Statute of Limitations For a Truck Accident in WA
Posted in Truck Accident on January 9, 2023
Every type of personal injury claim in Washington must be filed within a specific period of time, according to state law. The time frames involved in these cases are called the statute of limitations. In general, each civil lawsuit related to a truck accident in Washington must be filed within three years from the date the incident occurs. Here, our Seattle truck accident lawyers want to further discuss the statute of limitations as well as various exceptions that may apply.
What the Law Says About Truck Accident Claim Timelines
When we examine RCW 4.16.080, we can see that the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington is three years from the date an incident occurs. The personal injury statute of limitations applies to truck accident claims in this state. This means that truck accident victims have a three-year window with which to file a personal injury lawsuit against the alleged negligent truck driver, truck company, or other entity involved in causing the incident.
If a truck crash victim fails to file their claim within this three-year timeframe, they will not be able to recover any compensation for their losses, regardless of how so there the injuries were or how egregious the fault of the other party was.
It is crucial to file a claim within this time period, preferably long before the statute of limitations expires. These cases can be complicated, and investigations can take time. Pushing up against the personal injury statute of limitations is never a good idea.
There are various exceptions to the personal injury statute of limitations in Washington. Claims may be filed beyond this three-year time frame for various reasons, including incidents where the victim is incapacitated. We encourage you to speak to a skilled attorney who has experience handling these claims if you have any questions about whether or not you still have time to file your case in civil court.
Do Insurance Carriers Have the Same Deadlines?
It is important to look at the timeframes set forth by insurance carriers. Each insurance carrier will have its own reporting deadline for these claims. For a truck accident case in Washington, there will likely be a few different types of insurance carriers involved. Often, insurance claims must be reported within a day or two after the incident occurs, but there is usually some wiggle room with this. One thing is certain – individuals should not delay filing an insurance claim.
If a claim with an insurance carrier is not promptly made after the incident occurs, it is likely that the carrier will delay or even deny the claim altogether.
Working With an Attorney
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a truck accident caused by the actions of another party, we encourage you to reach out to an attorney immediately. The deadlines revolving around these cases are important, but it is also essential to have a trained set of eyes on your case. An attorney can handle the investigation into these complex claims, and they will also handle all negotiations with other parties involved. The ultimate goal is to recover medical bill compensation, payment for lost wages, and property damage expenses on your behalf.