The car accident statute of limitations is the legal deadline to file a lawsuit after a crash. In many states, you have 1 to 3 years from the accident date to take action. Missing the deadline usually means losing your right to compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
If you were injured in a car accident, knowing your state’s deadline is critical. This guide explains what the statute of limitations is, why it matters, and how long you have to file in each state.
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The statute of limitations is the law that sets how much time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a crash. Once it expires, courts usually dismiss the case and insurers have no reason to negotiate.
| State | Time Limit |
| Alabama | 2 years |
| Alaska | 2 years |
| Arizona | 2 years |
| Arkansas | 3 years |
| California | 2 years |
| Colorado | 3 years |
| Connecticut | 2 years |
| Delaware | 2 years |
| Florida | 2 years |
| Georgia | 2 years |
| Hawaii | 2 years |
| Idaho | 2 years |
| Illinois | 2 years |
| Indiana | 2 years |
| Iowa | 2 years |
| Kansas | 2 years |
| Kentucky | 2 years |
| Louisiana | 2 years |
| Maine | 6 years |
| Maryland | 3 years |
| Massachusetts | 3 years |
| Michigan | 3 years |
| Minnesota | 6 years |
| Mississippi | 3 years |
| Missouri | 5 years |
| Montana | 3 years |
| Nebraska | 4 years |
| Nevada | 2 years |
| New Hampshire | 3 years |
| New Jersey | 2 years |
| New Mexico | 3 years |
| New York | 3 years |
| North Carolina | 3 years |
| North Dakota | 6 years |
| Ohio | 2 years |
| Oklahoma | 2 years |
| Oregon | 2 years |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years |
| Rhode Island | 3 years |
| South Carolina | 3 years |
| South Dakota | 3 years |
| Tennessee | 1 year |
| Texas | 2 years |
| Utah | 4 years |
| Vermont | 3 years |
| Virginia | 2 years |
| Washington | 3 years |
| West Virginia | 2 years |
| Wisconsin | 3 years |
| Wyoming | 4 years |
Note: Deadlines can change and exceptions may apply. Always confirm with an attorney.
In most cases, the deadline begins on the date of the accident. Limited exceptions may apply for minors, delayed discovery of injuries, or unidentified defendants.
Most states allow 1 to 3 years from the date of the crash, but deadlines vary.
No. Insurance policies often require much faster notice.
Special notice rules may apply, sometimes within months.
Many states pause the deadline until age 18, but rules differ.
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Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $2.1 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.
