Short answer: Generally two years from the date of the crash, under A.R.S. § 12-542. But if a government entity is involved — a city vehicle, a transit bus, a road-design claim — you must serve a notice of claim within 180 days, and that deadline catches people out constantly.

The standard deadline: two years

Most Arizona car accident claims must be filed within two years of the crash. Miss it and the claim is barred no matter how strong it was.

The 180-day trap

If a government entity may be responsible — a municipal vehicle, a school or transit bus, a dangerous road design, a malfunctioning signal — Arizona requires a notice of claim within 180 days before any lawsuit. Roughly six months, not two years. It is the single most common way a valid Arizona claim is lost.

When the clock pauses

For an injured minor, the limitation period generally does not begin until they turn 18. Legal incapacity can also toll the period. These are fact-specific — do not rely on them without advice.

Full detail on every Arizona injury deadline, including wrongful death and dog bites: Arizona personal injury statute of limitations.

Why waiting costs you before the deadline

Evidence decays long before the two years run. Vehicles get repaired or scrapped, dashcam and CCTV footage is overwritten on a 30-day cycle, witnesses move, and gaps in treatment get argued as evidence you were not really hurt. A claim brought at 22 months is worth less than the same claim at two months.

Questions people ask

Does the two years run from the crash or from diagnosis?

Generally from the date of the crash. Do not assume a later diagnosis restarts it.

What if a city bus or government vehicle was involved?

You have 180 days to serve a notice of claim, then one year to file suit. Far shorter than the standard two years.

Does talking to the insurance company extend the deadline?

No. Negotiations do not pause the limitation period. Insurers are not obliged to warn you it is approaching.

My child was injured — is the deadline different?

Usually yes. For a minor the period generally does not start until age 18, but claims involving a government entity have their own rules. Get advice rather than assuming.

If you are near a deadline, call today

Free review with a board-certified specialist: 602-535-1900.