The easy answer to this question is one year from the date of the accident or one year from the date of a full recovery by the claimant, as certified by a doctor. We would always recommend interrupting the limitation period within one year of the date of the accident if there are no ongoing legal proceedings. The limitation period for criminal matters is six months and for civil matters it is one year. However there are exceptions for accidents that occur on cruise ships, in a port, airport, or in government buildings so it is advisable to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.