What is the statute of limitations for a car scratch accident?

[VonSawyer]

The statute of limitations for a car scratch accident is three years. According to Article 188 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China on the limitation of action: The limitation period for filing a lawsuit with the People's Court to protect civil rights is three years. If the law provides otherwise, such provisions shall prevail. The limitation period shall be counted from the date when the right holder knows or should have known that the right has been infringed and who the obligor is. If the law provides otherwise, such provisions shall prevail. However, if more than 20 years have passed since the date the right was infringed, the People's Court shall not protect it. Under special circumstances, the People's Court may extend the period based on the right holder's application. Car scratch accident reporting process: Park and check the situation: After a car accidentally scratches another vehicle, immediately choose a suitable location to stop. Engage the handbrake, cut off the power, and turn off the engine. At night, turn on the width lights and taillights. On highways, set up a hazard warning sign behind the vehicle. Confirm the safety of both parties: Check the safety of all involved. If there are fatalities, injuries, or threats to personal safety, call the police immediately. For situations not requiring police involvement, parties can choose to reach an agreement privately for quick resolution. Record basic information: Document the vehicle and owner details of both parties. Record license plate numbers, driver's licenses, vehicle registration certificates, and insurance information. Document vehicle damage: Carefully inspect the vehicle condition. Use digital cameras or mobile phones to photograph the scratched areas and overall vehicle condition. Ensure both parties are visible in the photos, and take multiple angles of the front, rear, and damaged areas. Clarify liability: Pay special attention to the responsibilities assigned by traffic police during the liability determination. Assess damage for claims: First, visit an insurance claims service center to assess vehicle damage. Keep all repair invoices during the repair process.

[MicahDella]

I once experienced a minor collision myself, and it really scared me. I remember it happened in a parking lot when I accidentally bumped into someone else's car. At first, I thought it was no big deal and didn’t pay much attention, but later I noticed the paint was scratched and needed repair. I quickly looked up some legal knowledge and learned that the statute of limitations for such minor accidents is generally three years, starting from the day you become aware of the damage or can prove the other party’s liability. If you wait until the deadline passes, the insurance company or court might not acknowledge the claim, making compensation impossible. Why is it set at three years? I think it’s to encourage everyone to handle evidence promptly and reduce long-term disputes. Back then, I reported it to the police and insurance company in the second year and finally got compensated. My advice to anyone facing a similar situation is to act early—don’t be as careless as I was at first.

[Roger]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I've witnessed numerous fender bender incidents. A friend of mine was rear-ended once, and the other driver fled the scene. He waited half a year before pursuing accountability, only to be informed that the statute of limitations was nearly up—just a three-year window. I explained to him that legal proceedings, such as filing a claim through the traffic police or court, must be initiated within three years of becoming aware of the damage. Otherwise, lost evidence or forgotten witness accounts could mean forfeiting repair costs. This incident reminded me to always take photos for evidence, even for minor scrapes, and promptly contact the insurance company for verification. Driving cautiously helps avoid trouble, but if an accident does occur, don't procrastinate—address it promptly.

[DeJulian]

In minor traffic accidents, the statute of limitations is typically three years, calculated from the date of the accident or the determination of liability. After this period, the right to claim compensation may be lost. In practice, it is important to preserve evidence such as on-scene photos and police reports. The time limit ensures prompt resolution of disputes and protects the rights of victims.