Filing a Lawsuit: Don’t Wait
In many Arkansas truck-accident injury cases, the time to file a lawsuit is usually measured in years—not months. But waiting can still hurt your case.
Trucking companies and insurers may respond fast, and important evidence (like electronic records and maintenance files) can become harder to preserve the longer you wait.
If you’re even considering an attorney, treat the first days and weeks as important—regardless of what you’ve heard about “how long you have.”
Things to Know
- Why truck cases feel time-sensitive
- What can affect your timeline
- What to do now if you’re worried about time
- Recent Arkansas large truck & bus crash data
- Talk to a Little Rock truck accident lawyer
- FAQ
Why truck cases feel time-sensitive (even before a lawsuit is filed)
When people ask, “How long do I have?”, they’re usually thinking about the courthouse filing date. In truck cases, the more immediate issue is often evidence preservation.
- Records can disappear or be overwritten (for example, digital logs, dispatch communications, onboard data, and maintenance records).
- Witness memories fade, and contact information can become harder to track down.
- Multiple responsible parties may be involved (driver, carrier, maintenance contractors, loading entities), which takes time to identify and investigate.
That’s one reason many people choose to speak with counsel early—so steps can be taken to preserve what matters while it’s still accessible.
Learn more: Truck Accident Attorneys in Little Rock
What can affect how long you have
The exact deadline can depend on details that aren’t obvious at first glance. Some examples:
Who the defendants are
A truck crash may involve more than one company (or insurer). Sorting out who should be included in a claim—and why—can take time.
Where key events happened
Trucking is often interstate. The crash location is critical, but other locations (company headquarters, where maintenance happened, where dispatch decisions were made) can influence investigation and case strategy.
Special circumstances
Some scenarios can involve different procedures or shorter practical timelines (for example, certain claims involving government entities or other special rules). A quick consultation is the easiest way to confirm what applies to your situation.
What to do now if you’re worried about time
If you’re not sure whether you waited too long, focus on actions that help a lawyer evaluate timing and preserve the record:
- Write down key dates (crash date, first medical visit, dates symptoms changed, missed work start date).
- Gather what you already have (photos, insurance letters, claim numbers, the police report number, medical discharge paperwork).
- Avoid guessing about deadlines—confirm your timeline with an attorney who handles truck cases.
Recent Arkansas large truck & bus crash data (statewide)
FMCSA publishes statewide summaries of large truck & bus crashes. The table below reflects Arkansas totals from FMCSA’s summary (data may be preliminary depending on reporting updates).
| Year | Fatalities | Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 110 | 1,312 |
| 2022 | 104 | 1,260 |
| 2023 | 93 | 1,295 |
| 2024 | 88 | 1,221 |
| 2025 | 57 | 1,132 |
Source: FMCSA Crash Statistics (Arkansas large truck & bus summary).
View report
Talk to a Little Rock truck accident lawyer
If you’re trying to protect your options after a truck crash, a conversation with a lawyer can help you (1) confirm how timing works for your situation, and (2) take early steps to preserve evidence.
FAQ
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Arkansas?
In many cases, the deadline is measured in years rather than months, but the safest move is to speak with an attorney quickly. Truck cases can require early evidence preservation and may involve special circumstances that change how timing works.
Seek a Qualified Attorney
Paul Pfeifer is the founding partner of Pfeifer Law Firm, P.A., based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Read Paul Pfeifer’s full bio.