Frequently Asked Questions

If a Government Entity Was Involved — Shorter Deadlines Apply

When the at-fault party may be a government entity — a city or county, a public school, a state agency, ADOT, a police or sheriff department, a public hospital, or a government-owned road or vehicle — Arizona imposes two deadlines that are much shorter than the general two-year period:

• 180-day notice of claim (ARS § 12-821.01) — a written notice must be served within 180 days of the incident.
• One-year statute of limitations (ARS § 12-821) — any lawsuit must be filed within one year, not two.

Missing the 180-day notice typically bars the claim entirely, regardless of how strong the case is. Early legal review helps identify whether a government defendant applies and protects both deadlines.