How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident?

Posted on: November 7, 2023

If you suffered a severe injury in a truck accident, it could take months, if not years, to fully recover. If the accident caused permanent impairments, you may require medical care for the rest of your life.

While filing a personal injury claim may be the last thing on your mind when you are focusing all of your physical and mental energy on recovering from your injuries, a successful one can help ensure you are compensated for your medical care and other damages. However, it is imperative that you file your claim before the deadline to do so has passed.

The deadline for filing a personal injury claim varies by state, but if you are injured in a truck accident in New Jersey, you must file your claim within two years of the accident date. However, it is in your best interest to start the claims process as soon as possible since the expenses associated with a truck accident tend to accumulate very quickly.

If the truck accident resulted in a tragic fatality, you may file a wrongful death claim against the truck driver if negligence was involved. In New Jersey, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the date of your loved one’s death.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations Rule?

In certain situations, you may have additional time to file a truck accident claim, such as:

• You are under the age of 18. If you were seriously injured in a truck accident, and you are under the age of 18, you will have two years from the date of your 18th birthday to file a claim.
• You have a disability. If you were diagnosed with a mental disability before the accident, and you do not fully understand the impact of the truck accident or the fact that you have the right to file a claim, you may be given additional time to file.
• Your injuries are not immediately apparent. If you did not experience symptoms until days, weeks, or more after the accident, you may be able to file a claim within two years from the day that your injury was discovered.

What Damages am I Entitled to if I am Injured in a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents are known for causing extensive property damage and catastrophic injuries. A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, determine who is responsible for your injuries, and seek the damages to which you are entitled.

You may be entitled to the following damages:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Death benefits if you lost a loved one

Our Skilled Freehold Truck Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Represent Victims of Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact our Freehold truck accident lawyers at Ellis Law. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us at 732-308-0200 or contact us online. Located in Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.