Big Auto Accident Attorneys is a national team of injury lawyers that has recovered billions for clients, with a Phoenix office representing injured drivers across Arizona on a no-win, no-fee basis. One deadline catches more of those clients off guard than any other. If a city bus, county truck, or state employee's vehicle caused your crash, the standard two-year window to file a lawsuit does not apply to you. Arizona law instead requires a formal notice of claim within just 180 days under A.R.S. § 12-821.01, and missing it can end your case before it ever gets started. Here is what that notice requires, which accidents trigger it, and why acting quickly protects your right to recover.
What Is a Notice of Claim in Arizona?
A notice of claim is a written document required under A.R.S. § 12-821.01 before anyone can sue a public entity, public school, or public employee in Arizona. It must contain facts sufficient for the government to understand the basis on which liability is claimed, along with a specific dollar amount for which the claim can be settled. Serving this notice is a separate step that comes before filing an actual lawsuit, not a substitute for it.
Why the Deadline Is Much Shorter Than the Standard Two Years
Most Arizona personal injury claims are subject to the two-year statute of limitations outlined in A.R.S. § 12-542. Claims involving a public entity work differently:
- Standard personal injury claim: Two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, under A.R.S. § 12-542.
- Claim against a public entity: Just 180 days from the date of the crash to file a notice of claim, under A.R.S. § 12-821.01.
That leaves less than a third of the time an injured driver would otherwise expect to have.
Which Accidents Trigger This Requirement?
- A collision with a city bus or public transit vehicle, such as Valley Metro
- A crash caused by a police car, fire truck, or other municipal vehicle
- An accident tied to a dangerous condition on a state- or county-maintained road
- A crash caused by a government employee driving on official business
What a Valid Notice of Claim Must Include
Arizona courts strictly enforce the content requirements of A.R.S. § 12-821.01. A valid notice must include:
- Facts sufficient to let the public entity understand the basis on which liability is claimed
- The specific dollar amount for which the claim can be settled
- The facts supporting that settlement amount
Courts have repeatedly thrown out notices that are vague, incomplete, or missing the dollar figure altogether, so precision matters from the first filing.
What Happens If You Miss the 180-Day Window
Missing the deadline bars the claim permanently, even if the standard two-year statute of limitations has not yet run out. Once a compliant notice is filed, A.R.S. § 12-821 gives claimants one year to actually file suit against the public entity. Both deadlines matter, and missing either one can end an otherwise strong case.
Steps to Take Right Away After the Crash
Acting fast preserves both evidence and legal options. After a crash involving a government vehicle or a dangerous public road:
- Seek medical treatment and document every injury, even ones that seem minor at first
- Get the police report number and note any government vehicle, agency, or employee involved
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, and any road hazard before repairs or cleanup begin
- Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, since 180 days move quickly once evidence and witness memory start to fade
Trust Big Auto for a Claim Against a Government Entity
Trusting Big Auto with a claim against a government entity means partnering with a team that already knows where the procedural traps sit, traps a typical driver-versus-driver case never raises. Our attorneys, including Lorraine Baudowin, work alongside Bernardo Valle and the firm's Arizona intake team to quickly confirm government involvement, calculate the 180-day deadline, and prepare a notice that meets Arizona's strict content requirements before the deadline runs out.
Big Auto Accident Attorneys has the experience and resources to spot government liability early and file a compliant notice before the clock runs out. Call 1 (844) BIG-AUTO for a free case evaluation to find out exactly where your claim stands.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
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