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How long do you have to file? Check your deadline.
Every state sets a statute of limitations — a deadline for filing an injury lawsuit. Miss it, and even a strong case is usually barred forever. Enter your state and accident date to see the typical deadline for personal injury claims.
Why the real deadline is usually sooner than the legal one
The statute of limitations is the last possible day to file — not the day to start. Trucking-company evidence lives on a much shorter clock: federal rules require carriers to retain certain driver logs and supporting records for only months, and electronic data can be overwritten in the ordinary course of business. Attorneys send preservation letters early in truck cases for exactly this reason.
Exceptions can also cut the other way: claims against government entities often require notice within months, not years.
Injured in a truck accident? Time limits apply in every state. Get a free, no-obligation case review from an independent attorney.
Free Case EvaluationFrequently asked questions
Are there exceptions to the deadline?
Yes — common ones involve injured minors, delayed discovery of an injury, and defendants who leave the state. Others shorten deadlines, like claims against government entities. Whether an exception applies to your situation is a question for a licensed attorney.
Is the deadline different for wrongful death?
In many states, yes — wrongful death claims often run from the date of death and sometimes carry a different period than injury claims.
The deadline passed. Is it hopeless?
Usually a lapsed statute of limitations bars a claim, but exceptions exist, and the date the clock started isn't always obvious. A free consultation can settle the question either way.