Beating The Clock

Timing is everything in a personal injury case. In Arizona, the general statute of limitations for most personal injury and wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the incident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this window, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to seek compensation forever, no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the other party’s fault.

However, the clock ticks much faster if your claim involves a government entity, such as a city bus, a police vehicle, or a poorly maintained state road. In these cases, you must file a formal Notice of Claim within just 180 days of the injury. Furthermore, the deadline to file a lawsuit against a government body is shortened to just one year. Missing these specialized deadlines by even a single day can immediately disqualify your case.

There are rare exceptions, such as the “discovery rule,” which pauses the clock until an injury is reasonably discovered, or for minors, whose two-year limit doesn’t start until they turn 18. Because these rules are complex and strictly enforced in 2026, it is essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Early legal intervention helps preserve evidence and ensures every critical deadline is met to protect your future.