Timeline for an Accident Lawsuit Process

If your accident claim is denied or delayed, you may need to file a lawsuit. In Arizona, however, strict deadlines control how long you have to act. 

Understanding the accident lawsuit timeline is essential to protecting your right to compensation, which is why working with a trusted Phoenix accident and injury law firm can make a critical difference. While most claims fall under a two-year filing window, several exceptions and procedural rules can significantly affect your case timeline.

Important Timelines for Accident Lawsuits in Arizona

One of the most effective steps after a denied accident claim is filing a lawsuit, but this must be done within the required time period.

Law of Limitation

The average time limit for filing an accident lawsuit in Arizona is two years. If this time lapses before you file your lawsuit, your right to claim compensation may be denied. Nevertheless, this limitation varies depending on the situation.

This is why it’s important to have a legal expert to guide you. The main exceptions to this statute include accident cases involving government entities, underage children, and wrongful death.

If the liable party is a government entity, you must file your claim within 180 days after the accident. If the claim is denied and you wish to file a lawsuit, you must do so within one year. If the accident involves an underage child, the two-year limit starts when they turn eighteen.

In the case of a wrongful death, the two-year limit begins on the day the victim dies. Another exception to this law is the discovery rule, which protects victims with hidden injuries that are discovered later on. In this case, this timeline begins to apply on the date the injuries are discovered.

Accident Lawsuit Filing Deadlines in Arizona

How Long Is an Accident Lawsuit Likely to Take?

There isn’t an exact deadline within which your lawsuit should be settled; each case is determined based on its particulars. However, most simple accident cases are usually settled within six months, especially if there’s sufficient evidence.

If the accident leaves you with major injuries that require continuing medical care, the lawsuit might take up to twelve months or longer. Quite often, these simple accident cases are settled through arbitration and other forms of out-of-court negotiations.

However, if your case does go to trial, you may have to wait for up to three years for a judgment. This duration can be reduced significantly if you have a skilled attorney who understands how trial-ready lawyers approach claims to get a favorable settlement in the shortest time possible.

Moving Forward

The duration within which your accident lawsuit is settled in Phoenix depends on the specifics of your case. However, you should be aware of the two-year limit and the possible exceptions to it.

If you need an accident or injury attorney who fully understands these timelines and limitations, call Gage Mathers. We’ll take the burden off your shoulders and help you get you the compensation you deserve!

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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