Missouri & Illinois
After a car accident happens, crash victims only have a limited amount of time to pursue financial recovery via a car accident case. This time frame is known as the statute of limitations, and it differs from state to state.
Filing an auto accident claim within the statute of limitations is crucial to its success – and victims’ overall recoveries – as failing to meet this filing deadline can result in a claim dismissal.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Missouri
In Missouri, the statue of limitations for car accident cases is five (5) years.
In other words, the accident survivor (which could be an injured driver, passenger, bicyclist, pedestrian, motorcycle rider, etc. – or which could be a family who has lost a loved one to a deadly wreck) has five years from the date of their accident to file a civil lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Illinois
In Illinois, the statue of limitations for car accident cases is two (2) years. While this can seem like plenty of time to take action, the truth is that:
- It can go by quickly, especially when injured people are focused on healing.
- As time passes, it’s not uncommon for the strength of these cases to be diluted (as evidence can go missing, witnesses’ memories fade, bills get lost, etc.).
So, the real bottom line when it comes to case filing deadlines, is that it’s generally better to move forward sooner, rather than later, when accident victims are serious about their financial recoveries.
When the Statute of Limitations States
In general, the clock starts ticking on the statute of limitations for a car accident case on either:
- The date on which the crash occurred
- The date on which the victim became aware of his or her injuries.
Contact a St Louis Auto Accident Lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law
If you have been hurt in an auto accident, don’t hesitate to contact a St Louis auto accident lawyer at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law. We have a long-standing commitment to serving our clients, and we are experienced at aggressively defending our clients’ rights in any legal setting.
To learn more about how we can help you, attend a free, no obligations initial consult with a St Louis auto accident lawyer at Brown & Brown. You can schedule this meeting by calling us at 573-333-3333 for our Missouri office or at 618-888-8888 for our Illinois office. You can also email us using the form at the right-hand side of the screen.
