When you or a loved one is injured in an accident, one of the first questions you may have is: “How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?” Under California law, the answer is clear—but with important nuances that every injury victim should understand.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury
According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the injuryto file a personal injury claim in court. This applies to a wide range of cases, including:
- Car accidents caused by negligent drivers
- Dog bite injuries
- Slip and fall claims
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Burn injuries and catastrophic harm
If you wait longer than two years, you risk losing your right to seek compensation entirely. For example, if someone in Visalia, Tulare, or one of the small towns across the Central Valley suffers harm at a local fair, high school football game, or even during community events like the Dinuba Raisin Day parade, the countdown to file a claim starts immediately on the day of injury.
Special Considerations for Minors and Public Entities
There are exceptions to the two-year rule:
- Child injury claims: If a child is injured at a rural school, 4H Club event, or community center, the statute of limitations is “tolled” (paused) until the child turns 18. In most cases, the two-year deadline begins on their 18th birthday.
- Claims against government entities: If your injury involves a public school district, city bus accident, or other government agency in places like Ivanhoe, Selma, or Tipton, you must file an administrative claim within just six months of the incident.
These exceptions make it essential to act quickly and consult an attorney who understands the local landscape of Tulare County and beyond.
How NRC Law Helps Clients in the Central Valley
At Nelson, Rozier, and Christenson (NRC Law), senior attorneys Ryan Nelson and Clayton Christenson have decades of combined experience guiding injured clients through this process. They have successfully handled cases ranging from car wrecks on rural highways to slip and fall injury claims at local markets and festivals.
Ryan Nelson is known for his compassionate advocacy, helping families from Strathmore to Selma navigate the complexities of injury case evaluation. Clayton Christenson brings sharp litigation skills and has represented victims in cases involving negligent drivers, dog bites, and burn injury claims across the Central Valley.
Together, they provide free consultation personal injury lawyer services, ensuring that you understand your rights before time runs out. Whether you’re looking for a dog bite lawyer, car wreck attorney, or bicycle accident lawyer, NRC Law can help you protect your claim before deadlines expire.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Right to Compensation
Every case is unique, but the one rule that always applies is this: the clock is ticking. If you’ve been injured at a local fair, parade, church event, or even while attending a county festival, you may only have two years or less to file your claim.
At NRC Law, our team of dedicated attorneys takes pride in helping Central Valley residents secure justice. From accident lawyers in Tulare County to slip and fall injury attorneys in Visalia, we are here to stand by your side.