Michigan Car Accident Statute of Limitations

Quick answer
In Michigan, the deadline that generally applies to car accident claims is 3 years from the date of injury, under Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805. Certain circumstances can pause or extend this window. This is general legal information, not a personal deadline determination for your situation.
Michigan
Car Accident
General statute of limitations
3
years to file
In Michigan, a car accident claim must generally be filed within 3 years of the date of injury. Filing after this window typically bars the claim permanently.
Governing statute: Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805

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 Michigan

Claim typeDeadlineStatute
Personal Injury3 yearsMich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805
Car Accident3 yearsMich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805
Slip & Fall / Premises3 yearsMich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805
Medical Malpractice2 yearsMich. Comp. Laws §§ 600.5805(8) & 600.5838a
Wrongful Death3 yearsMich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805

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 Michigan 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 Michigan before making any decisions about your claim.
A Caseworth product · Optional next step
Want a full educational report on your situation?
A Lexstimate report walks you through your claim type, applicable statutes, common case considerations, and a benchmark range from comparable case outcomes, all in plain English. Educational only; not legal advice.
See a Lexstimate report, free to start

Common questions

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

In Michigan, the general statute of limitations for car accident claims is 3 years under Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805. 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 Michigan to confirm the deadline for your situation.

What starts the clock on the Michigan 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 Michigan?

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 Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan

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

← Check a different state