Statute of Limitations in California
Let Our Fresno Personal Injury Firm Handle Your Case Immediately
After suffering an injury caused by the negligent and reckless actions of another party in California, you only have a certain amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failure to do so within the required time limit means you are not allowed to file the lawsuit and any attempt would result in the court dismissing your case.
If you were recently injured in an accident in Visalia or Fresno and wish to file a personal injury claim, our legal team at Sawl Law Group will make sure you file it on time. We will investigate the accident, collect evidence, and develop a strong case strategy to maximize your entitled compensation.
For more information about our legal services, call us today at (559) 205-7757 and schedule a free consultation.
What is California's Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Cases?
Under California Law (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1), the statute of limitations for personal injury cases states you have two years from the date of injury or wrongful death to file your claim in court. We understand that after suffering a personal injury in an accident, it is common to feel confused and uncertain about what to do next. However, waiting too long to hire a lawyer could mean that you will be unable to recover any damages at all.
If injured in an accident, you have two years to file a lawsuit or claim before you may no longer legally do so! This includes traffic accidents such as auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents, medical situations such as medical malpractice and nursing home negligence, and other cases such as defective products, premises liability and catastrophic injuries.
However, there are some exceptions to the two-year deadline, such as the following:
Known as the “delayed discovery” rule, this applies when the injured individual didn’t discover and was not aware of certain facts that would’ve caused a reasonable person to believe that he/she was injured by another person’s negligence.
The injured person was 17 years of age or younger, or lacked the legal capacity to make important decisions due to a temporary or permanent mental disability. The defendant (at-fault party) fled California after the accident and prior to the injured person filing the lawsuit.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
A member of our firm’s legal team is more than qualified to provide the legal representation you need. We have more than 40 years of combined experience and have taken over 100 cases to trial. Find out how we could fight for you and recover your damages by consulting with an attorney from our firm for free. You could learn exactly what options you have and how we could help through an evaluation at no cost to you.
Call Sawl Law Group at (559) 205-7757 today to learn what we could do for you.
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"Martin was the perfect person to work on helping me get through my DUI."10/10 would recommend Martin, communication was always there, he was the perfect person to work on helping me get through my DUI.- Google Reviews - C.D. Carter
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"I will forever be grateful to this office who helped me."I retained the office to help me with some very serious charges that would hurt my career and long time goals. I was wrongfully accused of taking materials from a job site. I did not take them, this law office help prove my innocence. They helped me find an investigator for my case. The staff was always ready to help me and willing to go the extra step when I had questions. The Attorney later was able to get my case dismissed. I will forever be grateful to this office who helped me. I recommend Sawl Law Group if you want someone fighting for you.- Preston D.
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"This was such a relief to me. My fee was very affordable, and I was able to be put on a payment arrangement. I couldn’t of asked for better service."
Sawl Law Group was such a big help to me. I would definitely recommend anyone who needs a lawyer to them. I currently live in a different state and was unable to appear in court. Sawl Law Group stood in on my behalf. I was so grateful. In the end my warrant was recalled, and I was able to complete the stipulations of my case in my current state. This was such a relief to me. My fee was very affordable, and I was able to be put on a payment arrangement. I couldn’t of asked for better service. My person of contact was Claudia, and she was very helpful, and informative. She answered all my questions, always contacted me back when a message was left, and was always available for me. She walked me through the whole process and I appreciate her support. I just want to thank my lawyer Michelle for working on my behalf and Sawl Law Group for helping me out when I most needed it. So if your searching for a good lawyer who would work on your behalf, please choose Sawl Law Group.
- Michelle G. -
"Right away you can see this is a very professional firm. They did everything they said they would, including working things out so I did not have to appear in court."
This was the first time I had needed to hire an attorney. I met with 7 different lawyers before I decided. Right away you can see this is a very professional firm. They did everything they said they would, including working things out so I did not have to appear in court. I am very pleased with the service and the way the case was handled. I would and do recommend them to my friends.
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"Previous lawyers did not meet my expectations with their professionalism, concern or attentiveness. Sawl Law Group was very welcoming and understanding."
This was the first time I had ever been involved in any situation like this. I had spoken with a few lawyers before heading to Sawl Law Group. The previous lawyers did not meet my expectations with their professionalism, concern or attentiveness. Sawl Law Group was very welcoming and understanding.
They took immediate ownership of the problem at hand. This problem had wrecked havoc on my life by draining my time and my finances. Sawl Law Group was affordable and handled the case so I wasn’t required to miss work and physically be present. I would highly recommend Sawl Law Group to friends, family and anyone who needs a tough lawyer to receive justice.
- Rebekah A. -
"They are experienced in accident cases and fight for what money you deserve. They are honest and inform their clients on what to expect."
I highly recommend this firm. They are very busy, so sometimes you may need to be persistent in calling them. BUT they are experienced in accidents cases and fight for what money you deserve. They are honest and inform their clients on what to expect. Their lien doctors are excellent. You get all the medical treatment you need.
- April R. -
"Sawl Law Group allowed me to rest easy at night."Sawl Law Group allowed me to rest easy at night. I didn't have to follow up they were handling the matter so professionally. I would indeed go back to them if I had another issue. They were so kind and understanding.- Valerie R.
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"Corina is always responsive and makes you feel like a friend."Corina Burchfield walked me step by step through the whole process she is very professional definitely recommend her. She is always responsive and makes you feel like a friend.- Google Review - Brianna M.