon as possible after an accident so that they can begin working on your claim immediately. Your attorney will play an essential role in helping you gather information, such as witness testimonies, and will help you stay organized so that you meet the claim deadline.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer at NBF Accident Law
Washington car accident claim deadlines can have a serious impact on your claim if you don’t file your claim within the designated time. This could result in you losing the right to receive compensation, which is something you most likely need to recover from your damages.
At NBF Accident Law, our auto accident lawyers will fight purposefully on behalf of our clients, helping you to file your claim in time to receive the compensation you deserve. We will help you with every step of this process, from understanding the deadlines to filing a thorough claim with the necessary evidence.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
