If you have been hurt in a car accident because of a negligent motorist, you may be dealing with significant hardship. You may be worried about who should pay for your medical care and how your family will survive without your regular income that supports them. Additionally, you may also be experiencing emotional trauma and physical injuries that can affect your quality of life.
Thankfully, can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the negligent driver. But all lawsuits in New Mexico are subject to a legal deadline known as a statute of limitations. And filing a claim beyond this deadline can result in the denial of your claim. This is the reason you should consider hiring one of the most respected Rio Rancho car accident attorneys the moment you decide to file a claim. Your attorney knows how much time you have to file a claim and ensure all necessary paperwork is submitted accurately.
The Statute of Limitations in New Mexico
In New Mexico, you have three years from the date you suffered an accident injury to file a car accident lawsuit. Also, this deadline applies to wrongful death lawsuits that involve car crashes.
Various rules apply to claims that involve just one car or personal property damage. You can file a lawsuit within four years from the accident date. But if your case involves injuries to yourself, you must follow the three-year deadline.
If you want to file a lawsuit against a government entity, you have only 90 days to do so. Government agencies are immune to a lot of kinds of lawsuits, so you must speak with your attorney as soon as possible following the crash to know your best legal option.
Importance of the Statute of Limitations
The legal deadline is essential to your car accident litigation. Waiting too long to file a claim may limit your access to quality evidence that can be used to support your claim. When this happens, you may find it hard to secure compensation for your injuries.
If you want to protect your right to compensation, consult with a lawyer about your options as soon as possible after a crash. Your attorney will assess your claim and the steps to file a lawsuit before the legal deadline passes. After you see a doctor for a medical evaluation, contact an attorney to discuss your case. Although the three-year deadline may seem a long time, time can pass quickly as you deal with the many complexities of your case.
