California personal injury law sets strict statutes of limitations. These are deadlines for filing a lawsuit, and if you miss one, you permanently lose your right to sue. Missing these deadlines is one of the most common and most devastating mistakes injury victims make. Attorney Damoun Yazdi checks every case for all applicable deadlines from the first consultation. He immediately begins the investigation and documentation process to protect your rights.
Key Takeaways
- Standard California personal injury (car accident, slip and fall, assault, general negligence): 2 years from the date of injury under CCP Section 335.1
- Government entity claims (city, county, state, public agency): a 6-month government tort claim is required under Government Code Section 911.2, followed by a 6-month period to file suit after claim rejection
- Medical malpractice: 3 years from injury or 1 year from discovery of injury under CCP Section 340.5 (the earlier deadline applies)
- Minor plaintiffs: the statute of limitations is generally tolled (paused) until the minor reaches age 18 under CCP Section 352, but government claims retain the standard 6-month deadline
- Discovery rule: in some cases (latent injuries, delayed discovery), the statute of limitations begins when the plaintiff discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury and its cause

Nicky C
I can't explain in this short review how much Damoun and his team mean to us, but I'll try. My husband was in a near fatal motor cycle accident. He was T-boned by a pick up truck 4 months after we had our baby girl. The stress, fear and sadness I felt could not be measured I had no idea what to do or what happened. I'm so lucky we connected with Damoun and his group. It was a weekend and of course he was working lol. They really took care of us and put our minds at ease. The care and love they give their clients is unreal and I still can't believe how lucky we were to find them. Please if you need help, want someone who cares and will work for you this is the group. Damoun Yazdi you are amazing and so is your group we love you guys. Thank you for changing our lives for the better and for caring.
Key California Personal Injury Deadlines
- Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents: 2 years from date of collision (CCP Section 335.1)
- Slip and fall and premises liability: 2 years from date of injury (CCP Section 335.1)
- Products liability (defective product): 2 years from date of injury (CCP Section 335.1)
- Wrongful death: 2 years from date of death (CCP Section 335.1)
- Government entity liability (public road defect, government employee negligence): a government tort claim must be filed within 6 months of the incident under Government Code Section 911.2; after the government rejects the claim, or 45 days pass without a response, you have 6 months to file suit
- Medical malpractice: 3 years from injury or 1 year from discovery, whichever is earlier (CCP Section 340.5)
- Defamation: 1 year (CCP Section 340)
Why Deadlines Are Non-Negotiable
When the statute of limitations expires, the court will dismiss your case regardless of its merits. There are very few exceptions. Courts do not grant extensions for missing deadlines due to delay in consulting an attorney, difficulty finding an attorney, or ongoing settlement negotiations. Contact Attorney Yazdi as soon as possible after an injury. The earlier you retain counsel, the more time exists to fully investigate and build your case.
Contact The Accident Network Law Group
Because California law gives you a limited window to pursue a personal injury claim, and even less time for claims against a government entity, Attorney Damoun Yazdi recommends speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Our team evaluates every deadline that applies to your case and offers free consultations on a No Recovery, No Fee basis. We serve Costa Mesa, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Victorville, and throughout Southern California. Se habla espanol.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact The Accident Network Law Group for advice about your individual situation.
