Car accidents can be utterly devastating. Physical injuries and vehicular damage disrupt your routine and require you to scramble to set up alternatives. The last thing you should worry about is how successful you might be at trial.
A dedicated and knowledgeable car collision attorney is an excellent addition to your support system in sensitive situations like these. The Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. can help you and your family navigate a claim, including any deadlines due to the Aurora car accident statute of limitations. Call our office today for more information.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
From the moment you collide with another driver, a clock counts down the amount of time you have to sue the other driver for injuries or loss related to the car accident. This running clock is commonly known as the statute of limitations.
Many car accident claims are based on a negligence theory. This means that one driver sues another for operating their vehicle in an unreasonable manner. If you bring a car accident claim in Illinois under a theory of negligence, 735 ILCS 5/13-202 provides that you have two years to file your claim.
After a car wreck, you may be hospitalized for injuries, scheduling surgeries and doctor’s appointments, and attending physical therapy. All the while, you are losing time to sue for these injuries in court. If you fail to file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out, you may lose your right to sue for these injuries, making it crucial to act promptly.
While two years may seem like a long time, filing a lawsuit involves specific procedures, research, and possibly expert witnesses. This can be overwhelming, especially after a crash. However, an experienced personal injury attorney in Aurora could help manage a car collision claim and ensure it is filed within the statute of limitations, making the process more manageable for you.
What if my Loved One Died Because of the Car Accident?
When a person dies in a car crash, you may be able to sue for wrongful death. According to Illinois law, a car crash claim under a theory of wrongful death has a statute of limitations of five years. Again, this may seem like a long time, but there are additional matters that need to be resolved after a loved one’s wrongful passing.
For example, lawyers will ask what role your loved one played in the family. Was your loved one the primary caretaker of your children? Was their income a majority of the household income? These questions are important because they demonstrate your loved one’s contributions to the family unit.
No matter the severity of the collision, it is imperative to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Even if you do not have all the information you need to begin the lawsuit, they can at least help you manage the information that will be important at trial. The statute of limitations is only one example of information that car crash lawyers in Aurora manage for a successful lawsuit.
Talk to an Aurora Attorney About the Car Accident Statute of Limitations
When you or someone you know has recently been in a car crash, consult the lawyers at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. Illinois law requires that you sue the other driver within the statute of limitations. However, it does not require that your suit be completed within this time.
Contact our hardworking and well-versed attorneys at your earliest convenience to get started on filing your claim within the Aurora car accident statute of limitations.