How Long Do You Have to File?
Every state sets its own deadline. Miss it and the claim is usually over, however strong it was.
The legal deadline for filing is called the statute of limitations. It varies by state and by the type of claim, and shorter notice periods can apply when a government vehicle or public road authority is involved.
Typical personal-injury filing deadline in
Deadlines vary by claim type, and shorter notice periods often apply when a government entity is involved. This is general information, not legal advice about your situation. Read the full state guide.
Get your deadline in writing
We will email your state deadline so you have a record of it. Deadlines vary by claim type.
Your deadline, in writing
Filing deadlines run from one to six years depending on the state, and they are shorter than most people expect. Select your state above to see the typical deadline where your accident happened, and confirm it with an attorney — the exact period depends on the type of claim.
Two things worth knowing:
- The evidence clock usually runs faster than the legal one. Footage and vehicle data are often gone long before the filing deadline.
- Claims involving a government vehicle or public road authority can carry notice periods measured in months, not years.
Cash4Crashes is a lead-generation service that connects people injured in crashes with attorneys in our network. We are not a law firm and nothing on this page is legal advice.