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How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Arizona?

A car accident can turn your life upside down. If you have sustained an injury as a result of someone else’s negligent or unlawful acts, you may sue the at-fault party for compensation. However, to get the compensation you deserve, you must take action before the statute of limitations that is applicable to your personal case runs out. 

Basically, a statute of limitations is the time period following the accident within which you must file a formal claim against the negligent party. Think of it as a countdown timer that begins the moment you sustain the injury. Different kinds of personal injury cases are subject to specific statutes of limitations. And you risk forfeiting your right to hold the negligent party financially accountable for your injuries if you file your claim after the statute of limitations has passed.

Why do statutes of limitations exist in the first place?

Statutes of limitations are in place to serve multiple purposes. Some of these include:

  • They encourage the victim to file their claim before crucial evidence and witnesses fade away
  • They prevent the negligent party from escaping justice due to deteriorated evidence
  • Ensure timely resolution of the dispute and save the courts from case overloads

Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury

Injury victims have two years effective the accident or injury date to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. However, certain exceptions apply. For instance, if you are suing for medical malpractice, you have two years from the date of the injury in question to file your claim. 

This deadline is even shorter if you are dealing with a government agency. If you sue a government agency for personal injury, you must furnish the government agency in question with a written notice within six months and then wait at least 60 days before filing a formal file. 

If you were injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to sue the at-fault party for compensation for medical costs and other damages. However, while you will likely, albeit understandably, have a lot to deal with following your injury, it is important to appreciate that you have a limited time to file your claim.

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