In many personal injury cases in England and Wales, you generally have three years from the accident, or from when you first knew your injury was linked to it, to start court proceedings. Different rules can apply to children, people who lack mental capacity, industrial diseases and claims following a death, while Scotland has its own limitation rules. Missing the deadline can prevent a claim, although limited exceptions may exist. Speak to a solicitor regulated by the SRA or the relevant Scottish regulator as soon as possible to check the time limit for your circumstances.