Those injured in motorcycle accidents in Lake County often face prolonged recoveries involving years of medical treatment, lost income, ongoing pain, and the need for in-home accommodations. Although a legal process exists to pursue compensation for these physical, emotional, and financial burdens, it must be initiated within a specific time frame. The statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases in Lake County is one of several reasons why individuals injured due to another party’s negligence should consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who could help preserve the viability of the case.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
When a motorcyclist sustains injuries due to another person’s negligence on a public roadway in Lake County, they typically pursue compensation by filing a claim against the at-fault party’s auto liability insurance. If the insurer refuses to pay, the claimant may file a lawsuit, allowing a judge or jury to evaluate the evidence and determine the compensation owed. The statute of limitations sets the legal deadline for filing such claims. In Florida, the deadline for most personal injury cases, including those involving motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the incident.
The purpose behind imposing a statute of limitations on a motorcycle accident case in Lake County and throughout the state is to encourage insurers to resolve these cases with claimants as promptly as possible, using evidence and testimony while the case is still fresh in the minds of those involved. It also ensures that defendants in these cases do not spend years worrying about whether legal action will be taken.
What Happens if You Miss the Statute of Limitations in Your Case?
The success of a motorcycle accident claim depends not only on presenting evidence and documentation to establish another party’s negligence and the resulting damages, but also on meeting the legal deadline for filing. In Lake County, the court will generally refuse to hear cases filed after the two-year statute of limitations has expired. Once this deadline passes, the claimant loses the option to pursue compensation through a lawsuit. Additionally, if a lawsuit is no longer legally permitted, the insurance provider is no longer obligated to resolve the claim.
How a Lawyer Protects Your Right to Compensation
Because missing the statute of limitations will usually remove the opportunity for an injured motorcyclist in Lake County to seek compensation for their injury, protecting that right is one of the major services an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer could provide for their client. Lawyers protect the right of clients to seek the compensation they need by ensuring that the claim is filed in court before the statute of limitations expires by using a team to gather the evidence and documentation needed as quickly as possible. The legal team will also determine insurance resources and make contact with those resources to begin settlement negotiations in an attempt to resolve the case outside of court.
One important point: The statute of limitations requires that the case be filed in court within two years, but it does not require the case to be resolved within that time. Once filed, an attorney may continue negotiating a settlement, collecting evidence, and preparing for trial—even after the two-year deadline has passed.
Speak With a Lake County Attorney Before the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Cases Expires
If you’ve been injured in an accident, understanding the Lake County statute of limitations for motorcycle accident cases is crucial—it’s important to allow as much time for the claims process as possible. Contact the Largey legal team for your free case evaluation today.
