If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or another preventable incident in Phoenix, you may be wondering how much time you have to take legal action. Arizona law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims and missing that deadline can cost you your right to compensation.
At Valley Injury Law, we help injury victims across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Arcadia, Desert Ridge, and surrounding communities understand their legal options and avoid costly delays. Here’s what you need to know about how long you have to file an injury claim in Arizona.
The Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Arizona
In most personal injury cases, Arizona law gives you two years from the date of the accident or injury to file a lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and it applies to cases such as:
- Car and motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall or premises liability injuries
- Pedestrian or bike crashes
- Dog bites
- Wrongful death
- Medical malpractice
If you file your claim after the two-year deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how strong it is.
Exceptions to Arizona’s Two-Year Rule
While most cases follow the standard two-year rule, there are some important exceptions that may apply.
Claims Involving Minors
If the injured person is under 18 at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations is usually paused until their 18th birthday. They then have two years from that date to file a claim.
Delayed Discovery of Injuries
If the injury wasn’t discovered right away (for example, a hidden internal injury), the two-year clock may start on the date of discovery — when the injury was or should have been reasonably identified.
Claims Against Government Entities
If your injury was caused by a city, county, or state agency (such as a fall on public property or a crash with a government vehicle), you must file a notice of claim within 180 days of the incident — and then file the lawsuit within one year.
These timelines are much shorter, so acting fast is essential.
Why Timing Matters in Personal Injury Claims
Even if you think you have time, waiting too long can hurt your case. Here’s why:
- Evidence can disappear
- Witnesses may forget details
- Surveillance footage may be deleted
- Insurance companies may argue you weren’t seriously injured
- The at-fault party may become harder to locate
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
What If You’ve Already Missed the Deadline?
If you think your deadline has passed, don’t assume you have no options. Call a Phoenix personal injury attorney right away to find out if any exceptions apply. Sometimes the clock was paused without you realizing it — especially in cases involving minors, government claims, or unknown injuries.
At Valley Injury Law, we’ll review your case and help determine if legal action is still possible.
Our Advice: Don’t Wait to Talk to a Lawyer
You don’t need to file a lawsuit immediately, but you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. We’ll help you:
- Understand your deadline
- Gather time-sensitive evidence
- Handle insurance negotiations
- Prepare for court if needed
The sooner you involve an attorney, the more options you’ll have.
Talk to a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Time is not on your side after an injury but we are. At Valley Injury Law, we help injured clients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Arcadia, and Desert Ridge take timely legal action and get the compensation they deserve.
Call today at (480) 490-9535 to schedule your free consultation!