The statute of limitations is a law that sets a limit on the amount of time an individual has to bring legal proceedings, whether civil or criminal, following an alleged offense. If these individuals do not bring this claim within the allotted period of time, the court can stop them from going after the compensation and justice they deserve. However, while the rule may be incredibly important if you want to pursue legal action, there is much more to know about the statute of limitations and the purpose it serves in Arizona.
What To Know About the Statute of Limitations
The time allowed under the statute of limitations will usually differ depending on the nature of the offense and the jurisdiction. For instance, in Arizona, if a victim of a personal injury accident wants to bring legal action, they will only have two years from the accident date to file this suit. However, if there are exceptions that apply to this rule, this time period can end up changing and becoming even shorter.
That is why if you want to pursue a lawsuit after an accident in Arizona, you should consider discussing the matter with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. These legal professionals can review the appropriate statutes, look over the facts of your case, and help you figure out how much time you have to file your lawsuit. More importantly, they can make sure that the appropriate files and documents are submitted before time runs out, and you lose your opportunity to go after the compensation you deserve.
Why Is There a Statute of Limitations?
While some victims may feel that the statute of limitations denies them justice by prohibiting them the opportunity of going after the financial recovery they may be entitled to, there are actually various reasons why this law exists.
For instance, one of the main justifications for the statute of limitations is to help stop potential defendants from being subject to unjust legal action or prosecution, such as bringing a claim against an alleged offender for something they did in the distant past. However, limiting this type of prosecution is more commonly applied to civil cases than serious criminal offenses.
Another reason for the statute of limitations is the simple fact that after many years, pertinent evidence can be lost or misplaced, memories of the incident can fade, and witnesses may no longer be able or available to testify – all circumstances that can unfairly hinder a case and lead to an unfair verdict.
Contact Territorial Law, LLC, To Learn More About the Statute of Limitations
If you want further information about the statute of limitations and how it can impact your case or want to know how much time you have to file your Arizona personal injury lawsuit, contact Territorial Law, LLC today. You can also call us at 928-766-4705 to schedule a free case consultation and get the answers you need.