In Alabama and Virginia, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. In South Carolina and North Carolina, you have three years. There are exceptions for delayed discovery of injury, fraud and toxic exposure. You have just six months to start a claim against a municipality in Alabama and Virginia, and two years in South Carolina and North Carolina. The laws in other states are different. You should never wait to contact a lawyer. It might seem like two years is a long time, but you need time to investigate and build your case. Talking to the insurance company doesn’t protect your rights. You must file your case before time runs out.