The days and weeks following a motorcycle accident are chaotic as you navigate your medical and financial needs. Before too much time passes, you may want to consider how the Westerville statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases can impact your right to pursue a claim. You can meet with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at the Olawale Law Firm for help determining the statute of limitations in your case and taking the next step in a claim.
A statute of limitations is a law that places a strict deadline on the time in which you must start a personal injury lawsuit by filing a claim in court. States impose statutes of limitation to promote the fast and efficient resolution of a claim within a reasonable time from when a motorcycle accident happens. A statute of limitations also helps to protect the availability of key evidence in a case, such as eyewitness testimony, which can become less reliable over time.
A plaintiff who fails to timely file their complaint within the applicable statute of limitations generally loses their right to pursue a legal claim. Courts have an obligation to dismiss cases filed past the expiration of the statute of limitations period. This can prevent plaintiffs from recovering compensation against an otherwise liable driver who caused their motorcycle accident in Westerville.
The statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases in Westerville is two years under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10. The filing period for a personal injury lawsuit will generally begin on the date of the motorcycle accident and run for two years from that date. However, calculating the statute of limitations period can vary depending on the legal application of a case’s unique circumstances. Meeting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine this period.
Two years may seem like a lot of time to initiate a claim, but starting a case as soon as possible is often beneficial for a couple of reasons. Your financial needs are often at the top of this list. Serious injury from a motorcycle accident can create a host of financial concerns to address. You likely have expensive medical care costs for treating your injuries. These medical costs may exist indefinitely for injuries that require long-term care or that result in disability. A motorcycle accident injury can also impact your ability to work and earn a living.
Motor vehicle insurance proceeds may cover some of these expenses, but a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to obtain full compensation for injuries. Additional compensation may also be available as allowed under Ohio Revised Code § 2315.18. Examples of these damages may include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, disfigurement, and other intangible losses. The sooner you start a lawsuit, the sooner you can resolve the case and recover the compensation another party may owe you.
Every motorcycle accident is unique, and the order or timing of the steps you may take will vary. However, they will likely include:
A lawyer may be able to help evaluate another party’s fault in causing a motorcycle accident and manage the process for starting a claim. This may include gathering evidence about the accident, handling communications with insurers, and filing a claim in court.
Pursuing your legal right to compensation begins with identifying how the Westerville statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases applies to your claim. The Olawale Law Firm is here to offer their support during this difficult time and advocate for your interests in court. Contact our office today to evaluate your case with a motorcycle accident lawyer.