A technical writing sample by Ryan Olejnik

If you’ve suffered a personal injury or been involved in a car accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation—but there’s a deadline to take legal action. This time limit is called the statute of limitations, and it determines how long you have to file a lawsuit after an accident or injury occurs.

The primary reason for this limit is fairness: over time, evidence fades, memories blur, and it becomes more difficult for defendants to defend themselves in court. That’s why acting within the allowable timeframe is essential.

In most states, the statute of limitations for personal injury and car accident claims is three years from the date of the incident. However, exceptions exist:

• If the injury resulted in a wrongful death, the countdown typically starts on the date of death, not the date of injury.
• If the plaintiff is a minor, the clock often doesn’t start until they reach the legal age of adulthood—after which they have three years to file a claim.

While three years may sound generous, legal professionals strongly advise seeking counsel well before the deadline—ideally at least six months in advance. Even relatively simple claims require time to gather evidence, build a case, and avoid last-minute delays.

Some states follow a controversial rule called contributory negligence, which may prevent you from recovering any compensation if you’re found even slightly at fault for the accident. That’s why it’s vital to know your deadline, preserve evidence early, and give your attorney the time they need to make a strong case on your behalf.