What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

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One of the most critical aspects of navigating the aftermath of a truck accident is understanding the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit. With countless other considerations to keep in mind following a crash, missing this window can mean the difference between securing the compensation you deserve and leaving your injuries and damages uncompensated.

Shedding light on this vital timeframe and underscoring the importance of consulting a truck accident attorney promptly will benefit you immensely. When trying to heal from the ramifications of a crash with a large truck, the last thing you and your family need is to decipher civil law.

If you’ve been injured or a loved one lost in a truck accident, you’ll want to know the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit. Call Patrick Daniel Law at (713) 999-6666 today for an answer that will apply specifically to your case and a FREE case evaluation.

Our truck accident attorney serves clients in Houston and throughout Texas. We are Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. in our pursuit of justice.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

At its core, a statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. For truck accidents, this time frame dictates how long victims have to file a lawsuit against the negligent party.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Truck Accident in Texas?

In Texas, under the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you have a two-year window to file your lawsuit against the responsible parties. If you fail to file within this timeframe, the Texas courts will likely refuse to hear your case.

Why Is There a Statute of Limitations?

Statutes of limitations serve multiple purposes:

  • Preservation of Evidence: As time passes, evidence can be lost, memories can fade, and witnesses can become hard to find.
  • Legal Certainty: It provides potential defendants the assurance that they won’t be sued after an indefinite period.
  • Encourages Diligence: It compels individuals to pursue their legal rights in a timely fashion.

Exceptions to the Rule

While the two-year rule is generally strict, there are exceptions under Texas law:

Minors

If the victim is under 18 years of age at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations typically doesn’t start until they turn 18.

Mental Incapacity

If a victim is mentally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the clock may pause until they regain capacity.

Defendant Leaves the State

If the at-fault party leaves Texas after the accident and before a lawsuit can be filed, the time of their absence might not count against the two-year limit.

As the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit can be complex, it is always advisable to consult with a truck accident lawyer to understand if any exceptions apply to your situation.

What Can You Sue for After a Truck Accident in Texas?

In Texas, if you’re involved in a truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for various damages. These damages are meant to help victims recover from physical, emotional, and financial losses resulting from the accident.

Read More: Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?

Possible damages include:

  • Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, future related medical needs, etc.)
  • Physical impairment
  • Disfigurement
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain & suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of household services

In the case of the death of a loved one, possible damages include:

  • Funeral & burial costs
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain & suffering
  • Loss of companionship, comfort & society

If you’ve been in a truck accident in Texas, consulting a seasoned attorney will ensure you understand and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Read More: How Is Liability Determined in a Truck Accident?

Why Consulting a Truck Accident Attorney is Crucial

While understanding the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is essential, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Negotiating the intricacies of the Texas legal system, especially post-accident, can be daunting. This is where the role of a dedicated truck accident attorney becomes invaluable.

Early Investigation

Evidence in truck accidents can quickly disappear. An attorney knows what to look for and can ensure critical pieces of evidence are preserved.

Understanding the Law

Texas’ legal system has nuances and complexities that require skill and experience. A knowledgeable attorney knows the ins and outs, ensuring your case is watertight.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are notorious for minimizing claim amounts. A practiced attorney can capably represent your interests and ensure you pursue fair compensation.

In Houston, Patrick Daniel Law embodies these qualities. Dedicated to ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve when they most need it, the firm stands as a beacon for those seeking legal redress.

Contact Patrick Daniel Law Today

In the tumultuous aftermath of a truck accident, the last thing you want to think about is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit. Two years can seem like plenty of time, but when dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial ramifications of a truck accident, that time can slip away quickly.

Understanding your rights and the legal avenues available to you is crucial. While the statute of limitations sets a timeframe, navigating the complexities of a lawsuit requires skill, experience, and dedication.

In Houston and the broader Texas region, seeking the counsel of an established firm ensures that your interests are protected and championed. Don’t let time slip away; contact Patrick Daniel Law today for a FREE case review.

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