How long can someone legally pursue me after an auto accident for personal injury and property damage?
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How long can someone legally pursue me after an auto accident for personal injury and property damage?
I was involved in an accident just over 5 years ago and was found at fault. I didn’t have insurance because I had bought the vehicle just hours before the accident and was taking it home. They have filed their lawsuit against me 4 times over the last 5 years. How long before they can no longer pursue me? In WA.
Asked on November 22, 2011 under Accident Law, Washington
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You cannot be sued more than once on the same claim by the same party. There is a three year statute of limitations in WA for personal injury and property damage. This means that the original lawsuit would have had to have been filed prior to the three year anniversary of the auto accident. If a lawsuit is not filed prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations, the lawsuit is barred.
If the original lawsuit has been concluded and there is a judgment against you, a subsequent lawsuit can be filed to enforce the judgment. This means that if you didn't pay the amount owed according to the judgment, the judgment can be enforced by various methods such as wage garnishment, placing a lien on your property, etc.
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