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Showing posts with the label legal deadlines

Can Traffic School Erase a Ticket from Your Record?

 Getting a traffic ticket can damage your driving record and raise your insurance rates. But in many states, traffic school offers a way to avoid points and keep your record clean. Who Qualifies? Typically, you must meet these conditions: First offense or minor infraction Valid driver’s license No previous traffic school within the last 12–18 months Non-commercial license Benefits of Traffic School: Avoid points on your DMV record Prevent insurance premium increases Dismiss the ticket entirely in some jurisdictions How It Works: Pay the ticket fine and an administrative fee Enroll in a court-approved course Complete it within the deadline (usually 60–90 days) Submit proof of completion Online or In-Person? Most traffic schools offer online options , making it convenient to complete at your own pace. Exceptions: Major violations (DUI, reckless driving) are not eligible Some states limit how often you can use traffic school Imp...

What Happens If You Miss the Statute of Limitations?

 Every personal injury case must be filed within a specific time frame — called the statute of limitations . Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to sue. What Is the Statute of Limitations? This is the legal time limit to file a lawsuit after an injury. Each state sets its own period — typically 1 to 3 years from the date of injury. Common Examples by State: California: 2 years for personal injury Florida: 4 years Texas: 2 years New York: 3 years Why It Exists: Statutes of limitations protect defendants from being sued long after an incident, when evidence might be lost and witnesses unavailable. Tolling Exceptions: Some circumstances “pause” the clock, such as: The victim is a minor The injury was discovered later The defendant fled the state What If You File Late? Your case will likely be dismissed, no matter how strong your evidence is. Courts strictly enforce deadlines unless a rare exception applies. Best Practices: Ac...

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

 If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence — in a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or medical mishap — you may be entitled to compensation. But there’s a clock ticking: every state enforces a statute of limitations , which limits the time you have to file a personal injury claim. In most U.S. states, the statute of limitations is two to three years from the date of the injury. For example: California : 2 years New York : 3 years Texas : 2 years Florida : recently reduced to 2 years (as of 2023) Miss the deadline and you lose your right to sue — even if your case is strong. There are a few exceptions: Discovery rule : If you didn’t know right away you were injured (e.g., a hidden infection after surgery), the time may start from the discovery date. Minors : If the injured party is under 18, the clock usually starts on their 18th birthday. Government claims : If your injury involved a city, county, or state agency, you may need to file a no...