Time Limits for Filing a Truck Accident Claim

When a truck accident happens, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and emotional stress pile up quickly. In the middle of all this, one detail is easy to overlook: the time limits for filing a truck accident claim. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your chance to recover compensation.

This guide explains how long you have to file, why deadlines matter, and what exceptions may apply.

Why Time Limits Matter

The law sets deadlines, called statutes of limitations, to make sure claims are filed while evidence and witness memories are still fresh. If you wait too long, your case may be thrown out before it even starts.

For truck accidents, the rules are strict. Knowing the time limit for accident claims can make the difference between getting full compensation and receiving nothing at all.

General Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Claim

In most states, including Arizona, the general statute of limitations for truck accidents is two years from the date of the crash. This applies to both personal injury and property damage claims.

That means if you were injured or your car was destroyed in a collision with a commercial truck, you have two years to start your lawsuit in court. If you miss that deadline, your claim is usually barred forever.

Two years may sound like a lot, but truck accident cases are complex. They often involve multiple parties, drivers, trucking companies, insurers, and sometimes even manufacturers. Each party may try to shift blame. The sooner you file, the stronger your case.

When the Filing Deadline Is Shorter: Government-Related Accidents

Sometimes the truck involved belongs to a city, county, or state agency. For example, a garbage truck, utility truck, or highway maintenance vehicle. Claims against government entities come with shorter deadlines.

In Arizona, you must file a Notice of Claim within 180 days of the accident. After that, you have one year from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.

Missing these deadlines is fatal to your case. Government claims are strict, and courts rarely make exceptions.

Here is the table:

Exceptions That May Extend the Deadline

There are rare situations where courts may extend or pause the statute of limitations. These include:

• Minor victims: If the injured person is under 18, the clock may not start until their 18th birthday.
• Hidden injuries: If injuries were not discovered immediately, the time may start when the injury is diagnosed.
• Out-of-state defendants: If the trucking company leaves the state, it may affect timing.

Still, you should never assume you have more time. These exceptions are narrow and often argued in court.

Steps to Protect Your Claim

Meeting deadlines is only part of the battle. Here are the steps you should take after a truck accident to keep your case strong:

1. Get medical care immediately – Both for your health and to create records.
2. Document the scene – Take photos of vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
3. Save all paperwork – Insurance letters, bills, and repair estimates.
4. Don’t give early statements – Insurance adjusters may use your words against you.
5. Talk to a lawyer quickly – The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of meeting all deadlines.

For more on protecting your rights, see How to File a Personal Injury Claim.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Truck accident victims often lose their chance at compensation because of preventable mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Waiting too long to file, assuming you have plenty of time.
• Not realizing that government vehicles have shorter deadlines.
• Relying only on the insurance company’s timeline.
• Thinking that an informal claim or phone call “counts” as filing a lawsuit.
• Assuming exceptions will automatically apply to your case.

Each of these mistakes can cost you your entire claim.

Why You Should Act Fast

Truck accident claims are more complicated than regular car crashes. They may involve federal trucking regulations, multiple defendants, and high-dollar damages. Evidence like driver logs, black box data, and surveillance footage can disappear quickly.

If you wait until the last minute, your attorney may not have enough time to investigate properly. Acting fast gives your legal team the best chance to build a strong case.

To Sum Up

The time limits for filing a truck accident claim are strict, and missing them can cost you everything. For most cases, you have two years. For government-related accidents, you may have as little as 180 days. Insurance policies also require quick action.

Don’t risk your future by waiting too long. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Call Big Chad Law today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer. We’ll explain your options, file on time, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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