Maybe you were rear-ended at an intersection in Corona, and now have whiplash and back pain. At first, you assumed the discomfort would go away on its own, so you didn’t rush to take legal action. Months later, your pain worsens, and medical bills start piling up. Now you’re wondering: Is it too late to file a claim?

Or maybe you slipped and fell at a local business, but the store’s insurance company is giving you the runaround. Time has passed, and now you're worried you missed the deadline to pursue compensation.

If you don’t act within the legal timeframe, you could lose your right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Let’s look at some of the basics.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in California?

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Corona, CA, whether in a car crash, slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations.

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of injury. This means that if you don’t file your lawsuit within two years, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to recover damages.

However, certain exceptions can extend or shorten this deadline, making it essential to consult with a Corona personal injury lawyer to ensure your claim is filed on time.

Factors That Can Impact the Statute of Limitations

Not all personal injury cases follow the standard two-year rule. Certain factors can change the deadline for filing a claim, including:

• Delayed Discovery of Injury – If your injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may start from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury rather than the accident date. This is common in medical malpractice cases or injuries with delayed symptoms.
• Claims Against Government Entities – If your injury was caused by a government agency, such as a Corona city bus accident or a dangerous condition on public property, you must file an administrative claim within six months of the injury. If this deadline is missed, you may lose your right to sue.
• Minors and Legal Incapacity – If the injured party is a minor or legally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be paused until they reach legal adulthood or regain capacity.

Because exceptions can be complex, it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines.

Why Acting Quickly is in Your Best Interest

Even though the law may give you up to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, waiting too long can hurt your case in many ways:

• Loss of Evidence – Over time, surveillance footage can be erased, accident scenes change, and witnesses forget important details. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.
• Insurance Tactics – Insurance companies know how to delay and deny claims. If you wait too long, they may argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else.
• Financial Burdens – Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can pile up quickly. Filing your claim as soon as possible can help you recover compensation sooner rather than later.

The best way to protect your rights is to consult with a Corona personal injury lawyer who can take immediate action on your behalf.

Consult Now With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Corona, CA

At Bhatia Law Firm, PC, we are committed to fighting for injury victims in Corona and throughout Southern California. We will evaluate your case, determine the exact deadline for your claim, and handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation!