Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania
fatal car accident
what is the statute of limitations for
filing suit for a fata car accident.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: fatal car accident
There is a statute requiring death claims be brought within 2 years. Statute in auto cases also two years. If death occurred day of accident suit must be filed in two years.
Re: fatal car accident
In Pennsylvania, it's 2 years from the accident, assuming death was immediate.
There's rules about who can bring the action. Normally, it's the estate's administrator. If the victim left dependents, they can take action to pursue a wrongful death claim if the estate doesn't do so within 6 months after the death.
Re: fatal car accident
Typically two years, but you don't want to wait that long. Many plaintiffs / lawyers have been caught off guard by waiting until the end of the statute, filing suit then, and later discovering that other parties or claims should have been added. You should seek out legal representation as soon as possible.