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Home > Accident Attorney > WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO FILE A LAWSUIT FOR MY ACCIDENT IN CALIFORNIA?

Written by Jelena Tiemann and Peter B. Tiemann

Last Updated : December 22, 2021

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO FILE A LAWSUIT FOR MY ACCIDENT IN CALIFORNIA?

Posted on Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 at 12:15 am    

If you are involved in a traffic accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages if the other driver was at fault. Under California’s personal injury laws, a person who causes an accident can be held liable for damages caused by the accident. However, you must file a claim to recover compensation for your damages.

Filing an Insurance Claim for an Accident

In most cases, accident victims file a claim with the driver’s insurance provider. Liability insurance covers the damages sustained by victims in an accident caused by the insured. However, insurance companies are not required by law to automatically pay all claims filed against an insured. The victim must prove that the driver caused the crash to recover compensation.

An insurance company may deny an accident claim for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons may be legally valid; however, an insurance company may deny a claim because it does not want to pay a large settlement. In other cases, the insurance company may undervalue a claim to avoid paying a higher amount to the accident victim.

You have the right to consult with a Sacramento personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement from the insurance company. It is usually in your best interest to talk with an attorney to ensure that you receive a fair and just amount for your claim.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a California Traffic Accident

In some cases, the insurance company may not negotiate a fair and just amount for your accident claim. You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. The lawsuit is filed against the driver, even though his insurance company will likely hire an attorney to defend the lawsuit.

Pursuant to California’s Statute of Limitations, you have just two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you do not file your lawsuit within two years, you may lose your right to recover compensation for your claim. A statute of limitation is a deadline for filing lawsuits for specific causes of action. The deadlines vary based on the causes of action. Traffic accidents fall within the two-year deadline for filing lawsuits.

There are situations in which the statute of limitations may change. In some cases, the deadline may be extended, as in the case of a minor who is injured in an accident. However, there are cases in which the deadline to file a claim is very short, as in a case involving a government entity.

Because the factors in your case may affect the calculation of the deadline to file a lawsuit, it is best to contact a Sacramento personal injury attorney as soon after an accident as possible. Even though you may have two years to file a lawsuit, an attorney can help you throughout the case by handling the insurance company and helping you avoid mistakes that could hurt your chance of recovering full compensation for your claim.

Call a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney Now

Do not wait to talk to a Sacramento personal injury attorney about your case. You can talk to one of our lawyers free of charge about your claim. Call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our injury lawyers in Sacramento.

Categories: Accident Attorney, Accident Injury, Attorney At Law, California, Law Firm, Lawyers, Personal Injury, Personal Injury Lawyer, Sacramento

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Client Testimonials

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.

Dawniel Ewing Testimonial
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I have nothing but great things to say about this firm. They have been extremely helpful and professional when dealing with my case. Anytime I needed anything or wanted to be updated they responded immediately. They made me feel like they cared. Highly recommend them!

Michael T. Testimonial
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I sat down and met with Jelena Tiemann about my vehicle accident.I presented all of my documentation to her in which she gave me her assessment.Although the Tiemann Law Firm wont be representing me because my settlement offer was pretty good she was very clear,forward and professional about what she felt could and couldn't be done.I recommend this law firm to anyone who needs a helping hand at fighting a case where you don't have to worry about the outcome not going in your favor. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.

Herb T. Testimonial
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The Tiemanns were referred to me by a friend and I am exceptionally happy with the service I received. I had never been in an accident before. I had no idea what to do. Jelena verbally explained how everything would work to me, and she and Peter handled everything. I didn't have to lift a finger once. They went above and beyond for me and I am extremely grateful. I pray I won't ever need this type of assistance again, but I will definitely be referring them to friends and family.

Jennifer T. Testimonial
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I highly recommend The Tiemann Law Firm! I had never before been in a situation where I sustained injury and had to seek legal representation. I was nervous, traumatized, and had no idea what to expect. Jelena, Peter, and their staff walked me through each step of the process. They explained everything in detail. They patiently answered all my questions, responded quickly to every email, text message, phone call, etc. I felt totally prepared for each new phase of the legal process. Furthermore, they were fearless in their defense of me. In certain situations, when I felt attacked or scared my attorney protected me like I was family. Their diligence, honesty, integrity, and compassion provided a true sense of healing and closure for my family and I. The Tiemann Law Firm accomplished more for me than I ever thought possible and I am forever grateful.

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

S.B. Testimonial
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Here's the thing... Nobody really thinks much about lawyers until they need one.  Well, we needed one!  The Tieman Law Firm came through for us in a big way. They were professional, courteous, thorough, and had excellent staff as well.  Highly recommended...

Star Fire Testimonial
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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Jereme S. Testimonial
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No one wants to have to hire a lawyer, but if you do. I prefer Tiemann Law. They helped a family member who was injured on the job, and the company did not want to compensate him even though, the injury occurred on the job on company time. Jelena was always professional in explaining the lengthy process of fighting a large corporation. 2 years later he finally is receiving the deserved compensation.

Maye Ly Testimonial
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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Matt H. Testimonial
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I was in a car accident a while back where I was injured and had to miss work for an extended period of time.  After nearly a year of fighting with the insurance company with no results and no progress, I met with Jelena Tiemann.  I couldn't have asked for a more responsive and supportive advocate.  We quickly reached a settlement and I finally was able to move from the stress and burden of feuding with my insurance.  I highly recommending meeting with Jelena if you're in need of a lawyer.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Lendzey Garcia
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I was in a very bad/ major car accident I originally had an attorney who wasn’t trying to help me out much or take any of my calls so I called Tiemann and told them my situation. They made it an AWESOME and Smooth transition over to them and took on both cases I had. I just settled on my big case and am beyond great full. For them and their team! I highly recommend them. To add on to this a little On how much they will work with you, I moved to Montana in the middle of all Of this and it was not an issue!