Quick answer
Arizona generally allows 2 years to file a truck accident lawsuit (A.R.S. 12-542). Claims against a city, county or the State generally need a notice of claim within 180 days and suit within 1 year (A.R.S. 12-821.01, 12-821). An injured worker's claim against an outside party can pass to the comp insurer after 1 year (A.R.S. 23-1023), and trucking records may be discarded after 6 months.
The truck accident statute of limitations in Arizona is generally 2 years, but it is not the only deadline after a crash. Enter the date of your crash below to see when the key Arizona and federal deadlines generally fall. For an overview of truck claims, see our Phoenix truck accident lawyer guide. Nothing you type in the calculator leaves your browser.
Your deadline calculator
Enter the date of the crash to see when key Arizona and federal deadlines generally fall. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Deadlines usually run from when a claim accrues, which is often, but not always, the crash date. Exceptions (for example for minors) can change them. This is general information, not legal advice.
6 months
Trucking companies may discard driver logs and supporting records
49 CFR 395.8(k)
180 days
Notice of claim usually due if a city, county or the State is involved
A.R.S. 12-821.01
1 year
Hurt on the job? The third-party claim can pass to your employer's comp insurer. Lawsuits against a public entity are also generally due
A.R.S. 23-1023, 12-821
2 years
Most Arizona injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed
A.R.S. 12-542
The 2-year deadline to file a lawsuit
Arizona generally gives you 2 years after the claim accrues, usually the date of the injury, to file a lawsuit, under A.R.S. 12-542 (opens in a new tab). If the crash caused a death, the 2 years generally run from the date of death. Our page on fatal truck accidents and wrongful death explains who may bring that claim.
Missing this deadline can end a claim, even a strong one. A lawsuit may need to be filed before the deadline to protect your rights, even while settlement talks continue.
Claims against a city, county or the State: 180 days
If a public entity may share fault, for example a city garbage truck or a road that a government agency maintains, a notice of claim is generally due within 180 days after the claim accrues, under A.R.S. 12-821.01 (opens in a new tab). The notice must meet the statute's requirements, including a specific amount for which the claim can be settled and the facts supporting that amount. A lawsuit against a public entity is generally due within 1 year, under A.R.S. 12-821 (opens in a new tab).
See garbage and dump truck accidents and work zone truck accidents for how these cases come up.
Hurt while working: the 1-year rule
If you were working when a truck hit you, you may have a workers' comp claim and a separate claim against the at-fault driver or trucking company. Under A.R.S. 23-1023 (opens in a new tab), if you do not file that third-party claim within 1 year after it accrues, it is deemed assigned to your employer's comp insurer or self-insured employer. Read hit by a truck at work in Arizona.
The evidence clock: 6 months
Some of the most useful evidence in a truck case is held by the trucking company. That includes electronic logging device (ELD) data, driver logs, dispatch records, inspection and maintenance files and dash camera video, if the truck has a camera.
Federal rules require carriers to keep records of duty status and supporting documents for at least 6 months, under 49 CFR 395.8(k) (opens in a new tab). After that, the carrier may be allowed to discard them. Video and some electronic data may be overwritten even sooner, depending on the system.
Our full guide to truck accident evidence explains what to ask for and why timing matters.
Exceptions that can change a deadline
Minors. Under A.R.S. 12-502 (opens in a new tab), the time a person is under 18 or of unsound mind generally is not counted toward the limitation period.
When the claim accrues. Deadlines usually run from when a claim accrues, which is often, but not always, the crash date.
More than one deadline. One crash can trigger several deadlines at once, for example a notice of claim and the work-injury rule.
Do not assume you have plenty of time. If a date is close or has passed, talk to a lawyer about your options. You can request a free case review, and see how a truck accident claim works for the rest of the process.
Talk to a Phoenix truck accident lawyer for free
Tell us what happened. We'll review your situation and explain your options. There's no fee unless you recover money.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to sue after a truck accident in Arizona?
Arizona generally allows 2 years after the claim accrues, which is usually the date of injury (A.R.S. 12-542). In a fatal crash, the 2 years generally run from the date of death. Exceptions can apply.
What if a city or state truck hit me?
Claims against a public entity generally need a notice of claim within 180 days after the claim accrues (A.R.S. 12-821.01) and a lawsuit within 1 year (A.R.S. 12-821). The notice has legal requirements, including a specific amount for which the claim can be settled and the facts supporting it.
Does the deadline change for a child who was hurt?
It can. Under A.R.S. 12-502, the time a person is under 18 generally is not counted toward the limitation period. Talk to a lawyer about how this applies, because other deadlines, such as a notice of claim, may still matter.
Why does the 6-month date matter if I have 2 years to sue?
Federal rules require carriers to keep driver records of duty status and supporting documents for at least 6 months (49 CFR 395.8(k)). After that, they may be allowed to discard them. A preservation letter sent early asks the carrier to keep this evidence.
Is the calculator result my exact deadline?
No. The calculator counts from the date you enter. Deadlines usually run from when a claim accrues, which is often, but not always, the crash date, and exceptions can change them. It is general information, not legal advice.