The Clock is Ticking: Do Not Let Confusion Over State Laws Cost You Your Recovery
When you are recovering from a car wreck, the legal calendar is likely the last thing on your mind. However, strictly defined legal deadlines known as the Statute of Limitations can completely dictate the outcome of your recovery. For accidents across the state line from where you live, the difference between a valid claim and a dismissed case often comes down to which side of the state line the accident occurred on.
One Mile Can Change Everything
If your accident occurred in Tennessee, the clock is ticking loudly. Tennessee law generally restricts personal injury actions to just one year from the date of the incident. This is an incredibly tight window that requires immediate action to preserve evidence and file the necessary paperwork.
In Kentucky, the timeline for car accidents is generally more generous, typically allowing two years to file. This period can even be extended based on the timing of your last Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefit payment. However, this exception applies specifically to motor vehicle accidents; other types of injuries in Kentucky may still fall under a strict one-year limit.
The Danger of Assumptions
The most dangerous mistake a victim can make is assuming they have more time than they actually do. If you live in Kentucky but crash in Tennessee, the Tennessee one-year limit likely applies to you. Conversely, relying on the Kentucky PIP extension without a lawyer verifying your payment dates can lead to missed deadlines.
Once the statute of limitations expires, you are permanently barred from recovering damages for your medical bills and lost wages. The court cannot make exceptions for not knowing the law.
Protect Your Rights Immediately
Because these laws are complex and subject to specific exceptions, waiting to investigate a claim is a risk you cannot afford to take. Freeman Childers is here to review the facts of your accident, determine exactly which timeline applies to you, and ensure your rights are protected before the clock runs out.