If you’ve been injured in an accident this year—whether in a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or another incident—there are important steps you should consider before the calendar year comes to a close. As the end of the year approaches, many people understandably shift their focus to holidays, family events, and travel. But if you’re recovering from an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, delaying action can negatively affect your health, your claim, and ultimately the compensation you are owed.
At Jones Kahan Law, LLC, we represent injured clients throughout Ohio and Kentucky. Here’s what you should know before the year ends if you’re still dealing with the effects of an accident.
1. Statutes of Limitations Are Strict—And They Matter
One of the most important deadlines in any personal injury claim is the statute of limitations—the legal time limit you have to file a lawsuit.
- In Ohio, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury.
- In Kentucky, the deadline is generally one year, one of the shortest in the country.
This means that depending on where your injury occurred, waiting until “after the holidays” might put your entire claim at risk. Even if you believe there is plenty of time left, gathering medical records, investigating the accident, and negotiating with insurance companies all take time. Meeting with an attorney before the year ends can help ensure your rights are preserved.
2. End-of-Year Insurance Tactics Can Affect Your Claim
Insurance companies often become more aggressive at the end of the year. Why?
Because claims adjusters may be trying to close files before their year-end deadlines, meaning they might:
- Push for quick, low-value settlements
- Pressure you into giving recorded statements
- Suggest you don’t need an attorney
- Delay processing in hopes that you’ll abandon your claim
Accepting a settlement too quickly can leave you responsible for future medical costs, therapies, or surgeries that you didn’t anticipate. Before agreeing to anything, it’s wise to speak with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate whether the offer reflects the true value of your case.
3. Don’t Let Your Medical Treatment Stall
It’s common for injury victims to put off medical appointments during the holiday season. Unfortunately, this can create serious problems for both your health and your claim.
Insurance companies may argue that:
- Gaps in treatment mean your injuries aren’t serious
- Stopping treatment shows you’ve fully recovered
- Your worsened condition is due to your lack of care, not the accident
Consistent medical documentation is one of the strongest pieces of evidence in a personal injury case. If you are still experiencing pain, mobility issues, or new symptoms, schedule follow-ups before the year ends. Doing so not only supports your recovery—it helps protect your claim.
4. Gather and Preserve Evidence While It’s Still Available
As time passes, evidence becomes harder to obtain:
- Surveillance footage is often automatically deleted
- Witness memories fade
- Vehicles get repaired
- Hazardous conditions are fixed or removed
If the accident happened months ago, there may still be critical evidence available—but it needs to be collected quickly. An attorney can help secure photos, video, witness statements, and expert evaluations before they disappear.
5. Keep Track of Your Expenses and Losses
End of year is a great time to organize your records. In a personal injury case, the following documentation can significantly strengthen your claim:
- Medical bills and receipts
- Prescription copays
- Mileage to medical appointments
- Lost wages or reduced hours
- Home care or childcare costs related to your injury
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
Having these records ready allows your attorney to calculate the full extent of your damages.
6. Don’t Wait to Discover the True Value of Your Claim
Many clients come to us after months of attempting to handle a claim on their own—only to realize the insurance company is not acting in their best interest.
A personal injury attorney can help you understand:
- What your claim is actually worth
- Whether future medical treatment is likely
- How permanent your injuries may be
- Whether pain and suffering damages apply
- What evidence you need to maximize compensation
Even if you’re not ready to file a claim immediately, meeting with an attorney before the year ends can give you clarity and peace of mind.
7. Start Next Year With a Plan—Not Uncertainty
Accidents create unexpected challenges, but you don’t have to carry them into the new year alone. Taking steps now can relieve stress and prevent the loss of important legal rights.
At Jones Kahan Law, LLC, our goal is to handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing. We are committed to helping clients across Ohio and Kentucky understand their rights and move forward with confidence.
Injured This Year? We’re Here to Help.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in 2025, now is the time to make sure you’re protected. The end of the year is approaching quickly—and so are important deadlines.
Contact Jones Kahan Law, LLC today for a free consultation.
We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward the compensation you deserve.
