Turning 18 is a big milestone. In the State of Tennessee, you can now vote, join the military, and be held fully responsible for your actions. In the eyes of Tennessee law, you’re now considered an adult. But what does that mean for lawsuits stemming from childhood injuries suffered due to an accident or someone’s negligence? After all, most personal injury cases have a statute of limitations of one year from the date of the accident. So if you were in a car accident when you were 16, can you still sue now that you’re 18? Let’s take a look at Tennessee law to find out.
Injuries Suffered as a Minor: Can You File a Lawsuit When You Turn 18?
In general, the answer in Tennessee is no – you cannot sue for injuries sustained in an accident that occurred more than one year ago. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you were under the age of 18 at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin running until you turn 18. That means that if you were injured in a car accident or other type of accident when you were 16, you would have until you turn 19 to file a lawsuit.
There are also exceptions for certain types of injuries, such as injuries to minors or those with mental disabilities. If you fall into either of these categories, please speak with an attorney with Tennessee Accident Law to find out if you’re still within the statute of limitations for your case.
Conclusion:
For most people who were injured as children in accidents, it’s too late to file a lawsuit – but not always. If you’re unsure whether or not you fall within the statute of limitations for your case, contact a personal injury attorney at Tennessee Accident Law to find out. They will be able to review your case and let you know what your options are.