Time Limitations To File A Michigan Truck Accident Lawsuit
Being injured in a Michigan truck accident can be overwhelming for accident victims. In addition to dealing with the physical injuries and emotional stress caused by the truck crash, victims must also deal with the financial hardship that results from medical bills, lost income, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
To receive compensation for damages in a truck accident case, you must file a claim against the truck driver, truck company, or another party for your personal injuries. The Clark Law Office helps accident victims file personal injury lawsuits in truck accident cases. However, our Michigan truck accident attorneys urge you to act quickly to protect your right to file a claim before time expires.
Failing to file a claim before the deadline set forth in Michigan’s Statute of Limitations can result in losing your right to receive compensation for your injuries.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for A Truck Accident Claim in Michigan?
A Statute of Limitations sets deadlines for filing various types of lawsuits, including personal injury lawsuits. The cut-off date imposed for filing a lawsuit is intended to allow for fairness and judicial economy for all parties involved in the lawsuit. In other words, a defendant should not be forced to defend himself against an allegation of wrongdoing that occurred 10, 20, or 30 years ago.
Part of the reasoning for a statute of limitations is the fact that evidence can be lost or destroyed over time and the memories of witnesses may not be as reliable as more time passes between the event in question and the testimony given in court. The deadlines set by Michigan’s Statute of Limitations depend on the type of lawsuit being filed.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for A Michigan Truck Accident Lawsuit?
By law, a truck accident victim must file a lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident to be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering compensation. There are a few exceptions to this general rule that we discuss below. In some cases, the deadline for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Michigan is shortened or extended.
There may be several factors involved in your case that impact the deadline to file a lawsuit. Because calculating the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit can be complicated, it is important for you to contact an experienced Michigan truck accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. If you have been injured in an accident, contact The Clark Law Office for a free consultation with an experienced Lansing truck accident lawyer.
Exceptions to The Statute of Limitation for Truck Accident Lawsuits
As discussed above, there are a few limited exceptions to the general 3-year rule for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Michigan. For example, the deadline to file a Michigan no-fault insurance lawsuit against your insurance company for your no-fault insurance benefits is one year from the date the benefit was incurred, normally the date of the truck accident. If you fail to file your lawsuit before the deadline, you lose the right to receive benefits under your no-fault insurance coverage.
Another example of an exception to the 3-year rule is in cases involving a child or mentally incapacitated person. In some cases, the statute of limitations is extended for these accident victims. However, it is not wise to wait to contact a Michigan truck accident attorney because this extension may not apply in every case and it does not apply to a no-fault insurance claim.
It is always in your best interest to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident to protect your right to file a claim against the party or parties who caused the accident.
What Happens If I Don’t File a Truck Accident Lawsuit Before the Deadline Expires?
You lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages from the person or company who is liable for the accident. Missing the deadline to file a lawsuit or a no-fault insurance claim can have significant consequences on your future. You are responsible for the payment of your medical bills, which could be in the thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars. You are responsible for your future medical expenses and any loss of income incurred because of the accident.
Because of the enormous negative impact missing a deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit can have on your life and the lives of your family, it is crucial you call The Clark Law Office now to discuss your legal options. Our Lansing truck accident lawyers are well versed in the laws government filing lawsuits and the rules and regulations governing the trucking industry. It is our desire to help you and your family receive the compensation you deserve from the parties who are responsible for your injuries.
Call Our Lansing Truck Accident Attorneys Today!
Don’t risk losing your right to recover compensation for injuries sustained in a truck accident. Call The Clark Law Office at (517) 347-6900 or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation and no-obligation case evaluation. We have offices in Okemos and Lansing for your convenience.