Time matters when you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence
In Arizona, strict legal deadlines—known as statutes of limitations—determine how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you miss these deadlines, your right to compensation may be lost forever, no matter how strong your case is.
Below, we break down the statute of limitations for auto accident, personal injury, and medical malpractice claims in Arizona—plus the critical exceptions that could affect your case.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a state law that sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit. Once this time expires, courts will typically refuse to hear the case.
These deadlines exist to ensure fairness: evidence remains fresh, witnesses are available, and justice can be delivered efficiently.
Auto Accident Claims in Arizona
If you were injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, or bicycle accident, Arizona gives you:
- Two years from the date of the accident
- Law: Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542
That means if another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you must file your lawsuit within two years. You can negotiate with insurance companies before then, but if the deadline passes, your legal claim is gone.
Property Damage vs. Injury Deadlines
While injury claims follow the two-year limit, property damage claims might differ. However, injury-related timelines are the most urgent and must not be delayed.
General Personal Injury Claims in Arizona
Most other personal injury lawsuits—such as slip and falls, dog bites, premises liability, or assault-related injuries—also carry a two-year deadline:
- Two years from the date of injury
- Applies to: All standard personal injury cases
Delaying your legal consultation may weaken your claim or disqualify you from filing altogether.
Medical Malpractice Claims in Arizona
Medical malpractice cases are more complex and operate under a special rule:
- Two years from the date of injury or the date it was discovered (or reasonably should have been)
- Known as the “discovery rule”
Discovery Rule Examples
- A foreign object left in the body post-surgery
- A delayed diagnosis of cancer
- A medication error that surfaces months later
The clock starts when the patient knew—or should have known—that malpractice occurred.
Medical Malpractice Requirements
These cases also require:
- Expert testimony
- Timely investigation
- Compliance with Arizona’s medical malpractice laws
Delay can be especially harmful in these claims due to the complexity and evidence required.
Key Exceptions to Arizona’s Statutes of Limitations
Claims Involving Minors
If the injured party is under 18, the statute of limitations is typically paused until they reach adulthood.
Government Claims
If you’re filing against a city, county, or state agency, you must file:
- A Notice of Claim within 180 days
- A lawsuit within one year
Failure to meet these shorter deadlines can lead to immediate dismissal of your claim.
Why Time Is of the Essence
Two years may sound like a long time, but it can pass quickly—especially while recovering from injuries or navigating insurance negotiations. Waiting can result in:
- Lost or degraded evidence
- Faded witness memories
- Insurance company pushback
- Missed legal filing requirements
Speak With an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney
Whether you’re in Scottsdale, Lake Havasu, or anywhere in Arizona, the team at Rideout Law Group is here to help you understand and act within your legal deadlines. Don’t risk losing your case to the clock.
📞 Contact us today for a free case review:
- Scottsdale: (480) 584-3328
- Lake Havasu: (928) 854-8181
Our experienced attorney’s handle:
- Auto accident injury claims
- Medical malpractice lawsuits
- Slip and fall and general personal injury cases
Let us help you protect your rights, file on time, and maximize your recovery.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.