Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents

The statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Miss it, and you lose your right to compensation forever.

State-by-State Deadlines

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1 Year

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Tennessee

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2 Years Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia

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3 Years Arkansas, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin

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4 Years

• Florida

• Nebraska

• Wyoming

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6 Years

• Maine

• North Dakota

Important Exceptions

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Discovery Rule Some states start the clock when you discover (or should have discovered) your injury, not the accident date.

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Minors Typically, the statute is "tolled" (paused) until the minor turns 18.

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Government Claims Claims against government entities often have much shorter deadlines—30 to 180 days for notice requirements.

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Defendant Absent If the at-fault party leaves the state, the clock may pause.

Don't Wait

Even with years to file, acting quickly:

• Preserves evidence

• Locates witnesses while memories are fresh

• Demonstrates seriousness

• Gives your attorney time to build your case