Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
When you’ve been in a car accident in Arizona, it can be a stressful and confusing time. Between dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and repairs, you might wonder how much time you have to take legal action.
Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial if you want to protect your right to seek compensation. In this article, I’ll break down Arizona’s statute of limitations for car accident claims in simple terms so you know what to expect.
What is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the time limit for filing a lawsuit. If you don’t file a claim within this period, you could lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case might be.
Different types of legal claims have different time limits, and it’s important to know how these apply to car accident cases in Arizona.
The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Arizona
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to car accidents is two years.
This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. After this time, the courts will likely dismiss your case, making it impossible to recover damages for your injuries.
For example, if you were in a car accident on October 1, 2024, you would have until October 1, 2026, to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing out on compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Note: You don’t have to finish the lawsuit within two years. You only need to file it to stop the Statute of Limitations from running.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule?
Yes, while the general rule is two years, there are certain situations where the time limit might be different.
Here are a few exceptions that could affect your claim:
1. Claims Involving Minors
- If the person injured in the car accident is a minor (under 18 years old), the statute of limitations is paused until they turn 18. They then have two years from their 18th birthday to file a claim.
- For example, if a 16-year-old is injured in a car accident, the statute of limitations would begin when they turn 18, giving them until they are 20 to file a lawsuit.
2. Claims Against Government Entities
- If you are filing a claim against a government entity, such as a city or state vehicle, the time limit is much shorter. In these cases, you must file a notice of claim within 180 days of the accident. After that, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
- This shorter timeline makes it essential to act quickly if your accident involved a government-owned vehicle, such as a city bus or police car.
3. Delayed Discovery of Injuries
- Sometimes, injuries from a car accident might not be immediately apparent. If you discover injuries later, the statute of limitations could start from the date you first discovered or should have reasonably discovered the injury.
- However, it’s important to note that proving a delayed discovery can be challenging, so it’s best to consult with an attorney if this situation applies to you.
Why Does the Statute of Limitations Matter?
The statute of limitations is important because it protects both parties involved in a lawsuit. It ensures that claims are made when evidence is still fresh and witnesses’ memories are clear.
Even if the other party was clearly at fault, the law won’t allow you to seek compensation if you’ve missed the deadline. This is why knowing the time limits and acting promptly is essential.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Understanding Arizona’s statute of limitations can be tricky, especially if exceptions apply to your case. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can make the process easier.
I’ll ensure that you don’t miss any crucial deadlines so you can focus on recovering while I handle the legal details.
Don’t Wait—Act Now to Protect Your Rights
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arizona, don’t wait until the last minute to think about legal action. Acting quickly can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arizona, don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve.
Please call me at 602-284-3035 if you have any questions. Let me help you navigate your claim and protect your rights every step of the way.