What’s the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Iowa? While exceptions exist, Iowa generally gives you two years to proceed with a legal claim after an accident. A personal injury lawyer can help you review your claim’s specific deadline.
Our team at Berry Law can go over exceptions to the statute of limitations and answer questions about when the countdown starts. We can also provide information about what happens if you allow the statute of limitations to run out for your claim.
You can call or complete our online contact form if you have additional questions.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Iowa?
A statute of limitations determines how long you have to file lawsuits in the civil court system. Each state has the right to set and enforce a statute of limitations. Often, states have different statutes of limitations for different claims, including personal injury and property damage.
Iowa’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases generally allows individuals two years to move forward with a claim. However, it’s important to remember that exceptions to this regulation exist.
When does the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases Apply?
Generally, you must adhere to Iowa’s personal injury statute of limitations if you want to seek compensation after any accidental injury. Therefore, the statute applies in cases involving:
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Dog or animal attacks
- Slip and fall cases
The above list contains only examples of accidents that fall could lead to a personal injury claim. You can speak to a lawyer if you believe you’re eligible to seek compensation for your losses after an accident.
Your lawyer can help you determine if the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Iowa applies to you.
When does the Statute of Limitations Start Counting Down?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Iowa generally starts counting down from the date of your injury. So, for example, if you ended up in a car accident on February 2nd, 2023, you’d have until February 2nd, 2025, before the statute expired in many cases.
However, exceptions may occur depending on the facts surrounding your case. Make sure you speak with a lawyer to find out exactly how long you have to bring your claim in Iowa.
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What Are Exceptions to the Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Iowa?
Several exceptions exist to the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Iowa. These exceptions may extend the amount of time you have to seek compensation for your losses.
You may have more time if the injury occurred to a minor, the individual who caused your injuries left Iowa, or you were dealing with a mental illness at the time of the accident.
The Individual Who Caused Your Injuries Left Iowa
Sometimes, individuals leave Iowa after causing an accident. If they’re considered a “non-resident” for a period of time, the clock running for your statute of limitations may pause until they return to Iowa.
However, this may not apply in all cases. Ensure you speak to a lawyer to determine if the exception applies to your situation.
You Were Under 18 at the Time of the Accident
You might have additional time to file a personal injury claim if you had not yet reached the age of 18 at the time of your accident. Generally, you have one year after you turn 18 to file your personal injury claim in this situation. However, this does not apply in all cases.
You Were Dealing with a Mental Illness at the Time of the Accident
Some individuals experience accidents while dealing with additional health challenges. If the court considered you incapable of filing a claim, you might have up to a year from your time of recovery to pursue a legal case.
Find out more about these exceptions with a personal injury lawyer in Iowa.
What Happens If the Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Expires?
If the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Iowa expires, it can prevent you from seeking damages to cover your losses. For example, the individual who caused your accident and injuries may request that the court dismiss your case.
Unless an exception applies to your claim, the court may grant the dismissal. Therefore, it’s essential that you discuss the time limits for your claim with a lawyer quickly after your accident in Iowa.
How Quickly Can You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Iowa?
If you typically only have a few years to move forward with a personal injury claim in Iowa, how quickly can you begin the legal process? Fortunately, you do not have to wait a set amount of time before contacting a personal injury attorney.
You can reach out to our team at Berry Law immediately after an accident to start discussing your legal situation. We provide a free consultation that can allow you to get advice about your case. We can also review the specific time frame for your claim.
Does Iowa Have Other Statutes of Limitations?
We’ve discussed the Iowa statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, depending on the kind of claim you want to file in court, you may end up dealing with other statutes. For example, Iowa generally gives you five years to file a property damage claim.
You can learn more about time limits for various legal claims with your attorney.
Speak to Us to Begin Your Personal Injury Claim in Iowa
You can learn more about the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Iowa by reaching out to our team at Berry Law. We’ll go over the specifics of your claim and help you explore your legal options in a timely fashion when you contact us for a risk-free consultation.
Get started by calling or filling out our online contact form.
