I have been a lawyer for a long time. My partner Aline and I started practicing law way back in 1982. That is over 40 years of helping folks right here in Bullhead City, Kingman, and Lake Havasu. We have seen a lot of changes in our towns, but one thing stays the same: accidents happen.
When you get hurt, your whole world stops. You are worried about pain. You are worried about bills. You are worried about your job. The last thing you are thinking about is a calendar.
But today, I need to tell you about an invisible clock. In the legal world, we call this the Statute of Limitations. It is a strict time limit. If you miss it, you lose your right to ask for help forever.
I want to explain this to you simply, just like we were chatting at a coffee shop. I want you to know the rules so you don’t lose out on what is fair.
Key Takeaways
- The Big Rule: In Arizona, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit for an injury.
- The Clock Starts: Usually on the day the accident happened.
- Government is Different: If a city or state vehicle hit you, you might only have 180 days to act.
- Don’t Wait: Evidence disappears fast. The sooner our lawyers start, the better.
- We Can Help: We have offices in Bullhead City, Kingman, and Lake Havasu to guide you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Bullhead City?
Let’s get right to the point. According to Arizona law (A.R.S. § 12-542), you usually have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit.
So, if you get into a car crash on January 1st, 2024, you must file your papers with the court by January 1st, 2026.
This sounds like a long time, doesn’t it? Two years feels forever away. But in the legal world, two years goes by in a flash. You spend the first six months healing. You spend the next six months arguing with insurance adjusters. Before you know it, the deadline is right on top of you.
Why does this rule exist? The courts want to be fair. They don’t want someone coming back 20 years later to sue over a fender bender. By then, memories have faded. Witnesses have moved away. Security camera footage has been erased.
A Stat Few People Talk About: Did you know that according to the Insurance Research Council, people who hire a lawyer generally receive settlements that are 3.5 times larger than people who try to handle it themselves? Despite this, many people wait until the last month of the two-year limit to call a lawyer. This makes it very hard to build a strong case because the evidence is old.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule in Arizona?
Yes, there are a few exceptions. We call this “tolling” the statute of limitations. This is just a fancy word for hitting the “pause” button on the clock.
1. The “Discovery” Rule Sometimes, you don’t know you are hurt right away. Imagine you go in for a surgery. The doctor makes a mistake, but you don’t feel it yet. You might not find out about the damage for a year. In Arizona, the clock might not start ticking until you discover the injury, or until a reasonable person should have discovered it.
2. Minors (Children under 18) If a child is hurt, they cannot hire a lawyer. So, the law gives them a break. The two-year clock generally doesn’t start ticking until they turn 18. However, parents often have to pay medical bills now. So, our lawyers usually recommend not waiting. We want to get those bills paid for you.
3. Unsound Mind If the accident was so bad that it put the person in a coma or caused a severe mental disability, the clock might be paused until they are better.
Data Point on Brain Injuries: The CDC reports that nearly 3 million people sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) each year. In these cases, the person might not realize how hurt they are for months. This is why seeing a doctor immediately is vital.
What If I Was Hit by a City or State Vehicle? (The 180-Day Trap)
This is the most dangerous trap in Arizona law.
Let’s say you are driving in Kingman and a city bus hits you. Or maybe a state maintenance truck backs into you on the highway.
Because the government is involved, the rules change completely.
- Notice of Claim (180 Days): You must file a formal paper called a “Notice of Claim” within 180 days (about 6 months) of the accident. This is strictly required by A.R.S. § 12-821.01.
- Filing the Lawsuit (1 Year): You must file the actual lawsuit within one year, not two.
If you miss that 180-day deadline by even one day, your case is usually thrown out. No matter how bad you are hurt.
Local Insight: We see this happen with accidents involving school buses or city utility trucks. People think they have two years, but they don’t. This is why you need to talk to our lawyers right away to see who is at fault.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer Early Instead of Waiting?
You might be searching for the best mechanic near me to fix your car, or the best doctor near me to fix your back. You should treat your legal case with the same urgency.
Here is why our lawyers at Knochel Law Firm suggest starting early:
1. Evidence Disappears Skid marks on the road fade. Store security cameras often delete footage after 30 days (or less!). If you wait a year to call us, that video of your slip and fall is likely gone forever.
2. Witnesses Forget Try to remember exactly what you had for lunch three Tuesdays ago. It’s hard, right? Witnesses forget details quickly. We need to interview them while the memory is fresh.
3. The “Gap in Treatment” Problem Insurance companies love to look for gaps. If you get hurt but wait three weeks to see a doctor, the insurance company will say, “He must not have been hurt that bad.” We help you avoid these mistakes.
4. We Handle the Stress We practice Personal Injury Law, but we also handle Family Law, Elder Law, and Business Law. We know how an injury affects your whole life. If you are hurt, you shouldn’t be fighting on the phone with an insurance agent. You should be resting. Let us do the fighting.
Click here to learn more about our Personal Injury services
What Happens If I Miss the Filing Deadline?
I have to be honest with you. This is the hard part.
If you try to file a lawsuit one day after the Statute of Limitations runs out, the other side will file a motion to dismiss. The judge is almost forced to say “Yes.” Your case will be over. You will not get money for your medical bills. You will not get money for your lost wages.
This is why we offer consultations. Even if you aren’t sure if you want to hire a lawyer, just talking to us can help you know your dates.
A Scary Stat: According to national court statistics, thousands of civil cases are dismissed every year simply on “procedural grounds”—meaning the paperwork was late or wrong. Do not let that happen to you.
How Can Knochel Law Firm Help Me in Mohave County?
Aline and I built this firm to help our neighbors. We are not a big, faceless company. We are right here.
Our corporate office is in Bullhead City. We have satellite offices in Kingman and Lake Havasu. We understand the local courts. We know the roads like Highway 95 and I-40.
Our lawyers look at the whole picture.
- Was the accident on the job? (That involves worker’s comp).
- Was it a truck driver? (That involves federal laws).
- Was it a dog bite? (Strict liability rules).
We also handle Wills, Estates, and Probate. Why does that matter? Sometimes, sadly, an injury leads to a wrongful death. We can handle the injury claim and the estate issues all under one roof. We make it simple for you.
Contact Knochel Law Firm today
FAQ: Common Questions Asked to Lawyers in the Bullhead City Area
Here are 5 questions we hear often from folks in Mohave County.
1. Does the deadline change if the accident happened on a weekend?
Answer: Generally, if the statute of limitations expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. However, you never want to cut it this close! Electronic filing systems can crash. It is always safer to file weeks or months early.
2. I was in an accident in Laughlin, Nevada, but I live in Bullhead City. Which law applies?
Answer: This is a very common question since we are right on the border. Usually, the law of the state where the accident happened applies. Nevada has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury too, but their rules on other things are different. Our lawyers can help determine which jurisdiction (court) is the right place for your case.
3. Can I file a claim for property damage after the two years is up?
Answer: Yes, but be careful. In Arizona, the statute of limitations for property damage (like fixing your car) is technically two years as well (A.R.S. § 12-542). While some contracts might vary, it is best to assume the two-year rule applies to your car just like your body. Do not wait.
4. The insurance company offered me a check. Should I take it?
Answer: Be very careful. If you sign a release to get that check, you are likely signing away your right to sue later. If you wake up next week and your neck hurts worse, you cannot go back for more money. The case is closed forever. Always let a lawyer review the offer before you sign.
5. Does the statute of limitations apply to “Uninsured Motorist” claims?
Answer: This is tricky. An Uninsured Motorist (UM) claim is technically a breach of contract claim against your own insurance company. In Arizona, the statute of limitations for a written contract is six years. However, most insurance policies have fine print that shortens this time, sometimes requiring you to file for arbitration within a specific window (often 3 years). Do not assume you have 6 years. Let our lawyers read your policy.
External Resources
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542 – Read the actual law about injury limitations.
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-821.01 – Read the law about claims against the government.
- Mohave County Superior Court – Local court information.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. To understand the specific deadlines for your situation, please contact Knochel Law Firm directly.
Knochel Law Firm Bullhead City | Kingman | Lake Havasu Since 1982 https://lawyersinarizona.com/
