What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Injuries in Arizona? 

When you’re injured in a car accident, getting medical care and trying to recover can feel overwhelming. But there is another critical step you cannot overlook: taking timely legal action. 

Arizona law limits how long you have to file a personal injury claim after an auto accident, and missing this deadline can mean losing your right to compensation. Understanding these deadlines, referred to as statutes of limitations, can help protect your claim and ensure you get the support you deserve.

Arizona’s General Rule: Two Years From the Date of the Accident

Under A.R.S. § 12-542, most personal injury claims from a car accident must be filed within two years of the crash. This two-year window applies to everyone involved, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. 

To break it down, the statute of limitations in Arizona usually falls under these guidelines. 

• Deadline: You generally have two years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit.
• Who It Covers: All injury victims from the crash, regardless of their role.
• Consequence: Missing this deadline can result in your case being dismissed, no matter how strong your evidence is.

Exceptions That Can Shorten or Extend the Deadline

The statute of limitations for auto accidents may seem straightforward at first glance, but the reality is often more complicated. In Arizona, there are several situations that can either shorten the time you have to file or give you additional time. 

Knowing these nuances can make the difference between a successful claim and losing your right to compensation.

Some of the most common exceptions include:

• Claims Against a Government Entity: If your injury involves a government vehicle or a public employee acting within the scope of their duties, you must first file a formal notice of claim within 180 days of the accident, and then bring the lawsuit within one year.
• Minors or Incapacitated Persons: If the injured person is under 18 or legally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be paused (“tolled”) until they turn 18 or regain capacity.
• Delayed Discovery of Injuries: In rare cases where injuries were not immediately discoverable, the clock may start from the date you reasonably knew or should have known about the injury.

Because these exceptions are complex and fact-specific, it’s crucial to speak with an attorney promptly to preserve your rights. 

A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Arizona can quickly evaluate which deadlines apply to your situation and help you take timely action so your claim stays valid.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Many people see the two-year window and assume they can wait to contact an attorney. The truth? Every day that passes after an accident can make your claim weaker. Acting quickly helps strengthen your case and maximizes your chance of receiving fair compensation.

Even though you may have two years to file, waiting can hurt your case in several ways:

• Evidence Loss: Surveillance footage can be erased, physical evidence can disappear, and witness memories naturally fade over time.
• Insurance Tactics: Insurance companies may become harder to negotiate with as delays increase and may use your hesitation to question the seriousness of your injuries.
• Medical Documentation Gaps: Delays in seeking medical care or legal representation can create gaps in your records, which insurers often exploit.
• Stronger Case Preparation: Filing early gives your attorney more time to build a strong case on your behalf, gather expert opinions, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Taking swift action sends a clear message to insurers that you are serious about your claim, and it gives your legal team the best opportunity to protect your rights and secure maximum compensation.

Understanding Related Deadlines and Steps

Statutes of limitations are only one part of the post-accident timeline in Arizona. Several other factors play into the strength and validity of your injury claims. 

Victims should also keep in mind:

• Insurance Deadlines: Most insurance companies require claims to be reported within days or weeks, far shorter than the legal statute of limitations.
• Medical Treatment Timelines: Prompt medical care not only protects your health but creates documentation that strengthens your claim.
• Evidence Preservation: Collecting photos, witness contact information, and police reports immediately helps your lawyer build your case.

Taking these steps alongside understanding the statute of limitations ensures you are not only meeting legal deadlines but also building the strongest possible foundation for your case. 

By acting early on every front—insurance, medical care, and evidence—you give your attorney the best chance to secure a fair settlement or verdict on your behalf.

How Bala Legal Services Helps Car Accident Victims

Attorney Adithya Bala understands that an injury affects every part of your life, from your health to your family and finances. He uses years of experience and aggressive representation to secure the best outcome  for you and your loved ones. 

His team focuses on:

• Immediate Support: Free consultations to assess your case and explain your rights.
• Strong Negotiations: Prioritizing fair settlements with insurance companies so you can recover without the stress of trial.
• Client-First Principles: Our contingency fees are structured so clients keep the majority of their settlement after attorney’s fees and costs.
• Personal Attention: While his paralegal begins the intake process, Adithya personally reviews every case within one to two days to decide how to move forward.
• Community Values: Inspired by the principle of “Seva,” Adithya believes in giving back and ensuring clients return to their families with peace of mind.

By choosing Bala Legal Services, you aren’t just hiring an attorney. You are gaining an advocate who takes the time to listen, explain, and fight for you. 

Adithya Bala combines legal skill with a genuine commitment to his clients’ well-being, making sure that every case is handled with both professionalism and compassion.

Don’t Wait to Get Help for Car Accident Injuries in Arizona

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Tempe or the surrounding areas, don’t risk missing your window to file a claim. 

Contact Bala Legal Services today for a free consultation. Attorney Adithya Bala will review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.