Short answer: In Arizona, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the injury (A.R.S. § 12-542). Claims against a city, county, state agency, or other public entity follow a much shorter timeline: a written notice of claim is due within 180 days. If you miss the deadline, a court will usually refuse to hear your case, no matter how strong the evidence is.

If you were hurt in a crash on the I-10 in Phoenix or a fall at a Tucson shopping center, the clock may already be running. Here is how Arizona’s filing deadlines work, and what can change them.

Arizona Filing Deadlines at a Glance

Exceptions and accrual rules (when the clock starts) may change these deadlines. This table is a general reference, not a substitute for advice on your specific situation.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. Arizona sets these deadlines so cases are decided while evidence and witness memories are still fresh. Once the deadline passes, the other side can ask the court to dismiss your case, and that request is usually granted.

The General Rule: Two Years

Under A.R.S. § 12-542, the standard deadline is two years for most injury claims, including:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Slip and fall and other premises liability claims
• Dog bite claims brought on a negligence theory
• Wrongful death claims (two years from the date of death)
• Property damage claims, such as damage to your vehicle

The clock generally starts on the date of the accident or injury.

A Lawsuit Deadline Is Not the Same as an Insurance Deadline

The two-year rule is about filing a lawsuit in court. Your insurance policy may also require prompt notice of an accident, and coverage such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) benefits can have its own conditions. Read more in our guide to UM/UIM coverage in Arizona.

Also keep in mind that talking with an insurance adjuster, or even negotiating a settlement, generally does not pause the court deadline.

Exceptions That Can Shorten or Extend the Deadline

Claims against the government (much shorter). If a city, county, state agency, public school, or other public entity (or its employee) caused your injury, Arizona law requires a written notice of claim within 180 days under A.R.S. § 12-821.01. If the claim is denied, or the entity does not respond within 60 days, it is treated as denied. The lawsuit itself generally must be filed within one year under A.R.S. § 12-821. Typical examples include a crash with a city vehicle or bus, or a fall caused by a dangerous condition on public property.

Injured minors. When the injured person is under 18, Arizona law generally pauses (“tolls”) the two-year clock until the child turns 18. Special rules apply to claims against public entities, so do not assume the extra time is available.

Legal disability. A person who is of unsound mind when the claim arises may qualify for additional time under A.R.S. § 12-502.

The discovery rule. In some cases, the clock starts when you knew, or reasonably should have known, that you were injured and what caused it. Courts apply this narrowly, so never count on it. If your symptoms appeared later, see What If Your Injuries Show Up Days After the Accident?

Workers’ compensation and medical malpractice. These follow their own rules and procedures. If your injury happened at work, read Workers’ Comp vs. Personal Injury in Arizona.

Why You Should Not Wait Until Year Two

Even when you technically have two years, waiting can hurt your case:

• Evidence disappears. Surveillance video is overwritten, skid marks fade, and vehicles get repaired or sold.
• Witnesses move or forget. Memories fade quickly.
• Preparation takes time. A strong claim needs medical records, bills, and expert input before anything is filed.
• Leverage. Insurance companies know when a deadline is near, and a claimant who is ready to file negotiates from a stronger position.

What to Do Now

1. Get medical care and keep every record and bill.
2. Write down the date of the accident and calendar a reminder well before the two-year mark.
3. Find out who may be responsible. If a public entity might be involved, the 180-day clock matters immediately.
4. Preserve evidence: photos, police report numbers, witness contacts, and messages with insurers.
5. Talk to an Arizona injury attorney early. A free consultation can confirm which deadline applies to your situation. For next steps after a crash, see What to Do After a Car Accident in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Arizona? Generally two years from the date of the accident under A.R.S. § 12-542. Different rules apply if a government entity is involved.

Does the two-year deadline apply to wrongful death claims? Yes. A wrongful death lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the date of death. To learn what families may recover, read What Damages Can Families Recover in an Arizona Wrongful Death Claim?

Does negotiating with the insurance company stop the clock? Generally no. Settlement talks do not pause the filing deadline, so keep the date in mind while you negotiate.

What if a city vehicle, bus, or government property caused my injury? A written notice of claim is generally due within 180 days, and the lawsuit within one year. These deadlines are strict, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Does being partly at fault change the deadline? No. Shared fault can reduce what you recover but does not change the filing deadline. See Can You Still Get Paid If You Were Partially at Fault in Arizona?

Official Sources

• A.R.S. § 12-542 – Two-year limitation for injury and wrongful death
• A.R.S. § 12-502 – Effect of legal disability
• A.R.S. § 12-821 – Public entity lawsuit deadline
• A.R.S. § 12-821.01 – Notice of claim against a public entity

Talk to Ruben Law Group Before Time Runs Out

If you were injured in Phoenix, Tucson, or anywhere in Arizona, we can review your situation for free and tell you which deadline applies. Phoenix: (623) 777-3405 · Tucson: (520) 777-1828. Se habla español.

This article is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines depend on the facts of each case and the law can change. Contact an attorney about your specific situation.