The Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Ohio

Posted in Accident & Injury on March 5, 2014

by Arthur Elk

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, you should retain the services of a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The attorney you hire will be able to help you determine if you have a viable claim for a lawsuit if the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence. If this is the case, you may be able to obtain monetary compensation for the injuries or property damage you or your loved one have suffered.

The legal system is incredibly complex and nuanced, especially to a layperson. Your lawyer can help walk you through the process of filing a claim by gathering and exchanging evidence with the other side, negotiating a settlement, and presenting the case to a jury at trial.

One of the most important things your car accident lawyer will be able to explain to you is the statute of limitations. In a civil case, the statute of limitations is the amount of time that the injured party has to file the lawsuit. This time period generally begins on the date of the accident, and once it expires, the injured party will be barred from recovering any damages. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the offense.

As your car accident lawyer can explain to you, this statute of limitations can sometimes be extended if “good cause” is shown. Good cause generally involves some bad faith actions taken by the other party or another legitimate reason for why the claiming party could not file the lawsuit in a timely fashion.