This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

California — Statute of Limitations

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California Statute of Limitations for Most Personal Injury Claims

California law gives a person two years to file a lawsuit for most personal injury claims. This deadline is set by California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. The two-year period typically starts running from the date the injury occurred. The statute includes limited exceptions that may pause or extend the deadline in certain situations, but the general rule remains two years. The official text of Section 335.1, available at the link below, provides the exact language and any qualifying conditions. The worked example in the calculator demonstrates how this two-year limit applies to a straightforward injury claim. To estimate how the rule affects a specific set of facts, use the DocketMath calculator.

Governing authority

In California, the statute of limitations rule is set by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1. The verified packet cites Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=335.1).

Deadline example

For a California this claim type limitations check, use the verified limitations period from the current rule packet: 2 years. The authority packet cites Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=335.1).

Example inputs:

• Accrual date: 2024-04-25
• Filing date checked: 2026-04-25

Calculation:

• Start with the accrual date.
• Add 2 years.
• The example deadline is 2026-04-25.

This example is generated from the verified facts packet rather than freeform prose. Confirm tolling, discovery rules, and claim-specific exceptions before relying on the date.

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the statute of limitations calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.