If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or any type of personal injury incident in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the most important things to understand is how much time you have to take legal action. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
At Valley Injury Law, we help clients protect their rights and file claims on time. Here’s what you need to know about Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases.
Arizona’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 12-542), you generally have two years from the date of the accident or injury to file a personal injury claim. This law applies to most types of cases, including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall and other premises liability cases
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Wrongful death claims
- Product liability or defective product injuries
If you miss this two-year deadline, the court can dismiss your case, and you’ll lose the ability to recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
When the Two-Year Clock Starts
The clock usually starts ticking on the date of the accident, but there are exceptions. In some situations, the injury or its cause isn’t immediately known. This is called the “discovery rule.”
For example, if a doctor’s error caused harm but you didn’t discover it until months later, the two-year period may begin when you became aware of the injury, not when it happened.
A Phoenix personal injury lawyer can review your case and determine exactly when your filing deadline begins.
Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
Certain circumstances can change or pause (toll) the two-year statute of limitations in Arizona. These include:
- Minor victims: If the injured person is under 18, the clock doesn’t start until their 18th birthday.
- Mental incapacity: If the victim is mentally incapacitated, the time limit may be delayed.
- Government claims: If your injury involves a city, county, or state employee, you must file a Notice of Claim within 180 days and then file your lawsuit within one year.
Because these exceptions are complex, it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File
Even though you technically have two years, waiting can hurt your case. Key evidence — like witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reports — can disappear over time. Medical records may also become harder to obtain, and insurance companies can use delays against you.
Filing early helps your attorney build a stronger case and ensures all deadlines are met.
How Valley Injury Law Helps You File on Time
At Valley Injury Law, we make the process simple and stress-free. Our team:
- Reviews your case immediately to identify deadlines
- Collects evidence and medical records quickly
- Files all paperwork correctly and on time
- Handles insurance companies and negotiations for you
We proudly serve clients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Arcadia, and Desert Ridge, ensuring no detail or deadline is missed.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Recover Compensation
If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, the clock is already ticking. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Let our experienced team at Valley Injury Law protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call today at (480) 490-9535 to schedule your free consultation!