What Starts The Personal Injury Filing Clock
Why deadlines matter in California
Every California personal injury claim has a statute of limitations. Missing that filing deadline can end a case before the facts are even heard. Many claims must be filed within two years, but exceptions can shorten or extend the clock, so early action matters.
Shorter timelines to watch
If a city, county, or state agency may be responsible, you often must file a written government claim very quickly, sometimes in as little as six months. Deadlines can also be affected when a public contractor is involved or when dangerous road conditions contributed. Put potential public entities on your radar from day one.
Discovery rules and minors can change when the clock starts. Some injuries appear days or weeks later, and minors or incapacitated people can have different timing rules. Because dates are fact specific, document symptoms and appointments from the start.
Evidence fades while the clock runs. Security videos can be overwritten in 30 to 72 hours, vehicles get repaired, and witnesses move. Preserve photos, scene details, and contact information immediately to strengthen your personal injury claim.
Counting time after a crash
Write down the incident date and time, then get prompt medical care to create a clear record. Notify your insurer that an incident occurred, but you do not have to give a recorded statement before you are ready. Keep an injury journal and a simple calendar of appointments, bills, and pain levels.
Worried you were partly at fault? California uses pure comparative negligence, which means you can still pursue compensation even if you share some responsibility. The key is careful evidence collection that fairly shows what happened.
How GOC Legal helps
Led by former Alameda County prosecutor Greg O'Connell, we move fast on evidence and deadlines. Clients work directly with one attorney who coordinates medical billing, preservation letters, and insurer communications while building a strong case. Documented results include 3,000,000 for a hazardous staircase, 500,000 for a pedestrian hit by a driver who failed to yield, and multiple 100,000 policy-limit recoveries, including two matters that rose from 7,500 to 100,000.
Next steps: A short call can confirm your exact deadline based on your incident date or when you reasonably discovered your injury. From there, we map a plan to preserve evidence, track medical bills, and manage insurer contact while you focus on recovery.