How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

If you’re considering filing a lawsuit against an Oklahoma truck driver or trucking company, you’ll need to make sure you do so within the appropriate timeline. Failing to file in time could bar you from seeking compensation. 

Learn the statute of limitations for truck accident cases in Oklahoma. If you’re nearing the deadline or you’ve already passed it, contact an Oklahoma truck accident attorney to discuss your options.

Oklahoma Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents

In Oklahoma, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit against the trucking company that caused your accident. This is an important deadline called the statute of limitations. Exceeding this deadline could prevent you from gaining compensation for your accident.

The two years after a serious accident can pass in the blink of an eye. Whether your accident just occurred or you’re nearing the two-year deadline, contact an Oklahoma truck wreck attorney immediately to start the process of seeking compensation. You don’t want to risk missing the deadline and losing out on the compensation you need to move forward from the accident.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death

If one of your family members died in an Oklahoma truck accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the trucking company through a civil lawsuit. Wrongful death claims also adhere to a two-year statute of limitations. This means you or a personal representative of the decedent must file the claim within two years of their death

Deadline for Filing an Insurance Claim

If you also wish to file an insurance claim with the truck company’s liability insurance, you’ll need to file it within a “reasonable time” after the accident. Typically, this is within a few weeks of the accident. 

If the truck driver was at fault for the accident, their insurance company should reach out to you within a few days of the accident to collect your information and file the claim. But if it doesn’t, don’t hesitate to have your Oklahoma truck accident attorney contact the company directly. The claim should be filed as soon as possible to preserve the evidence and streamline your compensation process. 

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents

Oklahoma’s statutes of limitations are pretty strict, but there are a few exceptions to these rules. If you’ve already surpassed the two-year deadline for truck accident claims, talk to your truck accident lawyer about whether any of these exceptions may apply:

  • If you were cognitively incapacitated by your truck accident injuries, the statute of limitations “clock” may not start ticking until you become legally competent. 
  • If you were a minor at the time of the accident, you have until one year after your 18th birthday to file a truck accident lawsuit.
  • If the at-fault party left the state at any point during the two years, the period they were missing would not count toward the statute of limitations.

An Oklahoma truck accident attorney can help you determine whether these or any other rules could help you extend your statute of limitations if necessary.

Contact an Oklahoma Truck Accident Lawyer for Assistance

Don’t risk missing the deadline for truck accident claims in Oklahoma. Contact an experienced auto injury law firm as soon as possible to discuss filing a lawsuit and ensure that you adhere to relevant deadlines. 

Bryan Garrett PLLC can help you seek compensation after a truck accident. Contact us today at 405-369-7723 to request vehicle collision legal counsel.

Bryan Garrett PLLC

Bryan Garrett has been dedicated to personal injury law for over 15 years in Oklahoma City. He has achieved excellent results for countless clients, whether through settlement or litigation.

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