How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Washington?

In Washington, the law typically provides you three years from the date of injury to bring a claim. But there are important exceptions that can either shorten or extend that deadline. Missing the statute of limitations can mean losing your right to recover compensation entirely.

Here's what you need to know.

The General Rule: Three Years

Under Washington law, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of the injury.

This three-year deadline generally applies to claims involving:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Slip and falls
• Dog bites
• Medical negligence
• Product liability
• Wrongful death (subject to additional rules)

If you don't file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, the court will likely dismiss your case – even if the other party was clearly at fault.

When Does the Clock Start?

In many cases, the three-year period begins on the day you were injured.

For example, if you are injured in a car crash on June 1, 2026, you generally have until June 1, 2029, to file your lawsuit.

However, not every injury is immediately obvious.

What If You Didn't Discover the Injury Right Away?

Some injuries or acts of negligence aren't discovered until months – or even years – later.

Washington recognizes what is known as the discovery rule in certain situations. This means the statute of limitations may not begin until the injured person knew, or reasonably should have known, that they had been injured and that the injury may have been caused by another person's negligence.

This issue most commonly arises in:

• Medical malpractice cases
• Defective product cases
• Toxic exposure claims

Whether the discovery rule applies depends on the specific facts of your case.

Claims Against Government Entities Have Additional Requirements

If your claim is against a city, county, state agency, or another governmental entity, there may be additional procedural requirements before you can file a lawsuit.

For many claims, you must first submit a formal tort claim to the appropriate government agency and wait a specified period before filing suit.

These requirements are technical, and failing to follow them can jeopardize your claim.

What About Injured Children?

Different rules can apply when the injured person is a minor.

Depending on the circumstances, the statute of limitations may be extended until after the child reaches adulthood. However, there are exceptions, and certain claims may still require action before the child turns 18.

Because these rules are complex, it's important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Why You Shouldn't Wait

Even if you technically have years before the deadline, waiting can seriously weaken your case.

Evidence disappears. Surveillance footage is deleted. Witnesses move away or forget important details. Vehicles are repaired or destroyed. Medical records become more difficult to obtain.

The earlier an attorney can begin investigating your claim, the better your chances of preserving the evidence needed to prove liability and maximize your recovery.

Don't Assume It's Too Late

We've spoken with many people who believed they had missed their chance to pursue a claim – only to discover that an exception applied.

We've also seen people wait too long because they assumed they had plenty of time.

The safest approach is simple: talk with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury. An experienced personal injury lawyer can determine which deadlines apply to your case and make sure your rights are protected.

Questions About Your Deadline?

Every case is different, and the statute of limitations isn't always as straightforward as it seems.

If you've been injured in Washington and aren't sure how much time you have to file a claim, contact our office for a free consultation. We'll review your situation, explain the deadlines that apply, and help you understand your legal options before it's too late.

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