California Car Accident Statute of Limitations

Quick answer
In California, the deadline that generally applies to car accident claims is 2 years from the date of injury, under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1. Certain circumstances can pause or extend this window. This is general legal information, not a personal deadline determination for your situation.
California
Car Accident
General statute of limitations
2
years to file
In California, a car accident claim must generally be filed within 2 years of the date of injury. Filing after this window typically bars the claim permanently.
Governing statute: Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1

What starts the clock, and tolling exceptions

Clock typically starts
Date of injury or incident
The general rule is that the SOL begins running on the date the injury occurred. Some states apply a discovery rule if the injury was not immediately apparent.
Government defendants
Notice of claim may be required
If your claim is against a government entity (a city, county, state agency, or public employee), most states require a separate notice of claim within 30 to 180 days. Missing this notice deadline can bar your claim entirely, independent of the SOL.
Tolling: when the clock may pause
Motor vehicle claims may involve additional notice requirements if a government vehicle was involved. Uninsured motorist claims may have separate contractual deadlines. Minor claimants typically have additional time after reaching age 18.

Filing deadlines by claim type in California

Claim typeDeadlineStatute
Personal Injury2 yearsCal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1
Car Accident2 yearsCal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1
Slip & Fall / Premises2 yearsCal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1
Medical Malpractice3 yearsCal. Civ. Proc. Code § 340.5
Wrongful Death2 yearsCal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1

What cases like this have ranged for

Illustrative · national · not case-specific
$15,000 – $210,000+
Car accident claims are driven mainly by liability clarity and injury severity.
Car accident settlement calculator →How these ranges are compiled →
Educational information only: not legal advice
This result reflects the general statutory period for car accident claims in California based on publicly available statutes. Your actual deadline may differ based on the specific facts of your case, applicable tolling rules, discovery rule application, government defendant requirements, and other circumstances. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Caseworth makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of this information. Consult a licensed attorney in California before making any decisions about your claim.
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Common questions

What is the statute of limitations for a car accident claim in California?

In California, the general statute of limitations for car accident claims is 2 years under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1. This is general educational information; the deadline that applies to matters like yours may differ based on the specific facts of the case. Consult a licensed attorney in California to confirm the deadline for your situation.

What starts the clock on the California car accident deadline?

The general rule is that the SOL begins running on the date the injury occurred. Some states apply a discovery rule if the injury was not immediately apparent.

Are there tolling exceptions in California?

Yes. Motor vehicle claims may involve additional notice requirements if a government vehicle was involved. Uninsured motorist claims may have separate contractual deadlines. Minor claimants typically have additional time after reaching age 18. Tolling rules vary by state and case type, so it is worth confirming with a licensed attorney in California whether an exception applies to matters like yours.

What have cases like this ranged for?

Nationally, cases like this have historically ranged $15,000 – $210,000+ (illustrative, not specific to California or to any individual case). Car accident claims are driven mainly by liability clarity and injury severity. See the Settlement Data & Methodology hub for how these ranges are compiled.

Learn more: Settlement Data & Methodology · Statute of Limitations Checker · Car accident settlement calculator

Other claim types in California

What is my case worth in California? — cited value range + this deadline

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