Statute of Limitations Hit-and-Run Claims

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for filing a claim for a hit-and-run accident is the same as for other motor vehicle accidents. A victim must file a claim against the at-fault parties within two years, although deadlines can vary in certain circumstances.

To ensure that you meet these deadlines and don’t jeopardize your chances of being compensated for your injuries or losses, be sure to hire one of the best accident lawyers in Arizona to navigate the legal system on your behalf.

When the Clock Starts Ticking

The two-year statute of limitations starts from the date of the accident, not from the date a hit-and-run driver is located. There are a few exceptions to this rule:

• If a claim is made against a local or state government agency, it needs to be filed within 180 days of the accident.
• An injury doesn’t start to bother you until much later. In this case, the two-year clock starts from the time it is discovered (or should have been discovered).
• If a victim is a minor or mentally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations can be paused until they reach legal adulthood or regain their mental capacity.

However, if you don’t file within the specified timeframe, your claim will be dismissed.

Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Claims in Arizona

Other Time Constraints to Be Aware Of

There are several other actions that need to be taken promptly after a hit-and-run that can impact your claim for compensation. First and foremost, call 911 and get medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. The police report will serve as an official record of the accident and will be necessary for future insurance claims or legal actions.

Your insurance company may also require that you notify them within a few days of a hit-and-run and have set deadlines for filing a claim. Even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified, you may be entitled to compensation if you have uninsured motorist coverage or med-pay benefits that cover expenses not reimbursed by your health insurance plan.

One of the evidence collection tips for a hit-and-run is to understand how traffic cameras aid hit-and-run cases. Camera footage needs to be collected quickly because it is usually deleted or overwritten regularly. Witness statements, photographs, medical evaluations, and other evidence should also be gathered in a timely manner, as they can be easily lost or misplaced in the aftermath of an accident.

Let Gage Mathers Keep You on Track

The confusion and anger following a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling helpless. You’re not alone: according to the Arizona Department of Transportation, more than 16,000 Arizona accidents in 2024 involved a driver who fled the scene.

Let Gage Mathers make sure you meet all the legal and procedural deadlines for a hit-and-run claim. Having an expert legal team on your side to manage the many moving parts of an accident claim will give you the peace of mind you need to move forward with your life after an accident.

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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