Not many experiences are as traumatizing as being involved in a car wreck. From physical and emotional injuries to pain and suffering and missed work, a car accident can impact your life in profound ways.
Accidents result in damages that cost money to fix. If you are involved in a car crash that is attributable to someone else’s reckless actions, you can pursue the liable party for financial restitution. But can you file your claim anytime you feel like it? Well, the short answer is no.
Ohio statute of limitations for personal injury
Ohio laws define the timeframe within which an injured party can sue the negligent party for damages. The legal jargon for this timeframe is the statute of limitations. Once the statute of limitation lapses, you may not file a lawsuit to claim damages for the accident. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for a car accident lawsuit is two years.
So why is the statute of limitations in place?
The state of Ohio imposes a deadline on the amount of time an accident victim can file a claim for several reasons. Claims are easier to deal with when the information is fresh. If people could claim decades after an event, the chance of reaching the correct verdict would be reduced, as memories would be hazy, and evidence may have been lost. It also allows people to carry on with their life after incidents without fear that a claim will one day appear.
If you sustain an injury or incur damages due to someone else’s reckless actions, you need to act. Understanding the statute of limitations can help you file your claim promptly and receive the compensation you deserve for your damages.