{"id":8528,"date":"2021-01-15T18:50:55","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T23:50:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myphillylawyer.com\/?page_id=8528"},"modified":"2025-09-19T14:14:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T19:14:00","slug":"how-long-do-i-have-to-file-a-claim-after-a-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.myphillylawyer.com\/yue\/practice-areas\/vehicle-accidents\/faqs\/how-long-do-i-have-to-file-a-claim-after-a-car-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident?"},"content":{"rendered":"

How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Under Pennsylvania law, a person has two years from the day of their car accident to bring a lawsuit seeking damages for any resulting injuries, death or property damage. This is known as the statute of limitations<\/a>. However, an insurance claim and a lawsuit differ. A claim to the insurance company after a car accident gives notice of your injuries or damages to the insurance company. The insurance company will then examine the situation and come up with an amount. A lawsuit is a civil case filed with the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should file a claim with your insurance company right away. Filing an insurance claim within the two-year window is important. If the insurer denies the initial claim for damages or offers you a settlement that is too low, filing a lawsuit still remains an option. If you file your claim after the two-year lawsuit deadline, the insurance company may have the advantage in that they know the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit has ended. Then the insurance claims process becomes they only option for compensation. To protect your right to compensation, file the claim within-two years from the date of the accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Car Accident FAQs:<\/h3>\n