Don’t Miss Your Deadline: How Long You Have to File a Claim in CA

by MIGUEL CUSTODIO

Last Updated in Personal Injury

 When you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident or the loss of a loved one, it’s completely natural to focus on healing and putting life back together. But in California, the law places very strict time limits on when you can take legal action. These deadlines are called statutes of limitation, and missing them can mean losing your right to pursue compensation. These deadlines can be tricky to calculate and each case will vary depending on the circumstances, which is why you should always contact an experienced law firm whether you’re suing for a wrongful death or a breach of contract.

To help guide your legal process, here are a few statutes of limitations for common claims we see here at CD Law.

Personal Injury Cases

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you usually have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim. That means if you were hurt in a car accident on July 1, 2025, your window to file would close on July 1, 2027.

Two years might sound like plenty of time, but medical treatment, insurance claims, and recovery often take longer than expected. It’s easy for the deadline to sneak up.

Wrongful Death Claims

For families who have lost a loved one due to negligence, the deadline is similar: two years from the date of death.

This can sometimes create confusion if there’s a gap between the date of the accident and the actual date of death. The clock doesn’t start ticking until the person has passed away. This deadline can be difficult to manage through the grieving process.

Claims Against Government Entities

If your case involves a city, county, or state agency, the timeframe to file is much shorter. Whether it’s an accident involving a public bus, a safety hazard on government-owned property, or negligence by a government employee, you typically have only six months to file a claim with the agency.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Even if your deadline feels far away, moving quickly gives your case the best possible chance of success. When you take action early on:

• Evidence is easier to collect. Photos, videos, and physical evidence are most useful when gathered right after the accident.

• Witnesses remember more. People’s memories fade quickly, and their testimony can be vital in proving your case.

• Insurance claims move faster. Starting early helps with property damage claims and getting medical bills addressed.

• You stay ahead of the insurance companies. Delays often work in their favor, not yours. Acting quickly keeps the leverage on your side.

Don’t Wait to Protect Your Rights

Every case is unique, and deadlines can be complicated depending on the circumstances. That’s why it’s always best to check your timeline with an experienced law firm, like CD Law, as soon as possible.

Miguel Custodio of CD Law says, “After an accident, your priority should be healing and getting life back to normal, not stressing about legal deadlines. That’s what we’re here for. When you reach out to CD Law we’ll stay on top of the timelines to protect your rights so you can focus on recovery.”

Contact us today if you need help filing your claim.