If I was in an accident 6 years ago and just found out who the hit-and-run driver was, can I still take legal or civil action?

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If I was in an accident 6 years ago and just found out who the hit-and-run driver was, can I still take legal or civil action?

A truck pulled out in front of me and gave me fake contact and identification information. It has been 6 years since then but I just found out who they were when a witness came to me and told me who the driver was and where they lived.

Asked on August 12, 2019 under Accident Law, California

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 4 years ago | Contributor

Unfortunately, the statute of limitations has expired, and it is too late for you to file a lawsuit.
If you were injured in the accident, CA has a two year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in a personal injury case.
If you were not injured in the accident, CA has a three year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in an auto accident case  for property damage.
Since six years have elapsed since the auto accident, your claim is barred by the statute of limitations.


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