Missouri’s Truck Accident Filing Deadline May Be Changing Sooner Than You Think
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Missouri, you currently have five years from the date of your collision to file a personal injury lawsuit under state law. However, this generous timeline could dramatically shrink to just two years for accidents occurring after August 28, 2025, if House Bill 68 passes through the Missouri legislature. This proposed change means that truck accident victims need to understand their rights now more than ever, especially given that Missouri recorded 991 total motor vehicle deaths in 2023, with large truck occupants representing roughly 2% of these fatalities.
The statute of limitations—the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit—serves as a critical countdown clock that begins ticking the moment your accident occurs. Every jurisdiction imposes a statute of limitations deadline for filing personal injury actions, including those involving truck accidents, and missing this deadline typically results in losing your right to seek compensation permanently. Understanding these time limits and how they apply to your specific situation could mean the difference between recovering fair compensation for your injuries and walking away empty-handed.
�💡 Pro Tip: Mark your accident date on a calendar and set reminders well before any potential deadlines. Even if you’re unsure about filing a lawsuit, preserving your right to do so keeps all options open while you recover.
Don’t let the clock run out on your rights. If you’re caught in the shifting sands of Missouri’s legal timelines, reach out to Halvorsen Klote Davis for guidance. Give us a ring at (314) 451-1314 or contact us today to secure your path to justice.
Understanding Your Current Rights Under Missouri’s Five-Year Rule
Missouri Revised Statute section 516.120 currently provides accident victims with one of the more generous filing deadlines in the nation. Under this law, you have five years to file "an action for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract," which courts have consistently applied to personal injury claims from truck accidents. This five-year window gives victims substantial time to fully understand the extent of their injuries, complete medical treatment, and make informed decisions about pursuing legal action with truck accident lawyers in St. Louis.
However, the landscape of personal injury law in Missouri stands at a crossroads. The RSMo 516.120 statute has governed civil actions for decades, with historical roots tracing back to 1939 and earlier revisions. This long-standing legal framework has provided consistency and predictability for both accident victims and attorneys handling these cases. The statute also contains important provisions for fraud claims, where the cause of action doesn’t accrue until discovery, with a ten-year limit—showing how Missouri law traditionally favors giving victims adequate time to protect their rights.
States may set different statute-of-limitations periods for personal injury and property-damage claims in general (many states use different deadlines), and Missouri currently gives five years for ordinary personal-injury and most property-damage tort claims under RSMo §516.120. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) suits against an insurer are typically treated as contract actions and are governed by the ten-year limitations period for actions on writings under RSMo §516.110—so multiple distinct deadlines can apply to different aspects of post-accident litigation. Additionally, if your accident involved an uninsured or underinsured motorist, current Missouri law provides ten years to bring actions against insurers—though this too would change to two years under the proposed legislation for accidents occurring after the effective date.
💡 Pro Tip: Document everything related to your truck accident immediately, including photos, witness information, and medical records. Having comprehensive documentation ready makes it easier to act quickly if filing deadlines change or if you decide to pursue a claim sooner than expected.
The Critical Timeline: What HB 68 Means for Future Truck Accident Victims
The HB 68 statute of limitations bill represents a significant shift in Missouri’s approach to personal injury claims. As written, HB 68 changes Missouri law so that personal-injury actions that accrue on or after August 28, 2025, must be brought within two years from the time the injury occurred. This 60% reduction in filing time would align Missouri more closely with neighboring states, many of which already have two-year statutes of limitations. The Missouri House Commerce committee has already reviewed the bill, which modifies provisions relating to statutes of limitations for certain civil actions, specifically referencing sections 516.120 and 516.140.
- Current Law: Five years to file personal injury claims from truck accidents under Missouri statute
- Proposed Change: Two years for all accidents occurring on or after August 28, 2025
- Bill Status: HB 68 was placed on the Informal Calendar as of April 28, 2025, indicating active legislative consideration
- Impact on UM/UIM Claims: The ten-year deadline for uninsured motorist claims would also shrink to two years
- No Retroactive Application: The change would only affect accidents happening after the effective date
- Legislative Timeline: The bill’s last action in the Senate was recorded on May 30, 2025, showing ongoing deliberation
Understanding this timeline becomes even more critical when considering that truck accident lawyers in St. Louis often need substantial time to build strong cases. Complex commercial vehicle accidents require extensive investigation, including obtaining driver logs, maintenance records, and federal compliance documentation. The proposed reduction from five years to two would compress the time available for this crucial preparation work, potentially affecting the quality of legal representation victims can obtain.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re injured in a truck accident close to August 28, 2025, pay special attention to when your accident occurred. A single day’s difference could mean having either five years or just two years to file your claim.
Taking Action Now: Why Waiting Could Cost You
Given the potential changes ahead, truck accident victims in Missouri should seriously consider acting sooner rather than later. Halvorsen Klote Davis understands the unique challenges facing truck accident victims and the importance of preserving legal rights before time runs out. While the current five-year statute provides breathing room, relying on this extended timeline could prove risky, especially for accidents occurring near the proposed effective date of the new law.
Legal claims following a motor vehicle accident are subject to strict time limits that differ from state to state, and these variations can create confusion for accident victims. Some states already have deadlines as short as one or two years from the date of the collision, making Missouri’s current five-year rule relatively generous. However, if HB 68 passes, Missouri would join the majority of states with two-year limits. Failing to initiate legal action within the applicable timeframe usually means losing the right to seek compensation—a harsh reality that catches many accident victims off guard.
Beyond the basic statute of limitations, truck accident cases often involve multiple potentially responsible parties, including the driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, and cargo loaders. Each defendant may have different insurance policies and legal strategies, making early consultation with truck accident lawyers in St. Louis essential for preserving evidence and identifying all sources of potential compensation. Damages are often available for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life, but documenting these damages effectively requires starting the legal process with adequate time remaining.
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you’re unsure about filing a lawsuit, scheduling a consultation with an attorney soon after your accident helps you understand your options without committing to litigation. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations for truck accident cases.
The Hidden Complexities of Truck Accident Claims in Missouri
Truck accident claims involve layers of complexity that passenger vehicle accidents typically don’t present. The Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium, derived from the Missouri Crash Analysis Reporting System (MOCARS) and maintained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides detailed data about commercial motor vehicle crashes across the state. This comprehensive resource tracks everything from crash severity to time of day, helping legal professionals understand patterns and build stronger cases for their clients.
Federal Regulations and State Law Intersections
Commercial trucking operates under both federal and state regulations, creating a complex web of rules that truck accident lawyers in St. Louis must navigate carefully. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations govern everything from driver hours of service to vehicle maintenance schedules. When these federal rules intersect with Missouri state law, including the statute of limitations under RSMo 516.120, victims need attorneys who understand both regulatory frameworks. The proposed changes in HB 68 would add another layer to consider, potentially creating situations where federal investigation timelines exceed the state’s filing deadline.
The interplay between federal and state law becomes especially important in cases involving interstate trucking companies. While Missouri law governs the timeline for filing suit, federal regulations may determine liability issues such as driver fatigue or improper cargo loading. This dual regulatory system means that waiting too long to begin legal proceedings could result in losing access to critical federal compliance records that trucking companies are only required to maintain for specific periods.
💡 Pro Tip: Request a copy of the police report as soon as it’s available. Missouri State Highway Patrol reports often contain valuable preliminary information about commercial vehicle involvement that can guide your attorney’s investigation strategy.
Protecting Your Rights as Deadlines Approach
The approaching possibility of shortened filing deadlines makes it crucial for truck accident victims to understand not just when to file, but what needs to happen before filing. Missouri’s higher-than-average traffic fatality rate—16.0 deaths per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 12.2—underscores the serious nature of vehicle accidents in the state. This sobering statistic from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2023 data emphasizes why victims need to take prompt action to protect their rights.
Evidence Preservation and Investigation Timelines
Truck accident investigations require immediate action to preserve crucial evidence. Electronic logging devices, dashboard cameras, and GPS data can be overwritten or legally destroyed after certain periods. The HB 68 statute of limitations bill would compress the time available for these investigations, making early evidence preservation even more critical. Trucking companies and their insurers often begin their own investigations immediately after an accident, putting unrepresented victims at a significant disadvantage if they wait to seek legal help.
Working with experienced truck accident lawyers in St. Louis becomes essential for issuing preservation letters that legally require trucking companies to maintain evidence. These letters must be sent quickly to prevent the loss of electronic data, maintenance records, and driver logs that could prove violations of safety regulations. With the potential reduction from five years to two under the proposed law, the window for building a comprehensive case would narrow significantly, making immediate action more important than ever.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re injured in a truck accident near the St. Louis Gateway Arch area or along Interstate 70, major trucking corridors often have traffic cameras that may have captured your accident—but this footage is typically only preserved for 30-90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Legal Concerns About Missouri Truck Accident Claims
Understanding the statute of limitations raises many questions for truck accident victims. Here are answers to the most common concerns about filing deadlines and protecting your legal rights in Missouri.
💡 Pro Tip: Write down all your questions before meeting with an attorney. Having a prepared list ensures you don’t forget important concerns during what can be an emotional consultation.
Next Steps and the Legal Process
Once you understand the filing deadlines, knowing what to expect in the legal process helps you make informed decisions. The path from accident to resolution involves multiple stages, each with its own considerations and timelines.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a journal documenting your recovery process, including pain levels, missed work, and daily life impacts. This contemporaneous record becomes valuable evidence that supports your damage claims.
1. If HB 68 passes, will it affect my existing truck accident claim in Missouri?
No, the proposed changes under HB 68 would only apply to accidents occurring on or after August 28, 2025. If your truck accident happened before this date, you would still have the full five years under current Missouri law to file your claim. However, consulting with truck accident lawyers in St. Louis soon remains advisable to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines and to begin building your case while evidence is fresh.
2. What’s the difference between the statute of limitations for personal injury versus property damage in Missouri truck accidents?
Missouri law may impose different deadlines for various types of claims arising from the same accident. In Missouri, RSMo §516.120 generally provides a five-year limit for ordinary personal-injury claims and most property-damage tort claims, while uninsured/underinsured motorist claims against an insurer are typically treated as contract actions governed by the ten-year limitations period in RSMo §516.110. Under HB 68, those applicable deadlines would be reduced to two years for accidents occurring on or after the effective date.
3. Can I still recover compensation if the truck driver wasn’t cited at the scene?
Yes, the absence of a citation doesn’t prevent you from pursuing a civil claim. Police officers make quick decisions at accident scenes, while truck accident lawyers in St. Louis can conduct thorough investigations revealing violations of federal trucking regulations, driver fatigue, or maintenance issues not apparent immediately after the crash. Many successful truck accident claims involve liability factors discovered well after the initial police investigation.
4. What happens if I discover additional injuries after starting my truck accident claim?
Missouri law allows for amendment of claims to include newly discovered injuries, but this becomes more complicated as the statute of limitations deadline approaches. This is another reason why the potential reduction from five to two years could significantly impact victims. Starting your claim earlier provides more flexibility to address injuries that may not manifest immediately, such as traumatic brain injuries or chronic pain conditions that develop over time.
5. Should I wait to see if HB 68 passes before filing my truck accident lawsuit?
Waiting could be risky and is generally not advisable. Even under current law, evidence can be lost, witnesses’ memories fade, and trucking companies may destroy records they’re no longer required to maintain. Additionally, if your accident date is close to the proposed effective date of August 28, 2025, any confusion about which deadline applies could jeopardize your claim. Consulting with experienced Missouri truck accident lawyers early protects your rights regardless of potential law changes.
Work with a Trusted Truck Accident Lawyer
Navigating Missouri’s statute of limitations for truck accident claims requires understanding both current law and potential future changes. With HB 68 potentially reducing the filing deadline from five years to two years for accidents occurring after August 28, 2025, victims face an evolving legal landscape that demands prompt attention. The complexity of truck accident cases—involving federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and extensive investigation requirements—makes early legal consultation essential for protecting your rights.
Whether your accident happened yesterday or several years ago, understanding your deadline for filing a claim represents the first crucial step toward recovery. Missouri’s current five-year statute of limitations provides valuable time for healing and case preparation, but relying too heavily on this extended timeline could leave you vulnerable if laws change or evidence disappears. Taking action now ensures you maintain control over your legal options while building the strongest possible case for the compensation you deserve.
If time is slipping through your fingers, don’t delay in securing your legal rights. With changes looming in Missouri’s truck accident deadlines, Halvorsen Klote Davis is here to guide your path forward. Give us a call at (314) 451-1314 or contact us today to take decisive action.