In Arizona, individuals who were minors at the time of an accident have the right to pursue personal injury claims. The law recognizes that minors may not be in a position to file claims immediately, so the statute of limitations is extended. Specifically, minors have until two years after their 18th birthday to initiate a lawsuit, as outlined in A.R.S. § 12-502.
A notable example is the case of William Vannasap, a former high school student in Chandler, Arizona. In April 2023, during a ‘promposal’ event, Vannasap was riding his motorcycle on school property when he was struck by a car that ran a stop sign. The incident resulted in significant injuries. In December 2023, Vannasap filed a notice of claim against the City of Chandler and the Chandler Unified School District, seeking $1 million in damages. This case underscores the importance of understanding one’s rights and the legal avenues available, even for minors involved in accidents. [Source: ABC News]
Arizona law provides specific protections for minors in personal injury cases. Under A.R.S. § 12-502, the statute of limitations is tolled, or paused, until the minor reaches the age of 18. This means that the standard two-year period to file a personal injury lawsuit begins on the individual’s 18th birthday, effectively allowing until their 20th birthday to file a claim. This extension ensures that minors have adequate time to seek legal counsel and make informed decisions about pursuing compensation for their injuries.
Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial. While the law provides an extension for minors, it’s important to be aware of this timeframe to ensure that your right to file a claim is preserved. Failing to file within the designated period can result in the loss of the right to seek compensation. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with experienced personal injury attorneys who can guide you through the process and ensure that all legal deadlines are met.
If you were a minor at the time of your accident and are considering filing a personal injury claim, the first step is to consult with a qualified attorney. At Hirsch Talcott, our team, including attorney Jack Hirsch, a Certified Specialist in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death, and attorney Chelsie Talcott, a former Maricopa County Deputy Public Defender, has extensive experience handling such cases. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win your case. This approach ensures that you can seek justice without financial burden. For more information on our fee structure, visit our fee structure page.
Understanding your rights is the first step toward obtaining the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one were a minor at the time of an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hirsch Talcott for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.
