Time Isn’t on Your Side After an Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else, you might feel like there’s plenty of time to decide whether to pursue a lawsuit.
But here’s the thing: the clock starts ticking the day you get hurt. And if you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to recover compensation — no matter how strong your case is.
That’s why it’s so important to understand Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases — and to take action before it’s too late.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is simply a legal deadline. It tells you how long you have to file a lawsuit after you’ve been injured.
If you file after this deadline has passed, the court will almost always dismiss your case — and the at-fault party and their insurance company won’t have to pay you a dime.
Georgia’s Personal Injury Deadline: The Basics
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is:
Two years from the date of the injury.
This applies to many common cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Dog bites
- Truck and motorcycle accidents
- Wrongful death lawsuits (counted from the date of death)
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes — there are a few situations where the two-year clock can be paused or adjusted:
- Injuries to minors
If a child is injured, the clock may not start running until they turn 18. However, parents may still need to pursue claims for medical expenses sooner. - Claims against the government
If your injury involves a city, county, or state entity, you may need to file a formal notice of claim much sooner — often within six months to one year. - Discovery rule
In rare cases (such as medical malpractice), if the injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the clock may start when the injury was discovered — but this is very limited.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Even if two years sounds like plenty of time, waiting can hurt your case in several ways:
- Evidence disappears. Witnesses move or forget key details. Video footage can be erased.
- Insurance companies stall. The longer you wait, the more leverage they have.
- Medical treatment gets questioned. Delays in seeking treatment may be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious — or aren’t connected to the accident.
In short: sooner is always better. The earlier you consult with a lawyer, the better chance you have of building a strong case.
How to Protect Your Right to File
The best way to avoid missing your deadline? Take these simple steps:
Get medical treatment right away — and keep detailed records.
Report the accident to police, property owners, or other required parties.
Document everything — take photos and write down what happened.
Talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
An experienced lawyer will help you calculate your specific deadlines, gather evidence, and protect your right to full compensation.
Don’t Let Time Run Out on Your Case
Too many injury victims miss out on compensation simply because they waited too long to act. Don’t let that happen to you.
If you’ve been hurt — even if you’re still unsure whether to pursue a case — reach out today. We’ll review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand your timeline.
Click here to schedule your free consultation with Catherine Verdery Ryan, Attorney at Law.
You won’t pay a dime unless we win for you — but time is of the essence.