Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Illinois

Friday, October 13, 2023

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Illinois

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Accidents involving trucks can have consequences for everyone involved. These types of crashes often result in more serious injuries and higher damages. An experienced truck crash attorney can offer advice on navigating the complexities of these cases.

This same statute covers other personal injury cases, such as slip and falls, construction accidents, or medical malpractice.

Time Restrictions in Illinois

In Illinois, you have a two-year window from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for truck accidents. If you fail to initiate your claim within this timeframe, you’ll forfeit your right to seek, as in other personal injury lawsuits, compensation for damages.

The clock may start ticking when the injury is discovered or when it should have reasonably been discovered. Therefore, starting time typically begins from the date of the crash.

You must take prompt action then if you want to initiate a claim and make sure you receive the settlement you need.

The Importance of Taking Quick Action

The earlier you start your claim, the higher your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Waiting to take action can present challenges, including;

1. Loss of Evidence. If you don’t act immediately, you may lose sight of important documents or accounts, including vehicle maintenance logs, some medical records, or associated documentation. Also, skid marks and other evidence can fade away at the accident scene. So, take pictures of the damages to your vehicle and the injuries you receive ASAP.
2. Reliability of Witnesses: As time passes, witness memories might become less reliable. So, you need to talk to witnesses while the accident is still fresh on everyone’s minds.
3. Tactics by Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often direct their energies toward negotiating lower settlements, thereby exploiting a claimant’s rights. That’s why you need to contact a personal injury attorney right away. They know what strategies to use to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement.
4. Legal Obligations. Filing promptly ensures compliance with the Illinois statute of limitations, preventing the loss of your right to compensation due to a late submission.

Seeking Professional Legal Help

To achieve the best possible results for your truck accident claim, again, it is important to seek advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. Having this type of representation not only provides expert guidance throughout the claims process but also safeguards your interests when dealing with insurance providers.

How an Attorney Can Help

A truck accident attorney can help you obtain the damages you’re seeking in the form of lost income, medical costs, pain and suffering, and future medical needs and expenses. They know how to calculate a settlement that will not leave you financially struggling.

Therefore, they can help you calculate the economic and noneconomic damages for your claim so you’re satisfied with the money you receive. Plus, they won’t charge you unless they win your case. When you receive your settlement, you’ll pay them a percentage of what you receive. This is called working on a contingency basis.

Also, if you need money while you’re recuperating, they can advance the funds so you don’t feel overburdened during what can be a very stressful time. While many cases can be settled out of court, a personal injury lawyer will also represent you in a jury trial if you need to take this all-important step.

To go ahead with a lawsuit, you’ll need to prove negligence. To do this, you have to show that the defendant neglected to use reasonable care, which caused your injury, which also caused you to incur damages.

That’s why you can’t wait to initiate a claim. The sooner you file a lawsuit, the sooner you can receive what you deserve and need.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

In Illinois, contact Malman Law for a no-obligation consultation now. They can help you build a solid case.