How Long After a Car Accident Can I Claim an Injury in WA?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Washington State, you don’t have unlimited time to take legal action. State law sets strict deadlines for filing injury claims, and missing them could cost you your right to recover compensation.

So, how long after a car accident can you claim an injury in Washington? You typically have three years to file a personal injury claim.

If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you may be dealing with injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma. A Tacoma car accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your injury claim so you can focus on your recovery.

How Long After a Car Accident Can I File an Injury Claim in Washington State?

According to RCW § 4.16.080, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in Washington State is three years from the date of the crash. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, applies to most negligence-based claims, including car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents.

If you file within three years, you can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in WA?

If a car accident causes a fatality, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. In Washington State, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is also three years from the date of the person’s death.

This type of claim can help families recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages. Since wrongful death cases can be complex, it’s important to consult with our attorneys before you file a wrongful death claim.

What Are the Exceptions to Washington State’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations?

Though three years is the standard deadline for car accident claims, Washington law allows certain exceptions:

• Minors: If the injured person is under 18 at the time of the crash, the three-year clock usually doesn’t start until their 18th birthday.
• Discovery rule: If an injury isn’t immediately discovered, the clock may start when you discover the injury (or when it should have been reasonably discovered).
• Defendant leaves the state: If the at-fault driver moves out of Washington, the statute of limitations may pause until they return.
• Government claims: If your accident involved a government vehicle or agency, you must follow additional notice requirements before filing a lawsuit, which could shorten your time frame.

Our car accident lawyers can explain whether any of these exceptions apply to you.

What Are the Consequences of Filing My Claim Late?

If you fail to file your claim before the state’s deadline, the consequences may include:

• Case dismissal: The court will likely throw out your case, regardless of its strength.
• Lost compensation: You’ll likely forfeit the right to recover money for medical costs, lost income, and other damages caused by the crash.
• Weakened negotiating power: Insurance companies know the state’s filing deadlines and may refuse to settle once the statute of limitations has expired.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Report After a Car Accident in WA?

In Washington, you are required to file a collision report within four days of a car accident if someone was injured or killed or the property damage exceeds $1,000.

If police respond to the scene and file a report, you usually don’t need to submit a separate one. But if law enforcement doesn’t investigate, it’s your responsibility to complete and file the report with the Washington State Patrol.

How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident to My Insurance in WA?

Most insurance companies require prompt notice of an accident. While Washington law doesn’t set a specific deadline, your policy likely requires you to report a crash as soon as possible.

Failing to notify your insurer after a car accident could lead to denied coverage. To protect yourself, report the accident to your insurance company as quickly as you can, even if you don’t think you were at fault.

Why Hire Our Car Accident Lawyers?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, our attorneys can provide crucial assistance. Specifically, we can:

• Gather evidence: Our lawyers can collect police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to strengthen your case.
• Evaluate your claim: Our attorneys can review your accident, medical records, and damages to determine the true value of your claim.
• Handle negotiations: Our lawyers can communicate with the insurance company and push back against low car accident settlement offers.
• File on time: Our attorneys can ensure your lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations expires.
• Provide representation: If your case goes to trial, our lawyers can represent you in court and fight for a positive outcome.

Call Our Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Washington, don’t wait to take action. The state’s statute of limitations is strict, and delaying your claim could cost you the opportunity to recover compensation.

The legal team at NextLaw has represented thousands of residents of Washington. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, our car accident lawyers can take on your case, help you file your claim on time, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Injured in a car accident? Call Dan Next to learn about how you can secure your financial future.