How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue?

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How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue?

When someone else causes a car accident, you have the right to sue them if you suffered any injuries or property damage. You can initiate legal action almost immediately, but you may wish to take some time to fully rest and recover after your accident first. But how long after a car accident can you sue before it’s too late to file a claim?

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents?

A red car and a blue car are involved in a car accident.

Each state has a statute of limitations that serves as a deadline for when you can take legal action. Waiting too long to file a claim against an at-fault driver can jeopardize your car accident case.


At Sargon Law Group, we represent injured drivers in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Each state has its own statute of limitations laws:


  • Arizona: Two years from the date of the injury
  • California: Two years from the date of the injury
  • Colorado: Three years from the date of the injury
  • New Mexico: Three years from the date of the injury

Should You Wait Before Suing for a Car Accident?

It’s important to act promptly after a car accident, but that doesn’t mean rushing into a lawsuit without preparation. Before you sue another driver for a car accident, document the accident as much as possible and verify the extent of your injuries. Even though it is possible to sue for a car accident without injuries, you should still undergo a complete medical evaluation beforehand. You might have injuries that you did not notice at first.


A medical professional can also provide an estimate of your current and future medical expenses, all of which are eligible for compensation in a personal injury claim. You want to have as much evidence and information as possible before negotiating with the insurance company.


With that in mind, it is in your best interest to consult with a lawyer as soon as reasonably possible after your accident. Your legal team can begin investigating the case and start the process of filing a claim with the other party’s insurance company while you focus on getting treatment and returning to normalcy. Waiting too long to take action can make it more difficult to collect certain evidence, possibly affecting your final settlement.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You?

A lawyer is sitting at a desk talking to a client.

Contacting a lawyer immediately after a crash can help you determine the right path forward. But what does a car accident lawyer do? They can explain how long you should wait before suing, advise you on what to say to the insurance company and evaluate how much your claim might be worth.


Our team at Sargon Law Group can also assist by:


  • Investigating the cause of your car accident
  • Collecting evidence to establish the other driver’s liability
  • Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
  • Representing you at trial if negotiations fail


Hiring a lawyer can give you a better shot at the best possible settlement. You can contend with insurance companies on an even level when you have the support of an attorney who knows policies and terms just as well as insurance companies do.

Call a Phoenix Car Accident Attorney Today

At Sargon Law Group, we are car accident attorneys in Phoenix who represent injured drivers in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Colorado. We can help you understand how long after a car accident you can sue and answer any other questions you might have. Contact us today for a free consultation.