In many legal claims, those involved must consider what is known as a statute of limitations. A statute of limitations sets the period in which a person must file a legal action. If this deadline is missed, the courts will not hear the case.
Understanding a Statute of Limitations
Statutes of limitations exist to protect citizens from the ongoing threat of a lawsuit. Generally, a victim with a legitimate claim would pursue legal action against the person responsible in a reasonable amount of time. Additionally, it’s easy for evidence to be lost over time, memories are less sharp, and witnesses are difficult to locate. These limitations encourage timely, accurate resolutions.
South Carolina’s Truck Accident Deadlines
In South Carolina, any claim for injuries resulting from a traffic accident must generally be filed within three years. It’s important to note that the clock starts for claims involving injuries on the date of the accident. If the claim involves a wrongful death, generally, but subject to some exceptions, starts on the date of death.
Pursuing an Injury Claim After a Myrtle Beach Truck Accident
Three years may seem like plenty of time to file a truck accident claim. Injury claims require:
Investigation
An effective, experienced lawyer will investigate your accident to gather as much evidence as possible that will support the claim. It can take some time to gather police reports, locate and talk with witnesses.
Medical Care
Injury victims need time to seek medical care and for their care providers to make a diagnosis. Future medical care and costs can be a significant factor in many truck accident claims, so it’s important to have as much information as possible.
Paperwork
Filing a claim can involve a significant amount of paperwork, both for the actual filing and in support of the claim. Locating, completing, and gathering documents can take time.
Have You Been Injured In A South Carolina Area Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in South Carolina, you should speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you timely preserve your claim. Contact us online or call our Charleston, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.2359 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Conway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
