How much time do I have after an accident to start my claim?

Deadline for making a compensation claim

Under UK law, you usually have up to 3 years from the date of the accident to begin legal proceedings. This is the general time limit within which a claim must be made.

Law firm practice

In practice, many law firms accept cases up to around 2.5 years after the accident. This is because sufficient time is needed to gather all necessary evidence, including medical documentation, before the limitation period expires.

Exceptions to the general rule

• Health condition of the claimant – for example, if the person was in a coma, the period may be extended,
• Other exceptional circumstances – in rare cases, the law allows additional time to submit a claim.

To ensure full legal protection, it is always advisable to act quickly and consult a solicitor so that all documents can be collected in due time.