The time you have to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for injuries sustained in a truck accident depends on the state where the incident took place. All states have a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The clock usually begins ticking on this timeline as soon as the accident occurs, and the deadline is generally one to five years later, depending on the state where the accident occurred. Some circumstances allow you to toll (extend) a statute of limitations.
In most cases, however, if you fail to file a lawsuit before this deadline passes, you cannot use the civil court system as you pursue compensation for your injuries. Also, there is no obligation for the insurance company to resolve the claim.
Your truck accident lawyer is aware of this timeline and can manage your case to meet this important deadline. This keeps your option for filing a lawsuit open if the at-fault party's insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement on the claim.