If you were hit by a truck anywhere in America, the single most important number you need to know is your state's statute of limitations — the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. Miss it by even one day, and you lose your right to compensation forever, no matter how strong your case is.
This guide provides a complete reference table for all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., so no matter where you are, you can find your answer instantly.
Quick Reference: Personal Injury Deadlines by State (2026)
This table shows the standard statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a truck or car accident in each jurisdiction. "Personal injury" includes injuries from truck accidents, car crashes, slip-and-falls, and most negligence cases.
| State | Deadline (Years) | State | Deadline (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2 years | Montana | 3 years |
| Alaska | 2 years | Nebraska | 4 years |
| Arizona | 2 years | Nevada | 2 years |
| Arkansas | 3 years | New Hampshire | 3 years |
| California | 2 years | New Jersey | 2 years |
| Colorado | 2 years | New Mexico | 3 years |
| Connecticut | 2 years | New York | 3 years |
| Delaware | 2 years | North Carolina | 3 years |
| Florida | 2 years | North Dakota | 6 years |
| Georgia | 2 years | Ohio | 2 years |
| Hawaii | 2 years | Oklahoma | 2 years |
| Idaho | 2 years | Oregon | 2 years |
| Illinois | 2 years | Pennsylvania | 2 years |
| Indiana | 2 years | Rhode Island | 3 years |
| Iowa | 2 years | South Carolina | 3 years |
| Kansas | 2 years | South Dakota | 3 years |
| Kentucky | 1 year | Tennessee | 1 year |
| Louisiana | 2 years (changed July 2024) | Texas | 2 years |
| Maine | 6 years | Utah | 4 years |
| Maryland | 3 years | Vermont | 3 years |
| Massachusetts | 3 years | Virginia | 2 years |
| Michigan | 3 years | Washington | 3 years |
| Minnesota | 2 years | West Virginia | 2 years |
| Mississippi | 3 years | Wisconsin | 3 years |
| Missouri | 5 years | Wyoming | 4 years |
| Washington, D.C. | 3 years | ||
⚠️ Important Notes on Recent Changes:
Florida: Reduced from 4 years to 2 years in March 2023
Louisiana: Extended from 1 year to 2 years for accidents on or after July 1, 2024
How to Find Your State's Deadline in 10 Seconds
| If you live in or had your accident in... | Your deadline is... |
|---|---|
| Kentucky or Tennessee | 1 YEAR — act immediately! |
| Most other states | 2 or 3 years (check the table to be sure) |
| Maine, Missouri, or North Dakota | 5 or 6 years — but don't wait! |
Critical Exceptions That Can Shorten or Extend Your Deadline
The numbers above are the general rules. However, your specific situation may have a different deadline. Here are the most important exceptions every truck accident victim needs to know:
1. Claims Against Government Entities (Shorter Deadline — 6 months to 2 years)
If the truck that hit you was owned by a government agency (city garbage truck, school bus, police vehicle, state highway department truck), the rules change dramatically.
- South Carolina: You may have only 1 year to file a verified claim, and the lawsuit must be filed within 2 years of discovery
- California: You may have as little as 6 months to file a claim against a government entity
- Many states require a special "Notice of Claim" before you can even file a lawsuit
🚨 Critical Warning:
Government claims often have the shortest deadlines — sometimes just 6 months. If you were hit by any vehicle with government plates, contact a lawyer immediately.
2. Minors (Extended Deadline)
If the injured person is under 18 years old, the statute of limitations is usually "tolled" (paused) until they turn 18.
- South Carolina: The disability cannot extend the filing period by more than 5 years for minors
- Wisconsin: Minors have 2 years after turning 18 to file
3. The Discovery Rule (When the Clock Starts Late)
In some cases, you don't discover your injury until weeks or months after the accident. Most states apply a "discovery rule" — the clock starts when you knew or should have known about your injury and its cause.
- South Carolina: Under S.C. Code § 15-3-535, the 3-year period begins when you knew or by reasonable diligence should have known you had a cause of action
- Tennessee: Courts interpret the discovery rule narrowly; do not assume it applies without consulting an attorney
4. Wrongful Death (Different Start Date)
If someone dies from their injuries, the clock may start on the date of death, not the accident date.
- South Carolina: Under § 15-3-530(6), the 3-year period begins on the date of death
- Tennessee: The one-year deadline typically runs from the date of the original injury, not the death
How to Search for Your State's Deadline Yourself
If you want to verify your state's deadline directly, copy and paste these search phrases into Google:
| What you want to know | Search this phrase |
|---|---|
| General personal injury deadline | "statute of limitations personal injury [state name]" |
| Truck accident deadline | "truck accident statute of limitations [state name]" |
| Government vehicle claim | "sue government entity [state name] deadline" |
| Wrongful death deadline | "wrongful death statute of limitations [state name]" |
| Minor exception | "tolling for minors statute of limitations [state name]" |
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
The consequences are severe and absolute:
- The court will dismiss your case immediately upon the defendant's motion
- The dismissal is permanent — you cannot refile
- Insurance companies know this and will delay negotiations until the deadline passes
- Even the strongest case with clear liability dies the day after the deadline
One-third of legal malpractice cases stem from attorneys miscalculating statutes of limitations. Don't trust a quick Google search alone — verify with a qualified attorney.
Practical Timeline After a Truck Accident
| Time After Accident | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| First 48 hours | Seek medical care, document the scene, get witness information |
| First week | Report the accident, preserve evidence (photos, ELD data, trucking records) |
| First month | Track all medical treatment, consult with a truck accident attorney |
| First 6 months | Identify all potential defendants (driver, carrier, broker, shipper) |
| 1 year | Verify your deadline — many states require filing by this point |
| Before deadline | Ensure lawsuit is properly filed and served within the limitations period |
Final Summary
| Your situation | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| Accident in Kentucky or Tennessee | You have only 1 year — act immediately |
| Accident in most other states | You have 2-3 years — but don't wait |
| Accident with government vehicle | You may have 6 months to 2 years — much shorter |
| Minor child injured | Deadline extends until they turn 18 (plus state-specific period) |
| Unsure about your deadline | Search "statute of limitations [state name]" or contact an attorney |
Disclaimer: This information is current as of May 2026 based on verified sources. Laws change frequently, and exceptions may apply to your specific situation. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice about your case. This is not legal advice.