Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims in Nashville, TN
Request Free ConsultationMissing a deadline after a car accident can affect your opportunity to file a lawsuit and recover damages for your injuries. Tennessee law gives you a limited time to take legal action, and waiting too long could put your case at risk.
Your Nashville car accident lawyer with Selvidge Injury Law can help you protect your rights by acting quickly and making sure every important deadline is met. Contact us today to start building your case before time runs out.
The Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Nashville
If you are hurt in a car accident in Tennessee, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. Missing the deadline could cost you your right to recover anything for your injuries or property damage.
Per Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, there is a very specific time limit for the vast majority of personal injury claims, and it is important to know how they might apply to your situation. Here are some of the most important facts about car accident deadlines in Tennessee:
- One-year deadline for personal injury claims after a car accident
- In very few cases, if the at-fault driver was cited with a misdemeanor or other criminal act, the one-year Statute of Limitations may be extended
- Property damage claims have a longer time limit
- The clock typically starts running from the date of the crash
- Claims involving minors have extended timelines
- Wrongful death claims have a one-year limit from the date of death
- Filing with insurance companies does not extend court deadlines
Tennessee’s short one-year deadline makes it vital to take action quickly after an accident. Even serious crashes like a drunk driving accident follow the same basic legal timeline, no matter how severe the injuries are. Waiting too long can limit your ability to collect full compensation for your losses.
Injured in a vehicle accident?
How Different Types of Car Accidents Affect Legal Timelines in Nashville
Not every car accident follows the same set of legal rules when it comes to filing a claim. Some types of crashes have special notice requirements or tighter deadlines you might not expect.
Car Accidents Involving Government Vehicles
If your crash involved a city, county, or state government vehicle, you must follow the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act rules. This means you need to file a formal notice of your claim quickly, often within just a few months after the crash. Waiting too long can block your right to recover damages even if you have a strong case.
Injury Claims After a Lyft Accident or Uber Accident
Being involved in a Lyft accident or Uber accident can add extra steps when dealing with insurance companies. You might have to figure out whether the driver’s personal insurance or the rideshare company’s coverage applies. Even with those extra hurdles, the one-year court filing deadline in Tennessee still applies, so it is important not to lose sight of the bigger picture.
Serious Injury or Wrongful Death Claims in Car Accidents
When a car accident leads to catastrophic injuries or death, the stakes are much higher. If insurance negotiations are dragging on, it might be necessary to file a lawsuit earlier than you expected to protect your rights. Your Nashville personal injury lawyer should make sure you stay ahead of the timeline so you do not risk losing your chance to recover damages for everything you have lost.
Work With a Nashville Car Accident Law Firm to Protect Your Right to File on Time
A car accident attorney in Nashville from Selvidge Injury Law can help you stay ahead of important deadlines and make sure your case is ready to move forward. We know how confusing and stressful this process can feel, and we are here to guide you with honest advice and personal support at every turn. Reach out to our team today to schedule your free consultation or contact us at (615) 864-0343 if you have questions.