This tool is an educational reference only. It displays general statutory periods from publicly available state statutes and does not provide legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not constitute a legal opinion. Your actual deadline may differ based on tolling rules, the discovery rule, government entity deadlines, your age at the time of injury, and other case-specific factors. Confirm your specific filing deadline with a licensed attorney in your state before taking any legal action. Missing a filing deadline typically results in permanent loss of your claim.
Look Up Your State's General SOL Period
How to Use This Tool
The SOL Reference Tool shows the general personal injury statute of limitations for any U.S. state. Here is how to use it correctly.
Step 1 — Select your state
Choose the state where the accident occurred from the dropdown. The tool displays that state's general personal injury SOL period and the underlying statute citation linking to the official state legislature website.
Step 2 — Enter your injury date (optional)
If you enter the date of your injury, the tool calculates an approximate calendar date when the general SOL period would expire. This date is illustrative only — it does not account for tolling, government entity deadlines, or other exceptions. Do not use it as your actual filing deadline.
Step 3 — Read the full result including notes
The result shows the SOL period, statute citation, the fault system your state uses, and state-specific notes. Read all notes carefully — they identify exceptions that may significantly affect your actual deadline. California's note flags the six-month Government Claims Act deadline for government entity accidents.
Step 4 — Verify with an attorney
The tool result is a general reference, not your actual legal deadline. After using this tool, consult a licensed attorney in the relevant state. Use the State Bar of California attorney finder or Justia's national directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tool's output my actual filing deadline?
No. The tool displays the general statutory period only. Your actual deadline may differ based on government entity involvement, tolling, the discovery rule, and other case-specific factors. Confirm with a licensed attorney before taking any legal action. Missing a filing deadline typically results in permanent loss of your claim.
What is the discovery rule and how does it affect the SOL?
The discovery rule delays the SOL start until the injured person discovered — or should have discovered — both the injury and its cause. In most vehicle accident cases it does not change the SOL because injury and cause are immediately apparent. It most commonly applies in medical malpractice or toxic exposure cases.
What happens if I miss the statute of limitations?
A missed statute of limitations results in permanent dismissal of the claim as time-barred — regardless of how strong the underlying facts are. Limited tolling exceptions exist but are applied narrowly. Always act well before the deadline expires.
Does the SOL pause if the defendant is a government entity?
In California, government entity claims require a written tort claim within six months of injury under Government Code § 911.2 — not the standard two-year SOL. Failing to file within six months typically bars the claim against that government defendant permanently.
What is tolling and when does it apply?
Tolling suspends the running of the statute of limitations under specified circumstances, including minority (CCP § 352(a)), defendant's absence from California (CCP § 351), and legal disability of the plaintiff. This tool does not account for tolling in its calculations.
How is the SOL different for minors?
In California, Code of Civil Procedure § 352(a) tolls the SOL until a minor turns 18, giving them two years from their 18th birthday to file. This minor tolling generally does not apply to claims against government entities, which retain their shorter deadlines regardless of the plaintiff's age.
Other Free Legal Reference Tools
Post-Accident Checklist
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Claim Stage Tracker
See where a typical personal injury claim stands at each stage from accident through resolution — and what typically happens next.
Situation Questionnaire
Answer a few questions about your accident and get directed to the legal information most relevant to your specific situation type.
Need an Attorney, Not Just a Tool?
These tools provide general legal information. For actual legal representation, find a licensed attorney in your state through these verified directories.