After an injury caused by another party, you can be left feeling confused, scared, and frustrated. There are several questions that might go through your head. What options do you have? How much time do I have? How long after an accident can you sue for personal injury in California? Understanding the answers to these questions is important, and the timeline for legal action starts the moment of the accident.
How We Can Help
Guenard & Bozarth, LLP has a proven track record of representing countless personal injury cases in Sacramento, Stockton, and the greater Northern California region. With decades of experience and millions of dollars in settlements obtained, our legal team is dedicated to pursuing maximum compensation for our clients.
California Personal Injury Laws
In California, the deadline for most personal injury claims is within two years of the date when the accident occurred. If planning to pursue legal action against the State of California, the deadline is much shorter at six months. There are some exceptions to these timelines, such as if the victim is a child. In that case, the two-year timeline starts only after they turn eighteen.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
When considering your own case, having a general idea of what may qualify as personal injury is good to know. The following are just a few of the many types of personal injury cases that Guenard & Bozarth, LLP can help with:
- Motor vehicle accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths. In 2020 alone, California saw 203,888 people injured and 3,982 deaths. These accidents can leave people with serious injuries and a variety of expenses, both for their health and their vehicle. If negligence is a factor, such as reckless or impaired drivers, a personal injury claim can help with recovery.
- Defective products. Personal injury claims in this category involve any manufactured item bought by the injured party. Some examples include mislabeling, unclear warnings, or inadequate testing. Products can run a wide range from electronic devices, vehicles, medical equipment, and even toys. No matter what the item is, the company is often at fault for any malfunction.
- Premises liability. Injuries that occur on others’ property, be it private or public, can often be due to negligence by the owners. A poorly maintained walkway resulting in a slip and fall, a runaway dog attacking someone, or sections of the building collapsing onto someone are all examples of this type of personal injury case.
- Construction incidents. Construction zones are a common sight in California. Those working at these sites have the proper training to know what sort of dangers they face. Pedestrians, drivers, and those around these spaces do not. Debris, poor signage, or unsafe conditions can all lead to unexpected accidents, leaving anyone close by injured.
- Catastrophic injuries. A catastrophic injury is any accident that results in a life-altering injury to the plaintiff. Injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or loss of limb all fall under this category. A catastrophic injury can involve any of the above factors, or others not mentioned here. They are serious cases that can leave someone permanently disabled for the rest of their life.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Attempting to prove on your own that another party is responsible for your injury can be difficult. That’s why it is a good idea to hire a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Sacramento injury attorneys can make a difference throughout every step of the process.
In personal injury claims, the responsibility falls on the injured party to prove that the negligence of the defendant was the primary reason for the injury. To do so, it is necessary to gather all the evidence possible to show that they were at fault.
Evidence can include things such as video recordings, witnesses, and paperwork that show the court that you were not at fault. A skilled personal injury attorney will be able to help you make a compelling case that can lead to a satisfying result.
Once negligence is proved, a personal injury attorney can obtain compensation for you for any medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering the ordeal has caused.
FAQ
Q: How Long Can You Sue Someone After a Car Accident in California?
A: Car accidents in California fall under the normal statute of limitations of two years for making a claim against the other parties involved. For instance, if a person were in a car accident on July 7th, 2025, they would have until July 7th, 2027, to pursue any legal action. On July 8th, 2027, the statute of limitations would expire, and they would no longer be able to make a claim for damages.
Q: What Exceptions Are There for the Two-Year Limit in California?
A: Most California personal injury cases will be restricted to the previously covered two-year statute of limitations. However, there are a few exceptions. The first is if you are interested in initiating a claim against the State of California for an accident. In that case, you have six months to act rather than the longer deadline. On the other hand, if the injury was inflicted on a child, then the two-year deadline does not take effect until they turn eighteen.
Q: At What Point Should You Consider Filing a Personal Injury Claim?
A: If you have suffered from an injury and believe that your injuries were the result of someone else’s wrongful act or negligence, it is wise to begin considering all of your options right away. A consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you decide what your ideal path forward is.
Schedule a Consultation Today – Exceptional Personal Injury Law Firm
The legal team at Guenard & Bozarth, LLP can help, no matter the details of your case. Our decades of experience as trial-ready personal injury attorneys working in Northern California have prepared us to confidently fight for your claim. Contact us today for a consultation so we can discuss the details of your personal injury claim.
