Why Tempe Drivers Are Losing Claims Over Missed Deadlines

Most people don’t lose their car accident claim because they were wrong about fault. They lose it because they were late.

Whether it’s forgetting to notify your insurance, filing a lawsuit past the legal deadline, or missing paperwork after a hit-and-run, the clock is always ticking after a crash in Tempe—and you may not get a second chance.

If you’re already wondering whether your window has closed, start here: Tempe car accident attorney homepage. But first, let’s unpack the real risks behind missed deadlines and how to avoid becoming one of the many Tempe drivers who learn the hard way.

Arizona’s Statute of Limitations: The Hard Deadline

Under Arizona law, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit for injuries or vehicle damage. That seems generous—until you realize how fast those months fly by.

This two-year limit applies to:

• Injury claims from a crash

• Wrongful death claims (starting from date of death)

• Property damage claims

But if your case involves a government vehicle or agency, the rules tighten fast. You may have just 180 days to file a formal notice of claim. That includes accidents involving:

• City maintenance trucks

• Police or fire vehicles

• Public transit (like Valley Metro buses)

The statute of limitations is outlined clearly on azcourts.gov, and once it expires, you typically lose all rights to recovery—regardless of how strong your evidence is.

Missed Deadlines Drivers Don’t Realize Exist

1. Insurance Notification Windows

Some policies require that you report a crash within 24 to 72 hours to preserve your right to coverage. That includes:

• MedPay

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims

• Rental reimbursement requests

Failing to report within that window—even if you’re injured—can result in a claim denial.

2. Uninsured Motorist Claims

Tempe has its share of hit-and-run drivers and those without proper insurance. But to file a UM or UIM claim, you typically must:

• Report the crash to police immediately

• Notify your insurer within your policy’s window

• Submit supporting proof—like the crash report—on time

These cases fall apart often. If you're dealing with this now, our Tempe hit-and-run lawyer resource offers more on how to protect your rights.

3. DUI Crash Notifications

If the crash involved a suspected drunk driver, your timeline for filing against them might be unchanged, but the evidence you’ll need (bloodwork, dash cam footage, etc.) disappears fast. Visit tempe.gov to learn how to request police evidence in DUI crashes. Our Tempe DUI accident page also outlines what to do if criminal charges are ongoing.

How Drivers Miss the Deadline Without Realizing It

Assumption #1: “I’ll file once I’m fully recovered.”
Reality: You can’t wait for full recovery. File before the statute runs out, or you’re locked out forever—even if you're still in treatment.

Assumption #2: “I’ve been talking with the insurance company, so I’m covered.”
Reality: Negotiations aren’t a legal filing. You must formally file in court to beat the statute.

Assumption #3: “I didn’t know who to sue, so I waited.”
Reality: Courts don’t pause deadlines because of confusion. If another driver fled, or liability was unclear, you still have to act.

When the Deadline Applies Differently

There are limited situations where Arizona’s deadline pauses or “tolls”:

• Victim is a minor

• Victim is mentally incapacitated

• At-fault driver left the state or used a false identity

But these are rare and require legal proof. Otherwise, courts expect you to act within the standard time.

You can check Arizona’s full statute breakdown at az.gov or through your local court system.

What If You’re Already Close to the Deadline?

Here’s how to triage it:

1. Get your crash report now if you haven’t already.

2. Preserve all medical records in one folder or drive.

3. Write out your timeline—when the crash happened, who you spoke with, what insurance said.

4. File something—even if it's limited. In Arizona, filing a lawsuit that can be amended is often better than waiting to file a perfect one and missing your window.

5. Use legal resources to track down forms, deadlines, and court contacts.

How to Avoid Missing Deadlines in the Future

• Don’t assume the insurance company is tracking the legal deadline for you. They aren’t.

• Set calendar reminders for your crash date, and check when the two-year mark hits.

• Document every contact with insurance, especially if they drag their feet or say they “need more time.”

• If in doubt—file early. Even if you settle later, the legal deadline is protected.

Final Thoughts

The law doesn’t care if you had a good excuse. In Arizona, once the statute of limitations runs out, so does your claim.

Too many Tempe drivers lose thousands in potential compensation—not because they didn’t have a strong case, but because they missed the window to file.

Whether your crash involved a DUI, a hit-and-run, or an uninsured driver, knowing your deadlines is just as important as knowing your rights.

If you're not sure where your timeline stands, visit the Arizona car accident attorney page or return to our homepage for guidance today. Every week that passes could be costing you more than you realize.