According to the law in the State of California, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. This means you typically have two years to file a lawsuit in court, or your claim may be permanently barred regardless of its merits.

However, this two-year window is not universal, and several important exceptions exist that can shorten or extend the deadline depending on the circumstances. If your injury involves a government entity, such as a city-operated vehicle, a public transit system, or a government employee, you are required to file a government claim with the relevant agency within six months of the incident before you can file a lawsuit. Missing this administrative deadline can eliminate your right to compensation. For cases involving minors, the clock generally does not start running until the injured person turns 18. In situations where the injury was not immediately apparent, such as certain medical malpractice or toxic exposure cases, the discovery rule may allow the limitations period to begin from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury. These variations make it critical that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury occurs. Waiting until close to the deadline limits the time available to investigate your case, gather evidence, and build the strongest possible claim. It can also reduce your leverage in settlement negotiations. If you are uncertain whether your window to file is still open, reach out to us right away for a no-cost evaluation.