What is the statue of limitations in California?

I was in a car accident on Feb 19, 2004 in Orange County California. I was just served with a summons for injury claims by the plaintiffs (insurance company). So doesnt the statue of limitations apply in the state of california since the case was filed January 21, 2007 by the plaintiff. Does anyone know the ins and outs of California law? and if I can use the statue to fight them back?
if you're being sued over something stemming from a motor vehicle accident, contact your insurance company immediately!
Your insurance company should have the anwer.


Answer:
The statute of limitations for civil suits varies depending on what is being claimed. For personal injury, it is two years, so the plaintiff is too late for that. But for personal property, it is three years. The insurance company probably has good enough lawyers to know what the SoL allows, so if they play fair, they're probably suing you only for damages to their client's car (not medical expenses, which would be part of personal injury and the two-year limit).

Sorry you have to deal with this! Call your insurance company immediately (the one that was insuring you at the time of your accident, not the current one, if they're different) and ask what you do next.

I don't have much experience in this area, but my understanding is that the insurance company usually sues the other insurance company, not the individual person. If you weren't insured at the time of the accident, you'll need to hire a lawyer. If you have very low income, the Legal Aid Society of Orange County might be able to help you (for free).

Good luck!