- A personal injury claim must generally be started within three years of the accident.
- If you only discovered the injury or its cause later, the three years may run from that date instead.
- Claims for vehicle or property damage only have six years.
- Children and people who lack mental capacity may have more time.
Three years for personal injury
Under the Limitation Act, a claim for personal injuries must generally be started within three years. The three years run from the date of the accident, or from the date you first had the knowledge needed to bring the claim, if that is later.
Starting a claim means filing it in court, not just writing to the insurer. Negotiations that drag on do not stop the clock, so it is wise to speak to a lawyer well before the deadline.
Six years for damage to property
Where only your vehicle or other property was damaged and no one was injured, the time limit is generally six years.
Extra time in some cases
Different rules can apply to claimants who were under 21 at the time of the accident, or who lack mental capacity. If either applies, take advice on how much time remains.
Shorter deadlines along the way
Some steps come much sooner. Accidents must be reported to your insurer within 24 hours or by the next working day, and some must be reported to the police. Work injury compensation claims have their own, shorter deadline.
This article is general information on Singapore law and is not legal advice. Rules and agency policies change, and every situation is different. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
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