Washington law sets strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, injured victims have three years from the date of the injury to take legal action under RCW 4.16.080. This deadline applies to most negligence claims, including car accidents and other injury cases.

Certain types of claims can have additional rules or shorter timelines depending on the circumstances.

• Claims Involving Government Entities: If a government agency, public employee, or government vehicle contributed to your injury, you must first file a formal tort claim with the appropriate agency. In Washington, a 60 day waiting period must pass after filing the claim before a lawsuit can be filed.
• Wrongful Death Claims: When an accident results in a fatality, Washington law generally allows three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
• Exceptions & Tolling Situations: In some situations, the deadline may be extended or paused, such as when the injured person is a minor or legally incapacitated.
• Insurance Policy Requirements: Insurance policies may also require prompt notice and cooperation after an accident to protect your claim.

Missing any of these deadlines can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation, even when liability is clear and injuries are serious. Acting quickly helps protect your rights and allows critical evidence to be preserved while it is still available. Contact NextLaw today to schedule a free consultation. 

DEADLINE FOR FILING A LAWSUIT

Protect Your Rights During a Legal Questioning

You can expect questioning from prosecutors and police officers after an arrest in Michigan. The professionals recommend that you politely decline to answer any of their questions while requesting a lawyer.

Advise You During Your Arraignment

The court will hold an arraignment hearing after your arrest. During this hearing, the court provides information about the charges you face, and you have a chance to enter a plea of:

• Guilty

• Not Guilty

• No Contest

Handle Your Pretrial Hearings

You may have several pretrial hearings for your trial starts, including a bail hearing. We can discuss these hearings with you so you know what to expect. We may also file motions at pretrial hearings to block evidence or have your case dismissed. 

Defend You in Court

Your case may not go to court in Michigan. However, if it progresses that far, you can count on a Michigan criminal defense attorney to stand up for you. We’ve developed strategies that work to support clients like you.

Protect Your Rights During a Legal Questioning

You can expect questioning from prosecutors and police officers after an arrest in Michigan. The professionals recommend that you politely decline to answer any of their questions while requesting a lawyer.

Advise You During Your Arraignment

The court will hold an arraignment hearing after your arrest. During this hearing, the court provides information about the charges you face, and you have a chance to enter a plea of:

• Guilty

• Not Guilty

• No Contest

Handle Your Pretrial Hearings

You may have several pretrial hearings for your trial starts, including a bail hearing. We can discuss these hearings with you so you know what to expect. We may also file motions at pretrial hearings to block evidence or have your case dismissed. 

Defend You in Court

Your case may not go to court in Michigan. However, if it progresses that far, you can count on a Michigan criminal defense attorney to stand up for you. We’ve developed strategies that work to support clients like you.