When a semi-truck hit your vehicle six months ago, you had every intention of filing a trucking accident claim. After all, you believe you were the victim and sustained significant injuries in the process. But for one reason or another, you delayed filing, and now you wonder if it is too late—even though you still believe the responsible party should be held accountable for your injuries and losses.
Depending on the facts of your case, the good news is that it is likely not too late to file. That said, it is essential to act quickly. Each state has a statute of limitations that dictates how long victims have to file a personal injury claim after an accident.
Statute of Limitations for Trucking Accidents in Illinois and Iowa
As previously mentioned, a statute of limitations limits how long you have to bring a claim against another person or entity. This law ensures that legal matters are addressed promptly while evidence remains fresh and reliable—wait too long, and you may lose your right to seek compensation. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including trucking accidents, is two years from the date of the accident or injury. In Iowa, the timeline is the same. You have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Most people will work with their attorney to file a claim almost immediately when it comes to personal injury claims, including trucking accident claims. Therefore, the statute of limitations is rarely an issue for the parties involved.
That said, there are several reasons or scenarios why someone might wait:
- Financial concerns about hiring an attorney
- Confusion over who is liable
- A lack of understanding of their legal rights
- Lack of immediate symptoms
- Delayed onset of pain
- Emotional distress or trauma from the accident
- Pressure from insurance companies to settle quickly
- Deadline misunderstandings
- Relying on the responsible party or their insurance company to take care of you
Can There Be Extenuating Circumstances That Impact Filing Deadlines?
Claims against government entities may have significantly shorter filing deadlines.. If a victim was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended until the victim reaches adulthood.
Seek Medical Attention, Then Call a Capable Personal Injury Attorney
The first thing you should do after a trucking accident is seek medical attention. Even if you are not in pain or feel as though your injuries are minor, it is better to relax and allow medical personnel and law enforcement to be the judge of that. Injuries such as whiplash or internal trauma may not be evident at first and could cause additional complications if left untreated. Plus, a medical evaluation is critical for linking your injuries to the accident.
Once you are able, it is then critically important to file a claim. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. We will also work with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to build a strong case that supports your compensation claim.
The bottom line is that you deserve compassionate and knowledgeable legal advice, and we are here to help.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!!
Large truck accidents can occur for various reasons, including fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, inadequate training, and drug and alcohol use. Sometimes, the truck company can be liable for the accident if it fails to maintain or inspect the truck properly or violates federal or state regulations. At Keys Law Offices, we are dedicated to representing victims of truck accidents and their families, including those involving semi-trucks.
We understand the complex legal and regulatory issues involved in truck accident cases, and we know how to investigate and litigate these cases to ensure that our clients get the compensation they deserve. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!