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Truck Accident Statute of Limitation in MarylandAfter a truck accident, you might be trying to piece things together—dealing with injuries and medical bills and figuring out what steps to take. Maryland law has specific deadlines for truck accident cases, which can stop you from getting the compensation you need.

This guide explains the truck accident statute of limitations, when exceptions might apply, and how acting within the required time frame can help protect your rights.

What Is the Truck Accident Statute of Limitations in Maryland?

Maryland gives you three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. This three-year deadline applies to personal injury claims, property damage, and wrongful death cases caused by truck accidents. Missing this truck accident filing deadline means you may not be unable to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses.

The state also uses an at-fault system for insurance claims, meaning the driver responsible for the accident (or their insurance) will usually cover the costs. To protect your rights, you must report the accident to your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer as soon as possible. Delays in reporting or filing a claim can cause problems, as insurers might argue that the delay affects their ability to investigate.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitation

Certain situations can change the standard three-year timeline for filing a truck accident claim in Maryland. These exceptions are not automatic and usually require proper evidence or legal documentation. You should not rely on an exception to your case. It is much better to seek advice from an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

1. If a Minor Is Injured

If the injured person is under 18, Maryland law gives them extra time to file a lawsuit. The three-year period doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday, meaning they have until their 21st birthday to take legal action. But you should not wait until then. It gets harder to bring a successful claim if you wait too long after the accident.

2. Hidden or Delayed Injuries

Some injuries from truck accidents don’t show up immediately. If your injury wasn’t noticeable right after the accident, Maryland law allows the statute of limitations to begin when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. While this can give you more time, you must show evidence that the delay in identifying the injury was reasonable. This can be difficult. It is best to act promptly if you have a truck accident.

3. Wrongful Death

When someone passes away due to injuries from a truck accident, Maryland law gives three years from the date of death (not the date of the accident) to file a claim. It’s essential to keep track of this timeline and seek legal guidance to avoid missing it. And it is always better to bring your case within 3 years of the actual date of the accident. It is dangerous to rely on an exception to the statute of limitations.

4. Government Involvement

Stricter deadlines apply if the truck involved in the accident was owned by a government agency or driven by a government employee. Government entities’ claims in Maryland must follow the Maryland Tort Claims Act or the Local Government Tort Claims Act. You must give written notice of your claim within one year of the accident, and the notice must meet specific legal standards.

Why Meeting the Truck Accident Filing Deadline Matters

Waiting too long to file a claim after a truck accident can make it harder to gather key documents, locate witnesses, or tie your injuries to the accident.

While three years may sound like plenty of time, an early start gives you the best chance to build a solid case. Evidence such as police reports, photos, and medical records are easier to collect and review shortly after the accident. Acting quickly also signals to insurance companies that you are serious about your claim.

Not filing your claim within the truck accident statute of limitation can create serious problems, including:

  • Your case may be dismissed. Courts enforce filing deadlines strictly. Filing too late could mean dismissal of your case, regardless of its strength.
  • No compensation. Without a valid claim, you may have to pay for medical expenses, lost income, and other accident-related costs on your own.
  • Weaker position against insurers. Insurance companies often know the deadlines and could use them as leverage to deny your claim or offer less than you deserve.

Filing on time keeps your options open and lets you pursue the compensation you’re owed.

How Southern Maryland Law Can Help

For more than 60 years, Southern Maryland Law has been helping people in Waldorf, Lexington Park, and across the region after serious truck accidents. As a trusted Waldorf truck accident lawyers, our team understands what’s at stake, and we’ve worked with truck accident victims to secure the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Here’s how we can assist:

  • Confirm the truck accident filing deadline and determine if exceptions apply to your case;
  • Handle the legal process, from gathering evidence to filing documents on time; and
  • Deal with insurance companies to ensure they treat you fairly and don’t undervalue your claim.

We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we win your case. This allows you to focus on recovery without worrying about legal costs.

Don’t Wait—Contact Us Today

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, the clock is already ticking. Maryland’s deadlines are firm, and the sooner you take action, the better your chances of building a solid claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your rights and how we can help.