Why Timing Matters After an Injury in Arizona
If you were injured in an accident in Arizona, time is one of the most important factors in protecting your legal rights. Arizona law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and missing those deadlines can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation—no matter how strong your case may be.
Below, we explain Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, key exceptions that may apply, and why acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
In most cases, Arizona law gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
This two-year deadline applies to many common injury cases, including:
- Car accidents and truck accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Medical malpractice (with some exceptions)
- Wrongful death claims (two years from the date of death)
If you fail to file a lawsuit within this two-year window, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to seek compensation.
When Does the Clock Start Running?
In many personal injury cases, the statute of limitations begins on the date the injury occurred. For example, if you were injured in a car accident on June 1, 2024, you generally have until June 1, 2026, to file your lawsuit.
However, Arizona law recognizes situations where injuries are not immediately discovered.
The Discovery Rule: An Important Exception
Under Arizona’s discovery rule, the statute of limitations may begin when you knew or reasonably should have known that you were injured and that the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.
This rule often applies in cases involving:
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Toxic exposure
- Injuries with delayed symptoms
Even with the discovery rule, these cases are complex, and insurance companies frequently challenge when the injury should have been discovered. Speaking with an attorney early is critical.
Claims Against Government Entities Have Shorter Deadlines
If your injury involves a government agency or public employee—such as a city vehicle, police department, or unsafe public property—special rules apply.
In Arizona:
- You must file a Notice of Claim within 180 days of the injury
- You must then file a lawsuit within one year
These deadlines are strictly enforced and missing them almost always ends the case.
What If the Injured Person Is a Minor?
When a minor is injured, Arizona law may pause (or “toll”) the statute of limitations until the child turns 18. In many cases, the injured minor then has until their 20th birthday to file a personal injury lawsuit.
That said, evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories fade. Waiting is rarely in the child’s best interest.
Why You Should Not Wait to File a Personal Injury Claim
Even though two years may sound like plenty of time, delays can seriously hurt your case. Waiting too long can result in:
- Lost or destroyed evidence
- Unavailable witnesses
- Surveillance footage being erased
- Insurance companies gaining leverage
- Reduced settlement value
Early legal representation allows your attorney to preserve evidence, deal with insurers, and protect your rights from day one.
Speak With an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible
If you’ve been injured in Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, or anywhere in Arizona, understanding the statute of limitations is only the first step. Every case is different, and small details can dramatically affect your deadline.
At Rideout Law Group, our Arizona personal injury attorneys help clients understand their rights, meet critical deadlines, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Do not risk missing your chance to recover.
Contact Rideout Law Group today for a confidential consultation and get clear answers about your personal injury claim in Arizona.
📍 Scottsdale Office: 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📍 Lake Havasu City Office: 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 Call us today at (480) 584-3328 or (928) 854-8181 for a free consultation.
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.