If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident due to someone else's carelessness, you could have the legal right to sue. However, if you're seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and distress, you must act before your case's statute of limitations expires.
But what exactly is Georgia’s motorcycle accident statute of limitations? Picture it as a ticking clock that starts the moment you're involved in a collision or suffer an injury. Here’s what you should know.
Georgia's Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents![Georgia Motorcycle Statute of Limitations Lawyers]()
According to Georgia Code § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations—or deadline—for filing most personal injury lawsuits is two years. Put simply, this means the two-year timer starts either when the accident occurs or when you should have known that you sustained an injury.
Exceptions to the Timeframe for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
The statute of limitations may be extended if the victim was:
- Underage when the accident occurred.
- Considered "legally incompetent" due to a mental illness or intellectual disability.
Deadlines for Suing a City, County, or Government Agency
- If you have a claim against a city, you must send notice within six months of the incident that led to your injury.
- If you have a claim against a county or state government agency, the notice must be filed within one year.
If you don't send this notice within the specified period, you lose the opportunity to sue.
Prompt Legal Consultation Is Essential After a Georgia Motorcycle Crash
In addition to ensuring that you meet all the important statute of limitations deadlines in your case, you’ll also receive valuable guidance from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who’s invested in a positive outcome. They can:
- Answer all your questions
- Inform you of the various options for your claim
- Safeguard your legal rights
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gather evidence to back up your statements
- Enlist the help of accident reconstructionists and expert witnesses to bolster your claim
- Advocate for a just settlement
- Represent you in court, if required