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After a car accident, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress can quickly pile up. While it’s natural to focus on recovery first, there’s another critical factor victims cannot ignore: time. Georgia law gives accident victims a limited window to file a lawsuit. This legal deadline is called the statute of limitations, and missing it can completely bar your right to compensation — no matter how strong your case is.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we’ve seen how failing to act in time can harm victims. In this post, we’ll break down Georgia’s statute of limitations for car accident claims, why deadlines matter, and how our firm ensures your rights are fully protected.
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations for most car accident cases in Georgia is:
Two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).
Four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement).
👉 Example: If you’re injured in a Georgia car accident on September 1, 2025, you generally have until September 1, 2027, to file a personal injury claim.
If you fail to file within the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case — and the insurance company will have no reason to negotiate further.
The statute of limitations is strict. Once the deadline passes, your right to file a lawsuit is gone. Here’s why acting early is so important:
Evidence Fades: Witnesses move, memories fade, and physical evidence can be lost.
Medical Records Take Time: Proving damages often requires a long paper trail of treatment.
Insurance Delays: Insurance companies may drag out negotiations, hoping you’ll run out of time.
Court Preparation: Building a strong case — especially one that’s trial-ready — takes months of preparation.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we encourage clients to call us as soon as possible after a crash so we can start protecting their claim from day one.
While the standard deadline is two years for personal injury, Georgia law provides certain exceptions that may extend (or “toll”) the statute of limitations:
Minors: If the injured party is under 18, the clock typically does not start until their 18th birthday.
Mental Incapacity: If a victim is legally incompetent at the time of the accident, the statute may be tolled until capacity is regained.
Wrongful Death Claims: Family members generally have two years from the date of death (not the date of the accident) to file.
Government Entities: If a government vehicle or employee is involved, special notice rules apply. Victims may have as little as six months to give notice under the Georgia Tort Claims Act.
👉 These exceptions can be complex. That’s why consulting with an experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer is critical to avoid missing hidden deadlines.
Insurance companies know the statute of limitations as well as lawyers do. Unfortunately, they sometimes use it to their advantage by:
Delaying claims until deadlines approach.
Making lowball settlement offers when victims are desperate.
Misleading victims into thinking they have “plenty of time.”
Remember: insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. By hiring Kevin Patrick Law early, you ensure someone is watching the calendar and holding insurers accountable.
To protect your right to compensation, follow these steps as soon as possible after a crash:
Seek medical attention. Your health is the top priority. Medical records also serve as critical evidence.
Call the police and get a report. This creates an official record of the accident.
Gather evidence. Take photos, collect witness names, and preserve any documents.
Notify your insurance company. But avoid giving a detailed statement before speaking with a lawyer.
Contact Kevin Patrick Law. The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we take deadlines seriously. Our approach includes:
Immediate case evaluation to determine the applicable statute of limitations.
Prompt filing of claims and notices to preserve clients’ rights.
Thorough investigation to gather evidence before it disappears.
Trial preparation from day one, ensuring insurers know we’re ready to go to court if needed.
This proactive strategy often leads to stronger settlements because insurance companies know Kevin Patrick Law is prepared to fight.
Georgia’s statute of limitations for car accident claims may seem generous — two years for personal injury and four years for property damage — but time passes quickly. Waiting too long can destroy your claim, leaving you with medical bills and lost wages but no way to recover compensation.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we help Georgia accident victims every step of the way, from immediate case evaluation to aggressive representation in court. Don’t risk missing the deadline. Call today for a free consultation and protect your right to recovery.
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