When one is injured by another an invisible clock starts ticking. This clock is more formally known as the “statute of limitations.” Failure to settle a claim or bring a lawsuit within the time period extinguishes the injured party’s legal rights to recover for their injuries. If the time period expires a court will dismiss the case without consideration of the case’s merits or the reasons for delay.
In Washington State a plaintiff has three (3) years to file a lawsuit with the insurance companies. If the plaintiff is under the age of 18 at the time of the collision, the three year SOL does not begin until his or her 18th birthday.
