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The main California deadlines
The two-year rule covers most injury claims against another driver, their employer or anyone else whose carelessness caused the crash. Property damage is different: a lawsuit over damage to your car or other property generally must be filed within three years (Code of Civil Procedure 338). Most people settle the car damage early through insurance, but the deadline is there if that fails.
These deadlines are for filing a lawsuit in court. Talking to an adjuster, sending medical bills or receiving an offer does not stop the clock. If the case has not settled as the date approaches, a lawsuit is usually filed to protect the claim, and talks with the insurer often continue after that.
- Personal injury lawsuit: generally two years
- Property damage lawsuit: generally three years
- Claim against a city, county or other public entity: generally six months
- Federal vehicle, such as a mail truck: administrative claim within two years
- Uninsured motorist claim: one of three required steps within two years
Crashes with government vehicles
Before suing a California city, county or other public entity over a crash with a government vehicle or a dangerous road, a written claim generally must be presented within six months of the injury. That step comes before any lawsuit. Our page on the six-month government claim explains it in more detail.
Federal vehicles follow their own rules. If a federal employee driving for work hit you, including a U.S. Postal Service driver, an administrative claim, often on Standard Form 95, must be presented to the agency within two years, and a lawsuit can be filed only after the agency denies it or six months pass without a decision (28 U.S.C. 2675). See the federal claim rules for mail trucks.
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Uninsured motorist claims have their own steps
If the at-fault driver had no insurance and you claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage, within two years of the accident you must do one of three things: file a bodily injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver, reach an agreement with your insurer on the amount, or formally start arbitration by written notice sent by certified mail, return receipt requested (Insurance Code 11580.2(i)).
For a hit-and-run claim, the crash generally must be reported to the police within 24 hours and the insurer must receive a sworn statement within 30 days. These short steps are easy to miss in the first weeks. See hit by an uninsured driver in California for how these claims work.
Washington crashes and special situations
If the crash happened in Washington, the general deadline for a personal injury lawsuit is three years (RCW 4.16.080). Our page on the Washington statute of limitations covers that state’s rules, and a Washington truck crash has its own page as well. If you are unsure which state’s rules apply, a lawyer can sort that out.
Some situations can change how a deadline is counted, and the rules depend on the facts. A child who was hurt, a person who died, or a defendant who left the state can all raise questions about timing. Do not try to work that out alone. A lawyer can look at your exact dates and tell you which deadlines apply.
What to do now
Write down the date of the crash and count forward. See a doctor and keep every record. Take photos, get witness names and phone numbers, and save your claim numbers. Do not sign a release or give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before you talk to a lawyer. Keep receipts for medical care, repairs, rental cars and missed work.
If a government vehicle or road may be involved, treat the six-month date as the one that matters most. If your two-year date is close, call now; there may still be time to file. Call (310) 552-6959 or use the form, and we will look at your dates with you.
Common questions
What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in California?
For personal injury, the general deadline is two years from the date of the injury. For damage to your car or other property, it is generally three years. Claims against a city, county or other public entity generally need a written claim within six months. A lawyer can confirm the dates that apply to you.
Does talking to the insurance company stop the deadline?
No. Negotiating with an adjuster, sending bills or getting an offer does not pause the deadline to file a lawsuit. If the claim has not settled as the date gets close, a lawsuit is usually filed to protect it. Settlement talks can continue after the lawsuit is filed.
Can I sue after two years in California?
In most injury cases, a lawsuit filed after the two-year deadline can be dismissed. Some situations affect how the deadline is counted, and they depend on the facts. If you are near or past the date, call a lawyer right away so your situation can be checked before any more time passes.
How long do I have to file an insurance claim after a car accident?
Insurance policies set their own notice rules, and many ask for prompt notice. Report the crash to your insurer as soon as you can. The lawsuit deadlines are separate. Our page on whether to call your own insurer explains what to say.
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If you were hurt in a car or truck crash in California and Washington, talk to a personal injury attorney. Free, confidential, English or Spanish. You owe no fees or costs unless we win.
Related pages
Washington car accident statute of limitations · Claims against a city or county vehicle: the six-month claim · What happens if you lose a car accident lawsuit? · All car and truck accident questions
Sources
Important: This page is general information about California and Washington law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; talk to a lawyer about yours. Last reviewed: November 5, 2026.