If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the State of Tennessee, there are some very important things to be aware of in the event someone has sustained injuries. Each state has its own filing deadlines for personal injury cases, which is known as the statute of limitations. Keep reading to learn more about the statute of limitations for car accidents in Tennessee.
What Are Tennessee’s Statute of Limitations?
According to Tennessee Code Section 28-3-104, an injured person has only one year from the date of their accident to file a civil lawsuit against a negligent party. Among the various states’ statute of limitations for personal injuries, Tennessee has one of the shortest. For this reason, time is of the essence after an accident. You should seek legal counsel as soon as possible after you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident.
When The Countdown Begins
On the day an accident occurs, the clock begins to tick. If an injured party fails to file the necessary court paperwork within the one year deadline, the ability to obtain compensation will be severely diminished or outright eliminated. It is very rare for a plaintiff to be entitled to more time by the courts, unless special circumstances are involved.
Reasons For a Delay
A common reason for an injured party waiting to bring legal action is a delayed onset of pain and/or symptoms from an injury. It is not uncommon for the effects of an accident to be felt days, weeks or even months after an incident occurs. For this reason, it is advised to immediately seek medical attention after an accident, even if you feel “fine” at the time. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can manifest well after the date of an accident, creating significant health and mobility problems down the road.
Rare Instances For an Extension
On rare occasions, extenuating circumstances will allow the courts to grant additional time for a plaintiff to pursue legal action. These include, but are not limited to: incidents involving minors, mentally disabled individuals, a liable party that is out-of-state, and certain wrongful death cases.
Know Your Rights
Act quickly to protect your rights if you or a family member is seriously injured in a car accident. We hope this article on the statute of limitations for car accidents in Tennessee was helpful!
Our team of motor vehicle attorneys has over 75 years of combined legal expertise to preserve those rights. Contact our Nashville-based office at 615-244-2111 for a free and confidential consultation. We will be happy to review your case at no cost to you. Our law firm works on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we reach a settlement or jury verdict award on your behalf.
Because we care….
