Every rideshare accident claim must be filed within a specific time period called the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim, regardless of how strong your case might be.
Typical Limitation Periods
Statutes of limitations for personal injury claims vary by state:
Two years: California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and many other states.
Three years: New York, New Jersey, and others.
One year: Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee.
Four to six years: Some states allow longer periods for certain claims.
Property damage claims may have different (often shorter) limitation periods than personal injury claims.
When Does the Clock Start?
Generally, the limitation period begins on the date of the accident. However, some exceptions apply:
Discovery rule: In some states, the clock doesn't start until you knew or should have known about your injury. This applies to latent injuries that don't manifest immediately.
Continuous treatment: Some states toll (pause) the limitation period during ongoing medical treatment.
Minor victims: Children typically have until a specified time after reaching adulthood to file claims.
Mental incapacity: The limitation period may be tolled for individuals who are mentally incapacitated.
Insurance Claim vs. Lawsuit Deadlines
Don't confuse different deadlines:
Insurance reporting deadlines: Policies require prompt accident reporting, sometimes within days or weeks. Missing these deadlines can affect coverage.
Lawsuit filing deadlines: The statute of limitations applies to court filings, not insurance claims. However, you must file suit before the limitation expires even if insurance negotiations are ongoing.
Arbitration Deadline Considerations
If your rideshare claim must go to arbitration under Uber or Lyft's terms:
The same limitation periods typically apply: You must initiate arbitration within the statute of limitations.
Review the arbitration agreement: Some agreements may specify different time limits for initiating proceedings.
Government Entity Claims
If your accident involves a government vehicle or road defects:
Notice requirements often require filing administrative claims within 6 months or less.
Shorter limitation periods may apply to lawsuits against government entities.
Strict compliance with procedural requirements is typically mandatory.
Protecting Your Rights
Don't wait: The safest approach is to consult an attorney promptly after any rideshare accident.
Don't rely on ongoing negotiations: Settlement discussions don't extend the deadline.
Know your state's rules: Limitation periods vary significantly between jurisdictions.
Preserve evidence early: Evidence degrades over time, and witnesses become harder to locate.
File suit if necessary: If the deadline approaches without settlement, filing a lawsuit preserves your rights even if the case later settles.