The statute of limitations is the time limit to file a lawsuit after a person has suffered harm. In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. This means that a personal injury victim has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If the injury is not known, the victim has one year from discovering the injury to file the lawsuit. If the accident is filed against a government entity, the plaintiff must file an injury claim within six months and follow specific procedural rules.
