How long after a car crash can I file a claim?

To determine how long after a car crash you can file a claim, you need to know what is the statue of limitations for a wreck. Every state imposes time limits or a "statute of limitations" in which you may take action to collect your damages. This is true both in no fault states where you make a claim to your own insurer, and in cases where you are suing another party. The reason these rules are in place is to ensure that claims are made in a timely manner. 

Of course, because this type of rule is made on a state level, there is no one uniform answer for every state. You will need to check the rules for your own particular jurisdiction to determine when you must make your claim by. It is imperative you do this- and soon- after an accident. If you fail to file a claim in the right period of time, you could end up being time barred and be unable to file any sort of claim at all. This would result in you being able to collect nothing. Sometimes the amount of time you actually have in which to do this is very short- you could potentially have to report in an injury in as little as 30 days (such as under New York's no fault laws). 

You should strongly consider speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident for just this reason. Your lawyer can let you know what the rules are for when you have to file a claim where you live so you do not end up getting nothing.