How Long Do I Have to File My Truck Accident Case?
When something sudden and traumatic happens, it can feel like the world stops. Suddenly losing a loved one or becoming severely injured in a truck crash is no exception to this. Even though it is strongly recommended to speak with a truck accident attorney as quickly as possible following a truck crash, it’s understandable that you may not be immediately ready to do so.
The American justice system understands and recognizes the reality of life after a truck crash, which is why a time window exists for truck crash victims to file their personal injuryLegal term for an injury to the body, mind, or psyche, as opposed to an injury to property. claims. This window is known as the statute of limitationsThe time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed..
But beware: This time window does not last forever.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Lawsuits?
The time window you have to file a lawsuit is called the statute of limitations. For truck accident suits, each state has different laws detailing this time window. However, most states have a statute of limitations that ends 1 to 3 years after the date of the truck crash.
A state’s statute of limitations is a hard deadline to file your truck accident claim, and very rarely will an extension be granted, so once it’s gone, it’s gone.
This is why it’s so important to connect with a truck accident lawyer as quickly as you can after your crash. Your personal injury lawyer will jump into action preserving crash evidence, building a case strategy, and taking on a lead role in any conversations with insurance companies and defense attorneys.
Remember, no two truck accident claims are the same.
The parties involved, the root reasons, and the harm caused by your truck accident can also change the time you have to file your claim. For example, several states have different statutes of limitations for truck crashes if the crash resulted in a wrongful deathA legal term referring to a claim against a person who can be held liable for a death. versus a catastrophic injurySevere injuries that result in long-term, if not permanent, disability or disfigurement.. Others have statutes of limitations that vary if a government entity -- like a mail or fire truck -- is at fault.
When Does the Statute of Limitations Start in a Truck Accident Claim?
Personal injury statutes of limitations are written so that the window begins at the time of the injury alleged. This means that, in a truck accident injury case, the time window to file your claim begins on the date of the crash.
However, this also means that if your loved one passes days or weeks after their semi accident, the time window to file a wrongful death lawsuit would not begin on the date of their crash. Rather, it would begin on the date they passed away.
Remember: If your loved one’s truck crash injuries cause them to pass at a later date, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit as well as a wrongful death case.
Referrals & Co-Counsel
Involved in a Crash?
No other law firm knows trucks quite like us. Our trucking law expertise and trial experience allow us to win multi-million-dollar results year after year.
Our team of truck accident attorneys works tirelessly to help your family find justice in the wake of a catastrophic truck crash.
Referrals & Co-Counsel
No other law firm knows trucks quite like us. Our trucking law expertise and trial experience allow us to win multi-million-dollar results year after year.
Involved in a Crash?
Our team of truck accident attorneys works tirelessly to help your family find justice in the wake of a catastrophic truck crash.
What is my State’s Statute of Limitations to File a Truck Accident Claim? We’ll Break it Down Below:
REMINDER: Every truck crash case is different, and specific crash circumstances determine the applicable statute of limitations. For example, many states have extended statutes of limitations for injured minors but might have shorter windows for parents claiming medical bills.
WHILE THIS CHART AIMS TO BE A GUIDE, IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVICE
To learn more about the statute of limitations relevant to your truck injury case and confirm the information below has not changed, connect with one of our experienced truck accident lawyers today.
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida
Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine
Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska
Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota
Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee
Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming | Washington D.C
Do Not Wait to Seek Help from a Truck Accident Attorney
It's important to talk to a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Even if the window to file your truck accident injury claim seems like a long time, time is very much of the essence.
- It becomes harder to secure and analyze evidence from the crash as time goes on. Waiting too long to begin the evidence-gathering process can affect the final compensation you receive for your injuries.
- Your lawyer will need time to look at the evidence and build the strongest possible case strategy for your claim.
- The insurance companies may want to settle quickly, but having a personal injury lawyer on your side during those talks can help ensure you’re being fully and fairly compensated for your injuries.
Schedule Your Free Case Consultation with The Law Firm for Truck Safety
With more NBTA-Board-certified truck accident attorneys than any other firm in the nation, along with five lawyers with Class “A” Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs), our legal team can bring a unique combination of skills and experience to your truck accident case that no other law firm can bring.
Our blend of legal acumen, practical experience, positions, and truck safety advocates, puts our firm in a position to identify negligence areas that elude most personal injury lawyers.
We invite you to reach out to our team today for your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims by State
Updated 10/1/2023
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Wrongful Death
2 or 4 years, depending on crash details
Source: Colorado Revised Statutes Sections 13-80-102
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Personal Injury
2 Years or 4 years (for loss of consortium)
Source: Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 9-3-33
Wrongful Death
2 years or 4 years (for loss of consortium)
Source: Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 9-3-33
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Personal Injury
2 Years
Source: Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 110, Section 13-202 (735 ILCS 5/13-202)
Wrongful Death
2 years
Source: Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 740, Section 180-1 (740 ILCS 180/1)
Referrals & Co-Counsel
Involved in a Crash?
No other law firm knows trucks quite like us. Our trucking law expertise and trial experience allow us to win multi-million-dollar results year after year.
Our team of truck accident attorneys works tirelessly to help your family find justice in the wake of a catastrophic truck crash.
Referrals & Co-Counsel
No other law firm knows trucks quite like us. Our trucking law expertise and trial experience allow us to win multi-million-dollar results year after year.
Involved in a Crash?
Our team of truck accident attorneys works tirelessly to help your family find justice in the wake of a catastrophic truck crash.
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Personal Injury
Varies, depending on circumstances of the crash.
Most truck accident injury claims will have a 2 year time window.
Source: Kentucky Revised Statutes Sections 304.39-230
Wrongful Death
Varies, depending on circumstances of the crash.
Most truck accident-related wrongful death claims will have a 1 year time window.
Source: Kentucky Revised Statutes Sections 304.39-230
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Personal Injury
3 Years; 1 year for personal injury protection (PIP) claims
Source: Michigan Compiled Laws Annotated Section 600.5805 and 505.3145
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
Take the first step on your path to justice.
The Law Firm for Truck Safety’s truck accident attorneys are here to help you find answers, pursue justice, and receive the compensation you deserve.
Connect with a Law Firm for Truck Safety attorney today.
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Begin your Journey to Justice with The Law Firm for Truck Safety
At The Law Firm for Truck Safety, our lawyers understand the devastating impact an injury or loss from a truck driver’s negligence is.
Your quest for justice and accountability matter deeply to us. We stand ready to fiercely advocate for you, offering comprehensive legal guidance and empathetic support after your crash.
