If you suffered injuries in a collision weeks, months, or even years ago, you may wonder whether it is too late to get a lawyer for a car accident claim. In most cases, it is not too late until Oregon’s legal deadline to file a lawsuit has passed. However, every week you wait can make it harder to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and preserve records that support your case.
If you have questions about your timeline, an experienced personal injury lawyer in Portland, OR, can review your situation and determine whether your claim is still valid. Do not delay – your right to compensation depends on timely action.
Why You Should Never Wait
Time is one of the most valuable assets after a car accident. The longer you wait to seek legal counsel, the more difficult it is to build a strong claim. Physical evidence may disappear, crash footage can get erased, and witnesses’ memories fade quickly.
Insurers know this. The moment you report an accident, they begin investigating and searching for ways to limit payouts or shift blame. Having a lawyer early on helps protect your rights, properly document your medical treatment, and avoid missing critical deadlines.
Even if you believe too much time has passed, it is worth consulting an attorney. In some cases, the clock may not start running when you think it does, or exceptions might apply under Oregon law.
The Oregon Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
Many injury victims are unaware of how long they have to file a lawsuit after a crash – or that there is even a deadline. Under Oregon’s statute of limitations, victims generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you miss this two-year deadline, the court will likely dismiss your claim, no matter how strong the evidence may be. That means even valid claims for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering cannot move forward. These rules underscore the importance of consulting an attorney early to protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
Exceptions to Oregon’s Car Accident Statute of Limitations
While the two-year limit applies in most cases, several important exceptions may shorten, extend, or delay the deadline:
- Discovery rule – If injuries were not apparent immediately after the crash – such as internal or delayed-onset injuries – the time limit may begin once you discover or reasonably should have discovered the injury.
- Injured minors – The law tolls (pauses) the deadline until the victim turns 18, after which they typically have one year to file. However, it can only pause for up to five years.
- Mental incapacity – If the victim has a mental condition that prevents them from understanding their rights at the time of the collision, the clock may pause until they regain capacity. The law extends the deadline by an extra year after they no longer have the condition or up to five years after the accident, whichever comes first.
- Defendant leaves or hides – When the at-fault party leaves the state or somehow conceals themselves, Oregon law pauses the time limit until they return or are found.
- Government vehicles – Claims against city, county, or state agencies require a special tort claim notice under the Oregon Tort Claims Act within 180 days of the accident.
- Wrongful death – For wrongful death resulting from a fatal car crash, the time limit is three years from the date of injury, not necessarily the date of death.
A car accident claim in Portland can quickly become complicated if these exceptions apply. Consulting with a knowledgeable lawyer helps you avoid procedural missteps that prevent you from recovering fair compensation.
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side: Why Timeliness Matters
Insurance carriers often delay processing or deny claims altogether, hoping car accident victims give up or miss their legal deadlines. Some will make low settlement offers, especially if they suspect the statute of limitations is about to expire.
Having a personal injury lawyer in Portland, OR, on your side can help prevent these tactics from succeeding. The attorneys at Rizk Law know how insurers operate and push back aggressively when they try to devalue valid claims. As a former injury claims defense representative for national insurers, our founding attorney, Richard Rizk, is uniquely familiar with these strategies and can use that knowledge to protect your rights.
The Benefits of Contacting a Car Accident Attorney Early
The sooner you contact an experienced Portland car accident attorney, the stronger your personal injury claim becomes. Early legal involvement allows your lawyer to:
- Investigate the crash scene and collect key evidence
- Secure witness statements while memories are fresh
- Coordinate with your medical providers to document your injuries
- Manage all communication with insurers to prevent damaging statements
- Calculate the full value of your losses, including future medical care and lost income
Prompt action not only strengthens your claim but also reduces stress. When your lawyer handles deadlines and paperwork, you can focus on healing and recovery.
What a Portland Car Accident Lawyer Can Still Do for You, Even If Time Has Passed
Even if months or more than a year have gone by since your accident, you may still have options. A Portland personal injury lawyer can review your case, check for applicable exceptions, and determine whether it is still possible to file a claim or negotiate with insurers.
At Rizk Law, we often assist clients who initially tried to handle claims themselves or waited until their medical issues worsened. Our attorneys can reopen communication with insurers, request records, and reconstruct accident evidence using police reports, photos, and expert analysis.
Act Now: Don’t Guess Your Deadline – Consult with a Rizk Law Attorney Today
If you are unsure whether it is too late to get a lawyer for a car accident, the answer is simple: contact an attorney immediately to find out. Waiting could mean losing your chance to seek compensation altogether.
The attorneys at Rizk Law have decades of experience helping crash victims across Oregon recover what they deserve. Whether you suffered injuries recently or many months ago, our team can evaluate your case, explain the Oregon statute of limitations for car accidents, and take swift action to protect your rights.
Our results speak for themselves, including millions recovered for clients whose futures depended on timely action. As one satisfied client shared,
“The team of attorneys and staff at Rizk Law are sharp, caring, & extremely effective of executing successful strategies for personal injury cases. Their work speaks for itself.” – Hewitt Pagenstecher
Do not leave your recovery to chance. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Portland car accident lawyer who will fight to preserve your claim and your peace of mind.
