You've probably heard that most car accident cases settle well before any court trial. That's very true. Many even settle before a lawsuit is even filed. But that isn't always the case (no pun intended). If the parties can't agree on a key issue or two -- who was at fault for the car accident, the extent of the claimant's injuries, and so on -- then sometimes the only way to get things moving is to go to court and get the lawsuit process started.
Find your state on the list in the first section to get the specifics on the car accident statute of limitations, which is a state law that sets out the amount of time you have to go to court and get your lawsuit filed.
In the second section, you'll find tips on what to expect at each stage of a car accident lawsuit, from the "discovery" phase all the way to trial.
The timeline or statute of limitations for filing a vehicle accident lawsuit varies by state. Click on your state below to learn more about specific deadlines and laws.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Should I File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
When does it make sense to halt settlement talks and take a car accident claim to court?
How to File an Auto Accident Lawsuit
If you can’t reach a fair settlement of your car accident claim, in most states you can take the at-fault driver to court by filing a lawsuit. Here’s a detailed guide of what to consider and the steps involved in a case.
Car Accidents and Police Reports
What does the police report contain, and how is it used during a car accident settlement or lawsuit?
Real-Life Car Accident Jury Verdicts
Examples of jury verdicts and awards in car accident cases, courtesy of our readers.
Filing a Car Accident Counterclaim
When you're sued for causing a car accident, you might have the option of filing a counterclaim seeking your own damages.
When a Car Accident Case Goes to Trial
The vast majority of all car accident insurance claims are resolved before any lawsuit is filed.
Depositions in Car Accident Cases
Lawsuits seeking damages for losses resulting from a car accident
Your Car Accident Deposition: 5 Things to Know
Your deposition can make or break your car accident case, so make sure you're prepared before you're sworn in.
Car Accident Deposition Sample Questions
From your background to details about the crash, here are the kinds of questions to expect at your car accident deposition.
What Are Interrogatories in a Car Accident Case?
Interrogatories—written questions you’ll answer during a lawsuit—are an important way to gather facts and evidence for your case.
Auto Accident Settlement and Lawsuit Timeline
The length of a car accident case depends on numerous variables, including the litigation strategy of the parties and the willingness of either side to settle the case.
Real-Life Car Accident Jury Verdicts
Examples of jury verdicts and awards in car accident cases, courtesy of our readers.
When Will My Lawyer Tell Me What My Car Accident Case is Worth?
Early on, it can be difficult to determine what a car accident case is worth. Here's what your lawyer will want to learn when it comes to your claim.
Collecting a Car Accident Settlement or Judgment
Reaching a settlement or getting a judgment in your favor is one thing; getting paid could be a different story.
Will My Car Accident Claim End in a Settlement?
If you decide to start a car accident lawsuit, chances are you’ll never get to court, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Can You File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident Settlement?
A settlement typically means the end of your car accident claim, but in some rare situations a lawsuit still may be an option.