Time Limits Matter — A Lot
One of the biggest mistakes people make after an accident is waiting too long to take action. Life gets busy. You’re healing. You assume you’ve got plenty of time. But when it comes to personal injury law, the clock starts ticking immediately — and it’s not always generous.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline to file a lawsuit. If you miss this window, you lose the right to pursue your case — no matter how strong your evidence is or how badly you were hurt.
Georgia’s Personal Injury Deadline: Two Years
In Georgia, the general rule is simple:
You have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim.
This applies to most personal injury cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Dog bites
- Wrongful death
But there are exceptions — and they can cut your time short or extend it.
Important Exceptions to Know
- Claims Against the Government: If you’re suing a city, county, or state agency, you may need to give notice within 6 to 12 months — not two years.
- Minor Children: If a child is injured, the two-year clock may not start until they turn 18, though parents may still need to file for medical expenses sooner.
- Discovery Rule: In rare cases (like medical malpractice), the deadline might begin when the injury was discovered, not when it happened — but that’s limited and tricky to prove.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Even if two years sounds like a long time, waiting is risky. Here’s why:
- Evidence fades: Witnesses forget details, surveillance footage is erased, and physical evidence gets lost.
- Injuries evolve: If you don’t get timely treatment, insurers may argue your injury isn’t related to the accident.
- Insurers get aggressive: The longer you wait, the more likely they’ll challenge the cause and value of your injuries.
You don’t have to file a lawsuit on Day 1, but you should start the process early — especially if negotiations break down and filing becomes necessary.
Filing vs. Settling: What’s the Difference?
Many people ask, “If I settle with the insurance company, do I still need to worry about the deadline?” The answer: yes — because if the insurance company drags things out and you haven’t filed a lawsuit in time, they can walk away scot-free.
Think of the statute of limitations as your safety net. It keeps the pressure on the other side to resolve things fairly and on time.
Don’t Let the Clock Cost You
When it comes to personal injury law, time really is money. Missing a deadline can cost you everything — even when you’re clearly in the right.
The best way to protect yourself? Get legal advice early. That way, you know your options, understand your deadlines, and can act before it’s too late.
Ready to make sure you don’t miss your chance? Contact our office today — even if you’re still recovering. We’ll walk you through what deadlines apply to your case and help you take the next step with confidence.