The statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Bethlehem, PA, is two years. Working with a Bethlehem truck accident lawyer at Munley Law can help keep your claim on track because this timeframe can decide if you can claim compensation for damages or injuries. Beyond this period, claims may be denied without you being allowed to file your personal injury lawsuit.
After a traumatic event like a truck accident, understanding legal terms and requirements can be confusing and intimidating for accident victims. Learn more about why this timeline is in place and what happens if the statute of limitations expires.
How the Statute of Limitations Works for a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is essential to remember that there is a two-year timeline, starting from the accident’s date. Initiating your legal process as soon as possible gives your truck accident attorney enough time to build a strong case.
Immediately, they will begin to gather evidence while memories are fresh and physical evidence may still exist. They will start negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company during this time. There may be communications with the trucking company or the truck driver, all of which your truck accident attorney would handle. If you delay and miss the deadline, you could lose the opportunity to receive compensation for any injuries you sustained.
Legal matters can be complicated, and every case is unique, particularly truck accidents. It’s essential to seek advice from truck accident lawyers who understand the specific rules in your area. They will keep your claim on schedule and ensure you don’t risk letting the statute of limitations run out.
Whether you were in a car accident or a truck accident, if you wish to seek compensation for your injuries, it is essential to act quickly. Please do so to avoid missing the two-year deadline and losing your chance for legal recourse. It’s critical to consult with a truck accident lawyer familiar with your area’s specific rules and regulations. Doing so will help ensure that you are on the right track.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline to File a Personal Injury Claim?
It’s essential to remember that personal injury lawsuits due to truck accidents are subject to specific deadlines known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file your claim within these time limits, your legal right to pursue compensation may be forfeited.
Even if your personal injury claim has merit, the court may reject it based solely on the expiration of the statute of limitations. This means you won’t be able to take your case to trial or receive compensation for your injuries from the truck accident.
To ensure you take advantage of your chance to seek justice, you must speak with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help you understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case and explore any possible exceptions. With their guidance, you can confidently develop an effective legal strategy and navigate the legal process.
Conditions that Extend the Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit
Statute of limitations are laws that set the maximum period one can wait before filing a lawsuit, depending on the type of case or claim. The main idea is that if you have a valid legal claim against someone, you can’t hold onto it indefinitely.
As we’ve reviewed, if you were injured in an accident, typically, you would have two years to bring your lawsuit. If you were to try to sue after two years have passed, in that case, your case will be dismissed because you’ve exceeded the limitation period. But what if there are situations that stop, or toll, this clock from ticking? Let’s dive into some exceptions that may apply and can extend these time limits.
- The Person Hurt is a Minor: The legal system often makes special accommodations for minors. If the person injured in our hypothetical accident was under 18, the two-year clock will start ticking on their 18th birthday. Modified time limits give them a fair chance to decide about legal actions once they’re adults.
- The Person Hurt Has a Mental Incapacity: The courts recognize that not everyone can fully comprehend the significance of a lawsuit. If a person is mentally unable to understand the nature of the proceedings or communicate about the event, the limitation period might be paused until they’re mentally capable.
- The Injury Wasn’t Immediately Noticed: Injuries sometimes don’t appear immediately. It can take weeks, months, or even years for specific health problems to emerge after an accident. Under the discovery rule, the two-year clock starts ticking in these cases once the person discovers (or should have reasonably discovered) their injury.
Think of these exceptions like pressing pause on a stopwatch. Instead of the statute of limitations clock running out on your truck accident claim, it’s on hold, waiting for the right time to start counting again. While these rules can get complex, it’s all about fairness and ensuring everyone can bring their case forward appropriately. As with all legal matters, it’s a good idea to consult a truck accident attorney to ensure you fully understand your options. It is an even better idea if any exceptions apply to your case.
Munley Law Will Keep You on Track
Understanding the nuances of the statute of limitations in truck accident claims can be complex. Still, it is integral to receiving rightful compensation for your injuries and damages. Taking immediate action is vital, not just because of the legal deadlines but also to collect and preserve necessary evidence.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Legal guidance from experienced truck accident lawyers like those at Munley Law can ensure you meet all deadlines, correctly present your claim, and increase your chances of success. If you have been injured in a truck accident and need expert advice to navigate your personal injury claims, don’t hesitate. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve for your injury.
