If you were injured in a collision with a semi-truck, 18-wheeler or big rig in Columbus, contacting a truck accident lawyer sooner rather than later is in your best interests.
In Ohio, as in every state, accident victims have a limited amount of time to take legal action and pursue compensation. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. Here, we explain how much time you have to file a truck accident lawsuit.
Ohio’s Truck Accident Statute of Limitations
Generally, under Ohio law, the statute of limitations for a truck accident lawsuit is two years, the same as that for most personal injury claims. Usually, the clock starts ticking on the date of the trucking collision, and the filing deadline is strictly enforced.
Exceptions to the statute of limitations sometimes apply. For example, under Ohio law, if an injured victim is a minor, the deadline for filing a lawsuit is two years from the date of their 18th birthday.
Ohio truck accident lawyers understand the state filing deadlines and can determine if any exceptions apply to your case. Therefore, no matter the time frame, you should reach out to an attorney to get a clear picture of your legal rights and options.
Do You Need to Hire an Attorney to File an Accident Claim?
Legal representation isn’t required but having a lawyer on your side is beneficial for several reasons.
After a serious trucking collision, you may have difficulty determining liability, or who to hold responsible for your losses. In many cases, the truck driver is at fault – but there may also be negligence by the trucking company, a parts manufacturer or a number of other parties.
In addition, both state and federal trucking regulations may be relevant. Navigating these laws and developing a solid case may not be easy on your own. As a result, you aren’t likely to obtain the maximum in financial compensation without the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Get in Touch with a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Two years may seem like plenty of time, but you shouldn’t wait too long to get legal advice.
An attorney may not take your case if the statute of limitations is about to run out, as they need time to compile evidence, complete an investigation and prepare the necessary legal documents. For the best chance of obtaining every dollar you deserve, schedule a consultation with a lawyer as soon as possible after a truck collision.
At Clark, Perdue & List, our legal team has the skill, knowledge and experience to handle trucking accident claims, and we have a history of success. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly qualified truck accident lawyer in Columbus, Ohio, contact us today.