If you’ve been in a car accident in Tennessee, you might wonder how long you have to file a claim. The law sets a deadline for personal injury and property damage claims, and missing it means losing the right to seek compensation. Knowing these deadlines helps you take the right steps after an accident.
Statute of limitations for personal injury claims
In Tennessee, you have one year from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies if you suffered injuries in the crash and want to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The clock starts on the accident date, so act quickly. Waiting too long results in the court dismissing your case.
Statute of limitations for property damage claims
If your vehicle or other property sustained damage in the accident, Tennessee law gives you three years from the accident date to file a property damage lawsuit. This allows time to get repair estimates, deal with insurance, and decide if legal action makes sense. However, filing sooner makes it easier to gather evidence and secure fair compensation.
Exceptions to the standard deadlines
Certain situations extend or shorten the time you have to file a claim. If the injured person is a minor, the one-year time limit may not start until they turn 18. If the at-fault driver leaves the state after the accident, the time they remain absent does not count against the deadline. On the other hand, claims against government entities often have shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as 90 days to provide notice of a claim.
Don’t wait too long
Filing a claim within the legal time frame protects your right to compensation. Missing the deadline means losing the chance to recover damages for injuries or property loss. Acting quickly ensures you gather evidence and build a strong case.
