In the United Kingdom (England and Wales), the general time limit for filing a car accident compensation claim is three years from the date of the accident or from the date of knowledge of your injuries. This time limit is set by the Limitation Act 1980.
The three-year time limit usually starts from the date of the car accident. It is important to note that the date of the accident is typically considered the date when the negligent act occurred, rather than the date when any subsequent injuries or symptoms manifested.
If your injuries were not immediately apparent or if you were not initially aware that they were caused by the accident, the three-year time limit may start from the date you became aware or should have reasonably become aware of your injuries and their connection to the accident. This is known as the “date of knowledge.”
There may be exceptions or variations to the three-year time limit in certain circumstances. For example, if the injured person is a minor (under 18 years old) at the time of the accident, they typically have until their 21st birthday to file a claim. Additionally, if the accident involves a person with a mental incapacity, the time limit may be extended.
