How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona?
Short answer
Generally two years from the date of injury under A.R.S. § 12-542 — but claims against government entities require a notice of claim within 180 days, and evidence can disappear far sooner.
Arizona''s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury (A.R.S. § 12-542). Miss that window and a court will almost always dismiss the case, no matter how strong it is.
Two important exceptions shorten or complicate that clock:
Claims against government entities. If your claim is against a city, county, the state, or another public entity or employee — for example, a crash involving a government vehicle or a dangerous public road — Arizona law requires you to file a formal notice of claim within 180 days of the incident (A.R.S. § 12-821.01). That notice has specific content requirements, and missing it can end an otherwise valid claim.
Minors and other tolling situations. Deadlines can work differently for injured minors and in certain other circumstances. These rules are technical — if any of them might apply to you, get specific legal advice rather than assuming you have more time.
One practical note that matters more than most people expect: the legal deadline and the evidence window are not the same thing. Camera footage gets overwritten, vehicles get repaired or scrapped, and witness memories fade within weeks — long before any legal deadline arrives. Whatever your deadline is, the investigation should start as early as possible.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Arizona attorney.