If a truck driver’s negligence on the road has caused death or a serious physical injury, you have a limited time after a crash to file a civil lawsuit.
The statute of limitationsThe time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed. for Franklin truck accident cases allows injured people significantly less time to file suit compared to what similar statutes in most other states provide, so acting quickly can be vital to recovering fairly for your injuries and retaking control over your life. Here is a brief overview of exactly what deadlines may apply to your specific claim, each aspect of which a member of our team here at the Law Firm for Truck Safety can further explain as needed.
Tennessee Code §28-3-104 establishes the statute of limitations for virtually all personal injuryLegal term for an injury to the body, mind, or psyche, as opposed to an injury to property. claims in Tennessee, including those based around commercial truck crashes in Franklin. Under subsection (a)(1) of this statute, someone who sustains a personal injury directly through the negligent or wrongful act of another person has a maximum of one year to file suit against that person, or else they will almost certainly be “time-barred” from ever seeking civil compensation.
Notably, this deadline only governs when you must first file suit over your truck crash injuries, and there is no strict time limit on when your legal proceedings must end or how long settlement talks can continue after you initially sue. That said, you will lose your chance for any settlement or verdict if you fail to file suit within this deadline, which is one of several reasons our team typically files suit as quickly as possible when we take on cases.
While there are no exceptions made to the statute of limitations for truck injury lawsuits in Franklin, per se, there are certain situations where the starting point for the one-year filing period can be delayed, or “tolled.” In addition very specific exceptions, one more common exception to the one-year statute of limitations is, since minor children cannot legally represent themselves in court, a child under 18 injured through a trucker’s negligence technically has until one year after their 18th birthday to file suit on their own behalf over their own injuries. However, there may be still be claims, even in this instance, to which the one-year statute applies.
The fact that the statute of limitations for Franklin truck accident cases is so short should not discourage you from seeking the compensation you deserve from the people at fault for your injuries. What it should emphasize, though, is that time is of the essence when it comes to holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for their misconduct.
Our truck accident lawyers can provide the compassionate and custom-tailored support you need to construct a strong claim within statutory time limits. Call the Law Firm for Truck Safety today to schedule a meeting.
If you or a loved one have been in a truck crash, we would be honored to learn more about your crash and help you build a path to justice.
Our team of truck crash attorneys is here to help so you don’t have to navigate this complicated process alone.
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