By Edvin Jones, Attorney at Law | Edvin Jones Injury Law | Personal Injury Claims
Quick Takeaways
- Most personal injury claims in Nevada, Arizona, and California must be filed within 2 years.
- Claims against government entities have much shorter notice requirements.
- Missing the statute of limitations can permanently bar your case.
- Exceptions may apply for minors, delayed injury discovery, and certain malpractice cases.
- Evidence becomes harder to obtain over time, making early legal action critical.
- Consulting an attorney like Edvin Jones Injury Law quickly can help preserve your rights and maximize compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Nevada, Arizona & California Deadlines
Time is one of the most critical factors in a personal injury case — and one of the most misunderstood. Every state has a statute of limitations: a legal deadline after which you can no longer file a lawsuit, no matter how strong your case is. Once that deadline passes, your claim is barred forever.
As an injury attorney licensed in Nevada, Arizona, and California, I want to make sure you never miss this critical window. Here is a clear breakdown of the deadlines in each state.
Nevada: 2-Year Deadline (NRS 11.190)
Under Nevada Revised Statutes 11.190, you have two years from the date of your accident or injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nevada. This applies to car accidents, slip and fall cases, truck accidents, and most other personal injury claims.
Important exceptions to Nevada’s statute of limitations:
- Government entities: Claims against Nevada state or local government agencies must be filed within 2 years, but a notice of claim must often be submitted within just 90 days of the incident
- Discovery rule: If you did not immediately know you were injured, the clock may start from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury
- Minors: The statute of limitations is typically tolled (paused) until a minor turns 18
- Medical malpractice: Nevada has a separate 3-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims
Arizona: 2-Year Deadline (ARS 12-542)
Arizona Revised Statutes 12-542 also provides a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, starting from the date the injury occurred or was discovered.
- Government claims: In Arizona, you must file a Notice of Claim with the government entity within 180 days of the incident — failure to do so can bar your claim entirely
- Wrongful death: Arizona also has a 2-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims
- Minors: The limitation period is tolled until a minor reaches the age of 18
California: 2-Year Deadline (CCP 335.1)
California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1 sets a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California. However, California law has several important nuances:
- Government entities: Claims against California government agencies must be filed within 6 months using a government tort claim form — this is strictly enforced
- Discovery rule: California allows the clock to start from when you discovered your injury, not when the accident happened
- Medical malpractice: California’s MICRA law has separate limitations for medical negligence claims
- Minors: California tolls the statute until age 18, but no more than 8 years in most cases
Why You Must Act Now — Not Later
Two years sounds like a long time, but personal injury cases require substantial preparation. Evidence degrades, witnesses become unavailable, surveillance footage gets deleted, and accident reconstruction becomes harder with time. Insurance companies know these deadlines and will wait you out if they can.
Most experienced personal injury attorneys recommend contacting a lawyer within days or weeks of your accident — not months. Early involvement allows us to preserve critical evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Special Circumstances That Can Change Your Deadline
Certain situations can extend or shorten your filing window. These include cases involving minors, claims against government bodies, injuries discovered after a delayed onset, and cases where the defendant concealed information. Each situation requires individualized legal analysis.
At Edvin Jones Injury Law, we evaluate every case carefully to identify any exceptions that may apply and ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time. Do not assume your clock has run out — call us first.
Contact Edvin Jones Injury Law — Free Consultation
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Phone: 702-337-3430
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Licensed in Nevada | Arizona | California
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nevada?
Most personal injury claims in Nevada must be filed within two years from the date of the injury under NRS 11.190.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Arizona?
Arizona generally allows two years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury to file a lawsuit.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
California generally provides a two-year filing deadline under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
Are government claims different from regular injury claims?
Yes. Claims against government entities often require notice within a much shorter period. For example, California typically requires a government claim within six months.
What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
If the statute of limitations expires, your claim will likely be dismissed, and you may lose your right to recover compensation.
Does the statute of limitations apply to children?
Generally, the deadline is paused until the child reaches age 18, although specific rules vary by state.
What is the discovery rule?
The discovery rule may extend the deadline when an injury is not immediately known. The statute can begin when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Should I contact an attorney even if I think I still have time?
Yes. Evidence can disappear quickly, and an attorney can identify exceptions, preserve evidence, and ensure deadlines are met.
