How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Utah & Arizona?
When an accident causes physical or emotional harm, time can determine whether you’re eligible to seek compensation. At Alta Legal, we understand that recovering from an injury takes effort and focus, but acting too late can affect your right to file a claim. The time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, sets a strict deadline for taking legal action after an accident.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
In both Utah and Arizona, state law establishes clear filing deadlines for personal injury claims. In Utah, the general statute of limitations gives victims four years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (Utah Code § 78B-2-307). In Arizona, the time limit is 2 years from the date of injury (Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542).
These deadlines apply to most injury cases, including car accidents, slips and falls, and wrongful death. Missing the deadline can result in your case being dismissed, even if your injuries are severe or liability is clear. If you’re unsure when your clock started running, a personal injury lawyer in Utah or Arizona can review your situation and confirm the correct timeframe.
Why Filing on Time Matters
The statute of limitations is more than a procedural formality; it protects the integrity of evidence and ensures cases are filed while witnesses’ memories remain reliable. Filing promptly also allows your attorney to secure critical records such as medical documentation, police reports, and expert evaluations.
An experienced personal injury attorney can make sure your case is properly filed before the statute of limitations expires. Waiting too long may not only bar your claim but also reduce your ability to recover full damages for medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
While these deadlines are strict, certain exceptions can temporarily pause or “toll” the statute of limitations. In Utah and Arizona, this may happen if:
- The injured person is under 18 years old at the time of the accident. In such cases, the filing period may begin once they reach adulthood.
- The injury was not immediately discovered (as in medical malpractice). The time limit may start when the injury is reasonably identified.
- The defendant’s leaving the state after causing the injury can suspend the countdown until they return.
Each situation is fact-specific, and determining eligibility for an extension requires legal evaluation. A personal injury lawyer can assess your case and determine whether any exceptions apply.
Filing a Claim in Utah and Arizona
The process begins by identifying the at-fault party, collecting evidence, and demonstrating that negligence directly caused your injuries. Both Utah and Arizona follow comparative negligence laws, meaning compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 25% responsible for an accident, your total award may be reduced by that amount.
Having a skilled personal injury attorney in Utah or Arizona can help protect your right to a fair recovery. Our attorneys handle every stage of the process, from negotiating with insurance companies to preparing for trial, ensuring that deadlines and procedural requirements are fully met.
Taking Timely Action for Your Recovery
Filing deadlines play a critical role in the success of a personal injury case. At Alta Legal, we help clients throughout Utah and Arizona understand their rights, meet every procedural deadline, and pursue full and fair compensation for their injuries. Our firm’s approach is rooted in honesty, compassion, and results-driven advocacy.
If you’ve been injured in an accident and need guidance on when and how to file your claim, our team is ready to help. To schedule your free consultation, contact us today.
