In Arizona, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, under ARS §12-542. The clock starts on the date the injury occurred (or, in some delayed-discovery cases, the date the injury was reasonably discovered). Claims against an Arizona government entity require a Notice of Claim within 180 days under ARS §12-821.01, separate from the two-year filing deadline.
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The Two-Year Statute Under ARS §12-542
Arizona's general personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury. This applies to most personal injury cases — car accidents, slip and fall, motorcycle crashes, dog bites, premises liability, and similar tort claims.
When the Clock Starts (and When It Doesn't)
The clock typically starts on the date of the injury — the date of the crash, the date of the fall, the date of the bite. In some cases the clock can start later, under the "discovery rule" — when the injured person reasonably should have discovered the injury and its cause. This applies most often to medical conditions that develop over time.
Special Deadlines for Government-Entity Claims
If a government entity is liable — the State of Arizona, a county, city, school district, or government employee acting in their official capacity — Arizona law requires a Notice of Claim within 180 days under ARS §12-821.01. Filing suit without first serving the proper notice is grounds for dismissal, regardless of whether the two-year statute has expired.
Wrongful Death Has Its Own Two-Year Rule
Wrongful death claims also have a two-year statute of limitations under ARS §12-542, but the clock starts on the date of death — not the date of the injury that caused the death. If your loved one died six months after the accident, the two-year clock starts on the death date.
Other Special Cases
Cases involving minors are tolled in some respects until the minor reaches age 18. Cases involving fraudulent concealment can be extended. Medical malpractice has additional procedural requirements but the same two-year statute. Tribal court cases follow tribal limitations rules separately from state law.
Why You Shouldn't Wait to the Deadline
Two years sounds like time. It isn't. Building a personal injury case takes investigation, medical documentation, expert review, and often pre-litigation negotiation. Insurers stall when they sense the deadline is far off; cases filed in the final weeks rarely settle well because there's no leverage to reject a low offer when the courthouse is about to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Arizona?
In Arizona, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under ARS §12-542. Claims against government entities require a Notice of Claim within 180 days.
What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in Arizona?
The statute of limitations for a car accident personal injury claim in Arizona is two years from the date of the accident under ARS §12-542.
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Arizona?
Two years from the date of death under ARS §12-542. The clock starts on the death date, not the date of the accident or injury that caused the death.
What if I missed the Arizona statute of limitations deadline?
Once the deadline passes, the case is generally over. The defendant will move to dismiss, and the court will grant the motion. Limited exceptions exist for fraudulent concealment, minors, and absent defendants, but they are interpreted narrowly.
How long do I have to sue a city or police officer in Arizona for a personal injury?
You must file a Notice of Claim within 180 days under ARS §12-821.01, then file the actual lawsuit within one year of when the cause of action accrues. Different rules apply for federal employees.
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📞 Call 623-632-0959 Or learn more →This article provides general information about Arizona law and is not legal advice. Every case is fact-specific.