Free tool
Car accident filing deadline calculator
Every state limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after a crash. Pick your state, the type of claim and the date to see the general deadline and the statute it comes from.
By Serdar Arslan, editor · Last reviewed · How we research
How this calculator works
For each state we recorded the general statute of limitations for personal injury, property damage and wrongful death claims, together with a link to the statute or the source we relied on. The calculator adds that number of years to the date you enter. It does not account for weekends, court holidays or the exceptions described below, so treat the result as a planning estimate, not a guarantee.
Why your real deadline may be different
- Government defendants. If a city bus, police car, public road defect or state employee is involved, you may need to file a formal notice of claim within months, not years.
- Minors and incapacity. Many states pause ("toll") the deadline while the injured person is a minor or legally incapacitated.
- Discovery rule. For injuries that could not reasonably be discovered right away, some states start the clock later.
- Defendant out of state. Time when the at-fault person is absent from the state may not count in some states.
- Insurance policy deadlines. Your own policy (for example, uninsured motorist or PIP coverage) usually requires prompt notice and can have its own time limits.
The deadline is for filing a lawsuit, not settling
Most claims settle without a lawsuit, but negotiations do not stop the clock. If a settlement is not reached in time, the lawsuit must be filed before the deadline or the claim is usually lost for good. Read statute of limitations explained for more, or compare every state on the state law table.
Frequently asked questions
›What is a statute of limitations?
It is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you miss it, a court will usually dismiss the case no matter how strong it is.
›Example: when is the deadline for a Texas crash on March 1, 2025?
Texas generally allows 2 years for personal injury, so the estimated last day to file would be March 1, 2027. Exceptions can change that date.
›Does negotiating with the insurer stop the clock?
No. Settlement talks don't pause the deadline. If a deal isn't reached in time, the lawsuit generally must be filed before the deadline.
›Which state's deadline applies?
Usually the state where the crash happened, but choice-of-law questions can arise when parties live in different states. Ask an attorney if that applies to you.
›Is the deadline different for wrongful death?
Often, yes. Many states count it from the date of death rather than the crash, and the length can differ from the injury deadline.