How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury in Utah?
Experiencing a car accident can be incredibly traumatic, often resulting in immediate and severe injuries. However, not all injuries are apparent right away; some may manifest hours, days, or even weeks later due to the delayed onset of symptoms.
When adrenaline floods your system after an accident, it can mask pain and injury. As stress hormones decrease, pain and other symptoms may begin to surface. In other instances, injuries may develop later due to internal factors such as inflammation or bleeding.
So, how long after an accident can you file a claim for compensation in Utah?
Understanding Utah’s Statute of Limitations
Most victims of car accidents file claims promptly to address immediate concerns such as medical bills and lost wages. However, delays can occur, especially if insurance companies dispute or deny claims, necessitating legal action. Additionally, some injuries may only be diagnosed much later, such as when a persistent backache is revealed to be a herniated disc caused by the accident.
In Utah, personal injury lawsuits, including those for car accident injuries, must generally be filed within a four-year statute of limitations.
But…
There are exceptions to Utah’s 4-year statute of limitations
What are the Exceptions to Utah’s 4-Year Statute of Limitations?
- Delayed Discovery of Injuries: If injury symptoms appear later, you have four years from the date the injury is discovered to file a claim.
- Minors: If the victim is under 18, they have until four years after their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit.
- Incapacitation: If the victim is unconscious or incapacitated following the accident, they have four years from the date they regain cognitive function to file a lawsuit.
- Government Entities: If the claim involves a government entity, such as a road maintenance agency or public transportation service, the claim must be filed within one year of the accident.
Collecting Evidence to Support Your Injury Claim
To successfully claim compensation for car accident injuries, thorough documentation is essential. Start by seeking a comprehensive medical evaluation immediately after the accident. Your doctor should provide a detailed report outlining your injuries, treatment recommendations, and prognosis for recovery.
This medical documentation is crucial for substantiating your injury claim, particularly in cases where the injury was not immediately apparent. Proper documentation becomes even more critical if you need to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired.
For effective legal support, consider hiring a reputable personal injury law firm like Handy & Handy Attorneys At Law. Their attorneys specialize in car accident injury claims and ensure all necessary documentation is meticulously gathered and presented. Contact Handy & Handy Attorneys At Law today for a free consultation.
