Truck accidents can be devastating, causing severe injuries, significant property damage, and emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Baltimore, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future.
Understanding your legal rights is essential, and having an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side can make a major difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
At The Bishop Law Group, we know how overwhelming the aftermath of a truck accident can be. Our dedicated Baltimore truck accident lawyers will listen to your concerns, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Whether you are dealing with complex insurance claims, determining liability, or pursuing a lawsuit, we are committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact The Bishop Law Group today to discuss your case. Our firm proudly serves accident victims throughout Maryland, including Baltimore, Ocean City, and surrounding areas. Let us help you move forward with confidence.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Maryland?
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Maryland, it is essential to understand the legal deadline for filing a claim. The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Maryland is three years from the date of the accident.
This means you typically have up to three years after the crash to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries, property damage, or other losses resulting from the accident.
If the accident resulted in a fatality, Maryland law allows three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim related to the accident.
Why Does This Deadline Matter?
The three-year limit is a firm legal deadline that courts strictly enforce. If you attempt to file your lawsuit after the deadline has passed, your case will likely be dismissed. Once dismissed, you lose the right to seek compensation through the legal system.
Understanding this time limit ensures that you take action before it expires, helping protect your ability to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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Are There Any Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations?
While Maryland generally sets a three-year statute of limitations, some circumstances allow for exceptions. However, these exceptions are limited and specific. Below are situations where the deadline might be adjusted:
1. Minors Involved in Truck Accidents
If the person injured in the truck accident was a minor (under 18 years old) when the accident occurred, Maryland law delays the start of the three-year countdown. Instead, the statute of limitations begins on their 18th birthday, meaning they have until age 21 to file a lawsuit.
This exception protects minors by ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue legal action once they reach adulthood.
2. Injuries Discovered Later
In some cases, injuries from a truck accident may not be immediately apparent. Certain health conditions—such as internal injuries or trauma-related complications—may take time to manifest.
Maryland applies what is known as the discovery rule, which allows the statute of limitations to begin when the injury is discovered (or when it should have been discovered with reasonable diligence) instead of the accident date.
However, this rule applies in rare cases, and proving that an injury was delayed can be challenging.
3. Claims Involving Government Vehicles
If your truck accident involved a government-owned vehicle or a government-employed driver on duty, different legal rules apply. Maryland follows the Maryland Tort Claims Act and the Local Government Tort Claims Act, which impose stricter deadlines. In these cases, you may need to:
- Provide formal notice of your claim within one year (or even less).
- Meet additional legal requirements before filing a lawsuit.
If your accident involved a government vehicle, it is critical to contact an experienced attorney right away to ensure you comply with special legal deadlines.
Exceptions to the statute of limitations are not automatic and can be challenging to prove. It is safest to act within the normal three-year timeframe. Consulting with an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer can help determine if any special circumstances affect your deadline.
What Happens if I Miss the Deadline?
If you miss the filing deadline, you lose the right to pursue your claim in court. Maryland courts strictly enforce the statute of limitations, and late lawsuits are almost always dismissed.
Missing the deadline also affects negotiations with insurance companies. If insurers know you can no longer file a lawsuit, they lose incentive to offer a fair settlement, meaning you may be stuck paying out of pocket for damages that could have been covered.
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When Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a truck accident. Once you receive any necessary medical attention, speaking with an attorney early can help strengthen your case.
An attorney can:
- Investigate the accident and preserve evidence (e.g., accident scene photos, traffic camera footage, witness statements).
- Handle insurance negotiations and prevent mistakes, such as giving statements that may be used against you.
- Ensure that legal paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
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Contact a Maryland Truck Accident Attorney Today
At The Bishop Law Group, we encourage accident victims to seek legal advice promptly. Our experienced Maryland truck accident attorneys are here to help victims across Maryland.
Contact The Bishop Law Group today to discuss your case. We will answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
