How Long Should I Wait Before Filing My Claim?

Car accidents are often traumatic experiences that can cause catastrophic injuries and leave victims wondering what
their next steps should be. You might be wondering, is there a time limit for filing a personal injury claim after
an accident? Should I file my claim now, or wait? What happens if I file my claim too late?

In this FAQ, we’re going to explore the different options available to you in the wake of an accident when filing a
personal injury claim. Have other questions? Call our team today at 314-542-2222 or
618-272-2222. We don’t charge any fees for our consultations, and we never ask for
any attorneys fees unless we win your personal injury claim.

When Should File an Injury Claim?

After suffering injuries in an accident, it’s essential to seek immediate medical treatment and get an official
diagnosis from a doctor to understand the nature of your injuries. No accident is minor, but without prompt
treatment, injuries can rapidly worsen. A medical examination offers you the treatment you need, plus proof of your
injuries, which is essential when filing an injury claim. You might be thinking, can I still file a claim if I am
receiving treatment for my injuries? Yes, you should still file a claim if you’re getting treatment for your
injuries from the accident.

Accidents that happen on the job need to be reported to an employer within 30 days of the accident to file a valid worker’s compensation
claim, and personal injury claims have a time limit of up to five years after the accident. But, that doesn’t mean
that you should wait that long to file an injury claim. Evidence can quickly deteriorate, so it’s best to file
personal injury claims as soon as possible after the accident.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Injury Claims?

Each state has specific regulations for different types of accidents; this is called a Statute of Limitations. The statute of limitations can vary significantly
depending on the nature of the accident. For example, car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, and other
personal injury claims in Missouri need to be filed within five years of an accident occurring, while workers
compensation claims should be filed within two years of an incident. It’s essential to keep each of these time
limits in mind when filing your personal injury claim, as filing a claim beyond these time limits could result in a
lower settlement or forfeiting your right to compensation.

In the wake of an accident, it can be challenging to know what to do. No accident is minor, and each accident comes
with its own set of challenges. When you need help with your personal injury claim and want to make sure that you
recover the most compensation, you need our aggressive Personal Injury Lawyers in St. Louis by your side, offering
legal guidance for your case. Call our team at 314-542-2222 or 618-272-2222 today to explore the options available to your case.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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