How Quickly Should I File a Claim After a New Hampshire Crash?

The moments after a car accident in New Hampshire can be extremely daunting. You might want to focus more on your medical treatment during this healing process, and understandably so. At the back of your mind, however, you might also worry about time limits associated with potential legal action. How long can you wait before filing a car accident claim?

The Statute of Limitations Gives You Three Years

The most obvious legal time limit to consider in this scenario is the statute of limitations. In New Hampshire, if you do not file your claim within three years of when you knew or should have known that you were the victim of negligence, you will lose the right to pursue compensation. In other words, you usually have three years from the date of your accident to file a claim. Other states may have different deadlines, so it is important to talk to an attorney familiar with the laws of your state.

That being said, the statute of limitations can be deceptively complex. There can be exceptions if one was unaware that they had been the victim of negligence, if one was a minor at the time of injury, or if one was mentally incompetent at the time of injury. There may also be circumstances in which the statute of limitations is shorter, or the law requires written notice to the at-fault entity. For example, claims against the federal government must be administratively filed within two years of the date of injury, and claims against municipalities may require written notice.

Always Prioritize Your Health First

Although these legal time limits might seem daunting, your typically would have time to prioritize your health before considering a claim. Your health should always be your first priority.   

The Sooner You File Your Claim, the Better 

As a general rule, evidence becomes less reliable the longer you wait. If you delay unnecessarily, it might be challenging to prove negligence and pursue the compensation you deserve. Key witnesses might no longer be available to testify on your behalf years after an accident. Other evidence might get lost or damaged.

It doesn’t take long to contact a lawyer and get the ball rolling. Once you do, your attorneys can research your case and gather evidence on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Can an Auto Accident Lawyer in New Hampshire Help Me?

Although the statute of limitations gives you plenty of time to file a claim after an accident, it is generally a good idea to get started with this legal process as soon as possible. Prioritize your medical treatment, but consider calling a car accident lawyer in New Hampshire as soon as you are able. With help from a firm like Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC, you should be able to get started relatively quickly.

Source:

 courts-state-nh-us.libguides.com/c.php?g=898094&p=6460814