If you have been injured in a truck accident, it can feel devastating. Your life has been turned upside down. You do not know when or if you could return to work, how much your medical expenses will cost, or how long recovery may take. If someone has put you in this predicament, you do have options.
However, understanding the statute of limitations for Houston truck accident cases is critical. Texas sets strict timelines for filing personal injury lawsuits, and missing these deadlines could affect your ability to pursue financial recovery. At Benjamin Roberts Law, our dedicated truck accident attorneys are here to explain how these deadlines work, what exceptions might apply, and how we could help protect your rights.
The Time to File a Claim
In Houston, the statute of limitations typically gives injured individuals two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury claim under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003. That may sound like plenty of time, but these cases can get complicated quickly, and waiting too long can hurt your case.
That said, there are situations that change this timeline. For example:
- Cases involving minors: The clock often does not start until the injured person turns 18
- Wrongful death claims: The two-year period begins on the date of death
- Claims against government entities: You may need to file notice within six months
Because these exceptions can make a big difference, it is a good idea to speak with a Houston truck accident attorney early so you understand which deadline applies to you.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Truck accident cases are different from most other personal injury claims because they often involve multiple parties and large amounts of evidence. The problem is that this evidence does not last forever.
Driver logs can be altered, black box data may be erased, and trucking companies often move quickly to protect themselves after a crash. Combined with the statute of limitations for truck accident cases in Houston, these factors make it important to act without delay. Acting early gives your legal team time to:
- Gather accident reports and preserve key documents
- Secure driver records and trucking company logs
- Collect black box data before it is deleted
- Speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh
A skilled Houston truck accident attorney can step in right away to protect your interests and make sure critical evidence is preserved.
Why Truck Accident Claims Are So Complex
Truck accident cases often involve more than just the driver and your insurance company. Trucking companies, manufacturers, and even third-party contractors may also be responsible for what happened. On top of that, federal trucking regulations set strict rules about safety, inspections, and driving hours — and these rules can affect your case.
Some common challenges in these cases include:
- Multiple parties with overlapping insurance coverage
- Severe injuries that require long-term medical care
- Disputes about who caused the accident
- Federal regulations that impact liability
Because these claims are rarely straightforward, having an experienced truck accident lawyer could help you navigate the process and focus on your recovery.
Speak With a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer About the Statute of Limitations and Your Case
Understanding the statute of limitations for Houston truck accident cases is critical to protecting your right to seek compensation. Missing important deadlines could limit your ability to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
At Benjamin Roberts Law, our Houston truck accident lawyers provide compassionate, knowledgeable guidance for people dealing with the aftermath of serious crashes. If you have questions about your options, we are here to listen, explain your rights, and help you move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Below are just some of the more common types of cases that Benjamin Roberts represents personal injury clients.
For a full list of the cases we handle, please see the Practice Areas link at the top of the page.