How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in California? 2025

If you were hurt by another party’s negligence, you may have grounds to pursue compensation with a personal injury claim, but how long do you have to file a personal injury claim in California? The statute of limitations begins on the date your injury happened or on the date you discovered harm done by a defendant.

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years, and this statute of limitations starts on the date the injury happened. If a case involves only property damage, the statute of limitations extends to three years, and there is a four-year statute of limitations for a breach of written contract.

This may sound like more than enough time to file your personal injury case. However, the truth is that any personal injury plaintiff is likely to face several challenges when it comes to gathering evidence and proving the full scope of the damages they suffered. Finding evidence could prove difficult, and it is also possible for liability to be contested in several ways. To have the greatest chance of success with your case, it is important to file it as quickly as possible after your injury.

Building a Personal Injury Case in California

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accidents are the third leading cause of death in California. Each year, many people throughout the state are injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes, slip and fall accidents, and other incidents, sometimes due to the negligence of others. The determining factor as to whether you have grounds to file a personal injury suit is whether another party is directly responsible for causing the injury.

If you believe another party caused your personal injury, an experienced attorney can gather the evidence you need to prove fault. The standard of proof for success with a personal injury case is a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the plaintiff must present evidence compelling enough to show that the defendant is more likely than not responsible for causing the injury.

The evidence the plaintiff needs will vary based on the nature of the incident. For example, proving fault for a car accident will be very different from proving fault for an injury resulting from a robbery or violent assault. Your personal injury lawyer can be instrumental in not only gathering evidence to prove liability but also in proving the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim.

The main objective of a personal injury case in California is for the injured plaintiff to secure the compensation they need to recover as much as possible from the effects of the defendant’s actions. It’s possible for the plaintiff to recover compensation for their financial losses as well as for the pain and suffering they experienced. However, in order to successfully obtain compensation, they must file their case within the statute of limitations.

The aftermath of any personal injury can be stressful and confusing, and one of the first steps you should take in this situation is to consult an experienced attorney at your first opportunity. The Corrales Law Group can provide confident and results-driven legal counsel in this situation, so reach out to our team and learn how we can assist you with your case.

FAQs

When Should I Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer?

You should contact a California personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible after a personal injury occurs. Even if the statute of limitations seems more than sufficient, this timeframe can elapse more quickly than you expect, and it will take time to gather all of the evidence you will need for your case. Finding legal counsel you can trust right away will improve your chances of meeting the deadline for filing your personal injury case.

How Do You Prove Fault for a Personal Injury in California?

To prove fault for a personal injury in California, you must identify the defendant you believe to be responsible for causing the injury and prove how they caused it. The evidence needed to prove liability will vary based on the nature of the incident. Once you have established fault, your attorney can help hold the defendant accountable for the damages they caused.

What Is a Personal Injury Case Worth in California?

The value of a personal injury case largely depends on the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries. The plaintiff has the right to pursue compensation for any and all economic losses they suffered due to the defendant’s actions, and they also have the right to pursue compensation for their pain and suffering. Your attorney at the Corrales Law Group can accurately calculate all of the damages you are eligible to seek with your claim.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Personal Injury Case in California?

The time required to resolve a personal injury case in California can vary based on multiple factors. If you hire an experienced attorney to represent you, they can ensure you meet the statute of limitations for filing your case and determine the optimal way to streamline your proceedings. Settling a personal injury case takes far less time than litigation.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

You need to hire a personal injury lawyer to not only have a better chance of winning your case but also a better chance of maximizing your recovery. Even if fault for your personal injury seems apparent, the reality is that any case may unexpectedly present various challenges that the average person will not be able to overcome on their own. Working with seasoned legal counsel significantly improves your chance of success with your case.

If you are wondering how long you have to file a personal injury case in California, the answer is usually two years from the date of your injury. However, it is always beneficial to start building your case right away with an experienced attorney’s help. This will ensure you meet all applicable filing deadlines, and you will be more likely to succeed with your case. Contact the Corrales Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney.