How Soon Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in South Carolina?

How soon do you have to file a truck accident claim in South Carolina? Generally, you must file your claim before the state’s statute of limitations expires. The state typically gives drivers three years to file a claim, though exceptions can exist. 

You can review the deadlines for your claim with a South Carolina truck accident lawyer from our team at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward. The Thumbs Up Guys are here to build your claim, investigate what happened, and keep your case on track.

Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.

What’s the Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in South Carolina?

South Carolina uses a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. This time limit applies to motor vehicle collisions, including truck accidents. Therefore, in most cases, you have to file your truck accident claim within three years. 

However, exceptions to this law may impact the deadline for your claim. Therefore, we recommend contacting a personal injury lawyer quickly to ensure you understand the timeline for your situation. 

Does the Deadline for Truck Accident Claims Change for Fatal Collisions?

South Carolina uses a three-year statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims. Therefore, your family will usually have the same amount of time to file a claim with a wrongful death lawyer after a fatal accident. 

Our team will compassionately review the circumstances around your loved one’s accident and provide detailed information about the deadline for your family’s claim. 

What Happens if You Wait Too Long to File Your Truck Accident Claim?

South Carolina’s statute of limitations puts firm limits on the time available to seek compensation after an accident. Drivers who wait too long and allow the statute to expire can lose their chance to seek compensation for their losses. 

For example, the court may dismiss a lawsuit filed after the expiration of the statute of limitations. Fortunately, a truck accident lawyer can begin working on your case immediately after a collision to help you avoid this issue. 

What Exceptions Exist for the Truck Accident Statute of Limitations?

In some cases, South Carolina will extend or pause the statute of limitations in truck accident cases. For example, you may have more time to move forward with your claim if:

• You were under 18 at the time of the wreck
• You were declared “insane” at the time of the collision 
• The individual at fault for the accident left the state 

We can review these exceptions when you contact us for help after a wreck. We’ll determine the statute of limitations for your specific circumstances and keep your claim moving to bring you fair compensation. 

Should You Contact a Lawyer Immediately After an Accident?

Some drivers take South Carolina’s three-year statute of limitations to mean they can wait several years after a collision to begin working on their legal claim for compensation. However, getting help right away can benefit your claim. 

You can contact a truck accident lawyer from the scene of your wreck. Getting assistance immediately means that your lawyer can visit the accident scene before evidence disappears and speak to witnesses before they forget what happened. 

Your lawyer can also help you avoid common mistakes after a truck accident if you get help right away. Our firm handles all communication with insurance agents and the at-fault party, allowing you to focus all your energy on your recovery. 

What Else Should You Do After a South Carolina Truck Accident?

In the aftermath of a truck accident in South Carolina, we recommend you take a few immediate steps to strengthen your future claim for compensation. Make sure that you: 

• Stay at the scene of the accident to avoid hit-and-run charges
• Contact the police and report the truck accident
• Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
• Get contact information from the truck driver and eyewitnesses
• Seek immediate medical care

Taking these steps quickly can establish that the accident happened and help establish the cause of the collision. Getting prompt medical care allows you to begin your recovery and shows that the wreck caused your injuries. 

You can learn more about your next steps by contacting us for assistance. 

Speak to a Lawyer After a Truck Accident in South Carolina

How soon do you have to file a truck accident claim in South Carolina? In many cases, you must file your claim within three years of the accident, though moving more quickly may allow you to secure funds for your losses faster. 

Find out more about the statute of limitations with the Thumbs Up Guys from Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward. Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.