When you are injured in a car accident, time is not just money. It is your legal leverage. California gives accident victims a strict window to take action, and missing that deadline can erase your right to compensation completely. Here is everything you need to know about how long you have, when the clock starts, and the exceptions that can save your claim.

The Standard Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit

California’s statute of limitations sets the legal timer for injury lawsuits. For car accident cases, the main deadlines include:

Personal Injury Claims

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries. This includes pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, and all related damages.

Property Damage Claims

If you are only filing for damage to your vehicle or personal property, the deadline extends to three years from the date of the crash.

These deadlines are strict. Once they expire, your claim is almost always barred no matter how severe your injuries are.

Shorter Deadlines for Claims Against Government Agencies

If your accident involved a government vehicle, a city bus, a county truck, or any public employee on duty, California law requires a government claim to be filed within six months.
This is one of the deadlines most commonly missed, and missing it will usually eliminate your entire case.

When Does the Clock Actually Start Running?

In most situations, the clock begins ticking on the day of the accident. But that is not always the case.

Delayed Discovery of Injury

Some injuries such as internal injuries, nerve damage, or mild traumatic brain injuries do not show symptoms immediately. In these situations, California’s discovery rule may apply.
If the injury was not reasonably discoverable at the time of the crash, the two year period may begin when you first knew or should have known about the injury.

Wrongful Death

If someone dies due to accident related injuries, the two year deadline typically starts on the date of death rather than the date of the crash.

Special Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline

California recognizes that some victims cannot file right away. Certain situations can pause or extend the statute of limitations.

Minors

If the injured person is under 18, the deadline usually does not begin until they turn 18.

Mental or Legal Incapacity

If a victim is mentally incapacitated because of injury or disability, the statute may be paused until they regain capacity.

Defendant Leaves California

If the at fault party leaves the state after the crash, the clock may pause during the time that person is absent.

These exceptions are powerful but must be proven clearly.

Why You Should Never Wait Until the Deadline

Even if you technically have time, waiting almost always weakens your case. Here is why acting quickly matters:

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget key details
• Surveillance video is deleted
• Vehicles get repaired or destroyed
• Insurance companies get harder to negotiate with
• Medical documentation becomes more complicated
• Delays can make your claim appear less credible

The sooner a lawyer steps in, the stronger your case becomes.

What Filing the Lawsuit Actually Does

Filing your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires protects your legal right to pursue compensation. After the case is filed, your attorney can continue negotiating, gathering evidence, and building your case without the threat of missing the deadline.

What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?

If you file too late, the court will almost always dismiss your case. Insurance companies know this. Once the deadline passes, they have no reason to offer you a settlement.
This is why the statute of limitations is one of the most important parts of every California car accident claim.

Final Takeaway

California gives accident victims the right to recover compensation. But that right only exists if the lawsuit is filed before the legal deadline. Most victims have two years for injury claims, three years for property damage claims, and as little as six months when the case involves a government agency.