Accidents happen when we least expect them. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or another type of injury, many people don’t think about the legal clock that starts ticking as soon as the incident occurs. In Pennsylvania, that clock is called the statute of limitations, and it sets the time limit you have to bring a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
If you live in Wyomissing, Berks County, or anywhere else in Pennsylvania, understanding how the statute of limitations works is one of the most critical steps in protecting your rights after an accident.
The Standard Timeframe in Pennsylvania
For most personal injury cases in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. That means if you were hurt in a car accident on July 1, 2025, you would typically have until July 1, 2027, to file a lawsuit in court.
This two-year window applies to a wide range of cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Slip, trip, and fall incidents
- Medical negligence claims
- Dog bites
- Product liability cases
If a lawsuit is not filed within that time period, the court will almost always dismiss the case, regardless of how strong your claim might have been.
Exceptions to the Rule
While two years is the general rule, some exceptions can either shorten or extend the deadline:
- Discovery Rule: If you didn’t know right away that you were injured (for example, in cases involving medical negligence), the clock may not start until you reasonably should have discovered the harm.
- Minors: If the injured person is under 18 at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations usually does not begin until their 18th birthday.
- Claims Against the Government: If your case involves a city, county, or state agency, special notice requirements apply, and you may have much less time to act.
These exceptions can make a significant difference, which is why it’s essential to review your situation as early as possible.
Why the Statute of Limitations Matters
The statute of limitations isn’t just a technicality. It serves essential purposes:
- Encourages claims to be filed while the evidence is fresh
- Protects defendants from indefinite legal uncertainty
- Promotes timely resolution of disputes
For injured individuals, the deadline also means there is little room for delay. Medical treatment, insurance claims, and personal challenges often take priority, but the legal clock continues to run.
Protecting Your Rights After an Accident
If you’ve been injured in Pennsylvania, here are a few practical steps to keep in mind:
- Seek medical care right away and follow your treatment plan
- Keep records of bills, reports, and communications related to the accident
- Report the incident to the appropriate parties, such as insurance companies or property owners
- Avoid delaying a legal consultation, even if you’re still recovering
The sooner you get guidance, the better your chances of meeting the statute of limitations and building a strong claim.
How Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys Can Help
At Kozloff Stoudt, we’ve spent decades helping injury victims in Wyomissing, Berks County, and across Pennsylvania understand their rights and pursue fair compensation. We know that after an accident, your primary concern should be healing. Our role is to handle the deadlines, paperwork, and strategy so you don’t have to worry about missing your chance to file.
Whether you’re dealing with a car crash, a slip and fall, or another type of injury, we can review your case, explain how the statute of limitations applies, and help you take the proper next steps. Contact us today for a free consultation. There is never a fee until we recover for you.