According to the California Code of Civil Procedure, if you’ve been in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, you have two years from the date of the accident to file an insurance claim or civil lawsuit. Two years may seem like plenty of time to file a claim, but it’s important to be aware of the purpose of a statute of limitations. Statutes of limitations are there to help preserve evidence, and in cases like accidents, much of the evidence relies on memory which can be forgotten or become clouded over time.
It’s also important to note that if you miss the two-year deadline, you risk losing your right to compensation. Exceptions to a statute of limitations are rare, usually only under special circumstances. The best thing to do is to file a claim as soon as possible and contact an attorney to ensure your memory of the accident is fresh and your right to compensation is preserved.