If you are in an accident in Washington, you need to act quickly to take legal action against those at fault for your injuries. If you wait too long, you might lose the chance to get the financial support you need. What do you need to know?
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Washington?
Under Washington law, you generally have three years from the day of the accident to start a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations.
You may have longer to file in some situations.
While the three-year rule applies to most personal injury cases in Washington State, there are exceptions. For example:
- The injured person is under 18: If the injured person is a minor, the three-year period does not start until they turn 18. Once they are an adult, they have three years to file the lawsuit.
- You did not notice your injuries immediately: If the injuries are not obvious right away, the time limit might start only when the injured person discovers – or should have discovered – the injury. This is often called the “discovery rule.”
- The defendant left the state: If the person responsible for the accident leaves Washington, the time they are gone might not count in the three-year period. This prevents people from avoiding responsibility by leaving the state.
These exceptions mean that the statute of limitations could depend on your unique situation. A personal injury attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations that applies in your case.
What happens if time runs out?
It is important to keep the three-year time limit in mind after an accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within this period, you usually will be unable to file a lawsuit or receive compensation.
Remember, the clock starts ticking on the date of your accident in Washington State. It is crucial to understand and act within this time frame to protect your right to seek justice and compensation.