Failing to file a lawsuit before the statutory deadline permanently extinguishes your legal right to financial recovery, regardless of how catastrophic your injuries or how undeniable the defendant's fault. In California, several distinct statutes of limitations govern motor vehicle accident claims.
1. California Motor Vehicle Statutory Deadlines
| Claim Type | Governing California Statute | Mandatory Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury / Bodily Harm | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1 | 2 Years from the date of the collision. |
| Property Damage Only | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 338(c) | 3 Years from the date of damage. |
| Government Entity Defendant (Caltrans/City/Bus) | Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 | 6 Months (180 Days) formal administrative claim notice. |
| Wrongful Death | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1 | 2 Years from the decedent's date of death. |