Arizona Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents: What Every Driver Should Know
When you're involved in a car accident in Arizona, your first priorities are likely immediate—getting medical care, repairing your vehicle, notifying your insurance company. But there’s a ticking legal clock that many crash victims aren’t aware of: the statute of limitations.
Failing to act before this deadline can destroy your chance of recovering any compensation at all. Whether your crash happened in South Tempe, Escalante, or elsewhere in the state, knowing how the Arizona statute of limitations works could make or break your claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Arizona for Car Accidents?
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for most car accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. This is the legal time limit for filing a lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault party.
This two-year window applies to:
Personal injury claims (e.g., medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering)
Property damage claims (e.g., car repairs or replacement)
If you miss this window, the court will likely dismiss your case—no matter how valid your claim is. That’s why understanding and tracking this deadline is critical.
Why the Deadline Isn’t Always Obvious
Although the two-year rule seems straightforward, certain situations can complicate the timeline. For example:
Discovery of injury: In rare cases, if you didn’t know (and couldn’t have reasonably known) that you were injured until later, the two-year clock may begin from the date of discovery.
Injured minors: If the injured person is under 18, the clock typically doesn’t start until they reach adulthood.
Claims against government entities: If your crash involved a city bus or state vehicle, you only have 180 days to file a notice of claim.
If your accident took place near Meyer Park, North Tempe, or on a state-owned road, there’s a chance the government could be involved—triggering that much shorter deadline.
What Happens If You File Late?
If you try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, your case will almost certainly be thrown out. It doesn’t matter if your evidence is strong, your injuries are severe, or the other driver was clearly at fault.
Even if you’re negotiating with an insurance company, once that window closes, you’ve lost all legal leverage. Insurers know this—and they may deliberately drag out negotiations until the deadline passes.
For this reason, it's smart to begin the legal process well before the clock runs out. The more complex your crash—such as those involving pedestrian injuries, t-bone accidents, or rideshare drivers—the more time your attorney will need to gather evidence and build your case.
Don’t Confuse Filing a Claim With Filing a Lawsuit
It’s important to distinguish between filing an insurance claim and filing a lawsuit. Filing a claim with your insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t stop the statute of limitations clock from running.
Many people spend months or years trying to resolve their claims through negotiation, assuming they can always sue if things don’t work out. But if you let the deadline pass while negotiating, you lose the option to sue—and insurers are under no obligation to settle once that happens.
Can the Statute Be Extended?
In some situations, Arizona courts may toll (pause) the statute of limitations, such as when:
The injured party is mentally incapacitated
The defendant is out of state and can’t be served
There is fraud or concealment of facts
These exceptions are rare and fact-specific. You should never assume you qualify for more time unless a qualified attorney confirms it.
The Clock Is Ticking—What Should You Do?
Even if you’re still recovering from injuries or dealing with insurance red tape, the statute of limitations is still counting down. Here’s what you can do to stay protected:
Document everything: Keep records of medical treatment, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain levels.
Consult a lawyer early: They can evaluate whether your case should be settled or if a lawsuit is necessary.
Know your deadlines: Especially if your accident involved a DUI driver, uninsured driver, or happened in a government-owned area.
For additional information, you can check official timelines and guidance on az.gov or Arizona Courts.
Don’t let the statute of limitations silently kill your Arizona car accident claim. Start with a free consultation at Tempe Car Accident Attorney to make sure you act in time and get the compensation you deserve.
