The Tennessee truck accident statute of limitations is just one year from the date of the accident. It is the law that sets the deadline for when a person injured in a truck crash must file a personal injury lawsuit if they wish to seek compensation for their losses through the court system.
The Terry Law Firm handles cases across East Tennessee for clients harmed in collisions with tractor-trailers, box trucks, and other large commercial vehicles. Our attorneys can take on your case and help you meet the filing deadlines.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee?
After a collision with a truck, you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and three years to file a lawsuit for property damage to your vehicle or other personal property.
Keep in mind that filing a lawsuit is usually not the first step in pursuing compensation after a truck accident. Filing an insurance claim against the trucking company or another at-fault party typically comes first. However, the insurance claims process may not move very quickly. Truck accident cases are complex, and negotiations may drag on for months or more. Just because negotiations with the insurance company are in progress does not mean you should ignore the deadline to file a lawsuit.
Other factors can affect the Tennessee truck accident filing deadline. For example, accidents involving government trucks require you to bring claims against the relevant agencies within a year, including property damage claims. Very narrow exceptions could extend the filing deadline in limited cases.
Why One Year Passes Fast in a Truck Accident Case
Truck accident cases often involve unique factors due to the complex business relationships that enable the industry to operate. The truck driver and their employer may not be the only or even the primary parties responsible for the crash. Cargo loaders, maintenance providers, manufacturers, other motorists, and other parties may also bear liability.
As a result, commercial motor vehicle accident cases take time to investigate and prepare. A year can go by very quickly. Adding to the urgency of your claim is the fact that critical evidence may go missing or become inaccessible shortly after a crash. Our experienced Tennessee truck accident lawyers can take steps to preserve evidence that could play a key role in proving someone else caused the collision that injured you.
Where an East Tennessee Truck Case Gets Filed
Even if the trucking company involved in the crash is based outside the state, if the accident happened in Tennessee, you can sue them in court in the county where it occurred. For example:
- Hamblen County Circuit Court: 510 Allison Street, Morristown, TN 37814
- Sevier County Circuit Court: 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN 37862
- Greene County Circuit Court: 101 South Main Street, Greeneville, TN 37743
- Washington County Circuit Court: 108 West Jackson Boulevard, Jonesborough, TN 37659
Have The Terry Law Firm Review Your Truck Accident Case for Free
The deadline to sue a trucking company in Tennessee can arrive very quickly. Secure your right to pursue compensation by turning to The Terry Law Firm as soon as possible. We are ready to begin investigating the crash and preparing a persuasive claim. With over 90 years of combined legal experience, we are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney at our firm.