How Long do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Drunk Driving Accident?
If a drunk driver hits you in Arizona, you may have a chance to sue them for your losses. How long do you have to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident? Arizona usually gives you two years to file a personal injury claim following a wreck.
In some cases, your deadline can vary. A Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer can review your situation and provide specific information about the timeframe to resolve your case. Our team at Zanes Law can discuss your situation when you call or complete our online contact form.
What’s the Deadline to File a Drunk Driving Lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona’s statute of limitations forinjury to a person gives most people two years to file a personal injury claim. Some exceptions can impact this deadline, but it applies in the majority of cases involving accidents caused by drunk drivers.
Keep in mind that this deadline applies to your civil case after a drunk driving accident. The drunk driver may also face criminal charges for their dangerous actions. Civil and criminal lawsuits exist separately and do not directly impact one another.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline to File a Lawsuit?
Individuals who wait too long to file a lawsuit after an accident lose their chance to secure compensation. Therefore, we recommend reaching out to a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix immediately to ensure that you have time to build your claim.
Your attorney can review your specific situation and give you details about the timeline for your lawsuit. We can also discuss other options to resolve a claim, including settling out of court with the insurance company.
What Exceptions Change the Deadline to File a Drunk Driving Lawsuit?
In some situations, Arizona may shift the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You may have additional time to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident if:
You were under 18 at the time of the accident
You were of “unsound mind” when the accident occurred
The drunk driver left the state
Other exceptions may apply to your claim, so it’s important to reach out to a lawyer to discuss the specifics of your situation. We assess your needs quickly and inform you about any adjustments to your lawsuit deadline.
Should You File a Drunk Driving Lawsuit Right Away?
Some drivers consider waiting until the end of the two-year statute of limitations to file a drunk driving lawsuit. Our professional team recommends moving forward quickly with the legal process to improve your chances of securing compensation.
Getting help right away gives your lawyer the opportunity to collect evidence and speak with witnesses before they forget what happened. These steps can bolster your claim for maximum damages.
Additionally, filing a claim quickly helps to show that your injuries came directly from the accident and ensures you have legal advice that can help you avoid common mistakes that could negatively impact your claim.
Once you file a lawsuit against a drunk driver, how long does it take to secure compensation? The timeline to resolve a lawsuit can vary based on the facts surrounding your accident. Some lawsuits take more than a year to resolve.
Lawyers sometimes recommend settling out of court over filing a lawsuit. Settling may allow you to get compensation more quickly and take court fees out of the equation. You can discuss possible methods to resolve your claim when you contact us.
What Compensation do You Get with a Drunk Driving Lawsuit?
Filing a drunk driving lawsuit in Arizona may allow you to secure compensation to cover your:
Current and future healthcare costs
Lost pay
Diminished earning potential
Vehicle repairs and other property damage
You may also qualify for compensation to cover your non-economic losses, including the mental pain and emotional suffering caused by a collision. We know how to calculate your pain and suffering, helping you secure fair damages.
How Much Compensation do You Get Through a Lawsuit?
The funds available to cover your losses after a drunk driving accident will depend on the extent of your losses. Individuals who require more medical treatment generally receive more compensation.
We’ll track all of your expenses, focusing on the unique value of your claim.
Find Out How Long You Have to File a Drunk Driving Lawsuit
How long do you have to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident in Arizona? Generally, the court system gives you two years to file a claim for compensation. You can track your specific deadline with a drunk driving accident lawyer from our team at Zanes Law.
We have the experience and legal knowledge to represent you after a drunk driving wreck. Find out more by calling or filling out our online contact form.