When you have an accident, your first thoughts may be about getting medical care and fixing up your vehicle. You may not think about what happens in the future when all the bills for the care and repairs come in the mail.
But you need to be aware of the statute of limitations, which is the time limit you have for filing a claim with the court for the accident. Findlaw explains the statute of limitations should always be on your mind when planning a lawsuit in a car accident.
A time limit
The statute of limitations in New Jersey for motor vehicle accident claims is two years. This means you have two years to file a court case. If you fail to do so within that time limit, the court will throw out your case, and you cannot make any claims against the other party.
Easy to lose track
While two years may seem like enough time to get everything in order, you may be surprised at the reality of the situation. Two years can go by quickly when you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident. For this reason, it is essential that you contact an attorney and begin your case as soon after the accident as possible.
The importance
You may wonder why there is a time limit. Part of the reason is to avoid people making claims long after an incident when evidence is gone and memories have faded. By ensuring little time passes, a court can have an easier time making a decision because there will still be evidence that is fresh and people will be able to offer clear testimony as witnesses.