How Long Do I Have to File My Truck Accident Claim?

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 injury claims. This window is known as the statute of limitations.
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 death versus a catastrophic injury. 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.

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.

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.

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