How Long Do I Have To File A Car Accident Lawsuit In Arizona?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arizona, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your right to compensation. Arizona law sets strict deadlines for filing lawsuits related to car accidents, known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline could mean losing your chance to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. At Big Auto, we’re here to ensure you know your rights and take action before time runs out.

Understanding Arizona’s Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Arizona, the deadlines for car accident-related claims are as follows:

• Personal Injury Claims: You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries sustained in the crash.
• Property Damage Claims: You have two years from the accident date to file for vehicle or other property damage.
• Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one was fatally injured in a car accident, the deceased’s family has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Failing to file within these deadlines can result in your case being dismissed, leaving you without legal recourse.

Are There Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations?

While the two-year rule applies in most cases, there are certain situations where the deadline may be extended or shortened:

1. Minors or Legally Incapacitated Individuals – If the injured party is under 18 or legally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be paused until they are legally able to file.
2. Claims Against Government Entities – If your accident involved a city, county, or state government vehicle (such as a police car or public bus), you must file a notice of claim within 180 days and initiate a lawsuit within one year.
3. Discovery Rule – If an injury was not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may start from the date the injury was discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered).

Why Acting Quickly is Critical

Even though two years may seem like plenty of time, waiting too long can hurt your case. Acting promptly can help:

• Preserve key evidence like accident reports, medical records, and surveillance footage.
• Ensure witness statements are fresh and reliable.
• Give your attorney sufficient time to build a strong case.

The Role of Insurance Companies in the Process

Insurance companies often try to delay or devalue claims. If you don’t take action quickly, you might face:

• Lowball settlement offers – Insurers may pressure you into accepting far less than what your claim is worth.
• Delays in processing your claim – The longer you wait, the harder it may be to gather necessary documentation.
• Denials based on expired deadlines – If the statute of limitations passes, insurers won’t negotiate because you no longer have legal leverage.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

If the statute of limitations expires, your case will likely be dismissed, and you won’t be able to recover compensation. However, certain exceptions may apply. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible is the best way to explore your legal options.

How Big Auto Can Help

At Big Auto, we understand that dealing with an accident is overwhelming. That’s why we take care of everything for you—from filing claims to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court. We fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, and you don’t pay us a dime unless we win.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, time is of the essence. Contact Big Auto today for a free consultation, and let us handle the legal deadlines while you focus on recovery.