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When you’re in a car accident, you face strict deadlines for filing your claim. One of the most important deadlines is the “statute of limitations.” This refers to the set of Georgia state laws that determine how long victims have to file a case in court.
However, the statute of limitations is not the only deadline in your case. At every step of the way, there are actions you need to take and timelines in which to take them—and sooner is usually better than later. Below, we’ll cover all of the major deadlines, both official and unofficial, that you face.
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
State law sets different deadlines depending on the type of accident and the type of damages you seek. That means:
- You have only 6 months to file a claim if your accident involves a city or county vehicle (in most locations; some localities may have different deadlined)
- You have 1 year to file a claim if your accident involves a state vehicle
- You have 2 years to file in most other types of cases, if you are seeking money for injuries
- You have 4 years to file if you are only seeking money for property damage (car repairs)
- There is a separate process if your claim involves a federal government vehicle, with an initial 2-year timeline.
Other Deadlines for Car Accident Claims in Georgia
The statute of limitations isn’t the only deadline you face. In addition, be aware of these timelines:
- Call police immediately. In many cases, it is mandatory to call police at the scene of any accident in Georgia. You will need a police report to make the strongest insurance claim possible.
- Call your insurance company within 24 hours if possible. You need to report the accident to your own insurance company even if the other driver was at fault. Many insurance policies require that you do this immediately, or as soon as physically possible after the accident.
- See a doctor sooner rather than later. If your injuries are minor, you should still schedule a doctor appointment within a week or so of the accident. This shows that you were injured from the start and that you took your injuries seriously. This makes your claim much stronger than if you put off getting medical care.
Last, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. A good lawyer will give you a free consultation to help you understand how much money you should expect and what you should do to get it. This costs you nothing and it could end up getting you a lot more money from the insurance company—money that can make a big difference as you recover.
John Foy & Associates is here to help. We offer a FREE consultation with no obligation. If you hire us, we charge nothing unless we get you money. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
