Legal Guide
If you were hurt in a crash, your rights and your timeline depend on where it happened. This guide breaks down car accident laws in all 50 states, including each state's statute of limitations for injury claims, the fault rule(pure/modified comparative or contributory negligence), whether the state is at-fault or no-fault (and when PIP applies), and the minimum auto-insurance limits every driver must carry. Use the state chips below to jump straight to your state, or scroll to compare how deadlines and rules differ across the U.S.
Deadlines can be short. Some are as little as one year, and exceptions may apply for minors, government vehicles, hit-and-run, or uninsured/underinsured motorist claims. Because even a small difference in state law can change outcomes (for example, contributory-negligence states may bar recovery if you're even slightly at fault), act quickly to preserve evidence, get medical care, and understand your options.
Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and special rules or notice requirements may apply. Talk with a licensed attorney in your state about your specific situation.
Focus markets: Birmingham, Mobile
Alabama car accident laws follow a strict contributory-negligence rule—if you’re even 1% at fault, recovery can be barred. Timely action and documentation are critical for any claim.
2 years for personal injury (Ala. Code §6-2-38).
Pure contributory negligence (any fault may bar recovery).
25/50/25 minimum liability coverage.
Focus markets: Anchorage, Fairbanks
Alaska applies a pure comparative-fault rule and requires proof of insurance at all times. Even if you share some blame, you can still recover damages proportionally.
2 years for personal injury (Alaska Stat. §09.10.070).
Pure comparative negligence (damages reduced by your % of fault).
Focus markets: Phoenix, Tucson
Arizona follows a pure comparative-fault system and a two-year deadline for filing personal-injury suits. Always preserve medical and accident evidence quickly.
Focus markets: Little Rock, Fayetteville
Arkansas uses a modified comparative-fault rule (50% bar) and keeps a three-year statute for injury suits. Evidence of negligence and prompt medical care strengthen a claim.
3 years for personal injury (Ark. Code Ann. §16-56-105).
Modified comparative negligence—recovery barred if 50% or more at fault.
Focus markets: Los Angeles, San Francisco
California operates under pure comparative negligence and a two-year deadline. Local attorneys often emphasize evidence preservation and uninsured-motorist protection.
2 years for personal injury (Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §335.1).
30/60/15 minimum liability (effective 2025).
Focus markets: Denver, Colorado Springs
Colorado’s modified comparative-fault rule (50% bar) means you can recover only if you are less than half at fault. Most car-accident claims must be filed within three years.
3 years for vehicle-accident injuries (C.R.S. §13-80-101).
Modified comparative negligence (50% bar to recovery).
Focus markets: Hartford, New Haven
Connecticut applies a modified comparative-fault standard (51% bar) and provides two years to file a personal-injury claim. The state enforces strong mandatory-insurance laws.
Modified comparative negligence (no recovery if 51% or more at fault).
Focus markets: Wilmington, Dover
Delaware is one of the few no-fault states, requiring PIP coverage and providing a two-year limitation period. Minor claims are often handled through your own insurer first.
2 years for personal injury (10 Del. C. §8119).
Modified comparative negligence (50% bar).
25/50/10 liability plus PIP minimums.
Focus markets: Miami, Orlando
Florida operates under a no-fault system with mandatory PIP and a two-year filing deadline for most crash injuries. Serious-injury cases can step outside the no-fault limits.
2 years for negligence (F.S. §95.11 as amended 2023).
Modified comparative negligence (bar at >50% fault since 2023).
10/20/10 liability + $10k PIP (no-fault).
Focus markets: Atlanta, Savannah
Georgia follows a modified comparative-fault rule (50% bar) and a two-year limitation period. The state requires only liability insurance, so uninsured-motorist coverage is wise.
2 years for personal injury (O.C.G.A. §9-3-33).
Modified comparative negligence (barred at 50% fault).
Focus markets: Honolulu, Hilo
Hawaii is a no-fault state with mandatory PIP benefits; many injury claims begin with your own insurer. Serious cases can step outside no-fault. Act within the two-year deadline.
2 years for personal injury (Haw. Rev. Stat. §657-7).
Modified comparative negligence (reduction by fault; recovery barred at ≥51% fault).
20/40/10 liability + $10,000 PIP (no-fault).
Focus markets: Boise, Idaho Falls
Idaho uses a 50% bar modified comparative-fault rule—your recovery is barred if you’re 50% or more at fault. Most PI claims carry a two-year deadline.
2 years for personal injury (Idaho Code §5-219).
Modified comparative negligence (50% bar).
25/50/15 minimum liability.
Focus markets: Chicago, Springfield
Illinois follows a 51% bar modified comparative-fault rule—damages are reduced by your fault and barred at 51% or more. Most car-accident injury suits must be filed within two years.
2 years for personal injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202).
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar).
Focus markets: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne
Indiana applies a 51% bar modified comparative-fault rule. The general limitation period for personal injury is two years—missing it can end your claim.
2 years for personal injury (Ind. Code §34-11-2-4).
Focus markets: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids
Iowa uses a 51% bar modified comparative-fault standard—recovery is reduced by your share of fault and barred if your fault exceeds the defendant’s. The PI statute is generally two years.
2 years for personal injury (Iowa Code §614.1(2)).
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar).
Focus markets: Wichita, Kansas City (KS)
Kansas is a no-fault state with mandatory PIP benefits. Fault still matters: the state uses a 50% bar modified comparative-fault rule for liability claims.
Modified comparative negligence (50% bar).
25/50/25 liability + mandatory PIP (no-fault).
No-fault with PIP; liability claims use modified comparative fault.
Focus markets: Louisville, Lexington
Kentucky is a ‘choice no-fault’ state with PIP; many drivers limit lawsuits unless the injury threshold is met. The MVA limitations period is generally two years (or two years from last PIP payment).
Generally 2 years for motor-vehicle injuries (KRS 304.39-230); some other PI claims are 1 year (KRS 413.140).
Pure comparative negligence.
25/50/25 liability + $10,000 basic PIP (no-fault choice).
Choice no-fault system with PIP; pure comparative fault for liability.
Focus markets: New Orleans, Baton Rouge
Louisiana has one of the shortest deadlines—generally one year—and follows pure comparative fault. Quick medical documentation and prompt claims are crucial.
1 year for delictual (tort) actions (La. Civ. Code art. 3492).
Focus markets: Portland, Bangor
Maine provides one of the longest PI limitation periods (six years) and uses a 50% bar modified comparative-fault rule. The state also sets higher-than-average minimum liability limits.
Modified comparative negligence (50% bar).
50/100/25 minimum liability (plus medical payments requirement).
Focus markets: Baltimore, Silver Spring
Maryland is a contributory-negligence state—any fault can bar recovery—so evidence and early strategy matter. The general PI limitation period is three years.
3 years for civil actions (Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-101).
Pure contributory negligence (any fault may bar recovery).
30/60/15 minimum liability (plus uninsured/underinsured requirements).
Focus markets: Boston, Worcester
Massachusetts is a no-fault state with mandatory PIP; many claims start with your own insurer. Serious injuries can step outside no-fault. The general PI deadline is three years.
3 years for personal injury (M.G.L. c.260 §2A).
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar) (M.G.L. c.231 §85).
No-fault with PIP; liability follows modified comparative fault.
Focus markets: Detroit, Grand Rapids
Michigan is a no-fault state with choice PIP levels after 2020 reforms. Most negligence suits must be filed in three years; pain-and-suffering recovery is affected by fault and threshold rules.
Modified comparative negligence (no recovery for non-economic damages if >50% at fault).
50/100/10 BI minimums; PIP choice required (no-fault).
No-fault with PIP; liability claims affected by modified comparative fault.
Focus markets: Minneapolis, St. Paul
Minnesota is a no-fault state with PIP benefits. Negligence claims generally follow a six-year limitation and a 51% bar comparative-fault rule.
6 years for negligence (Minn. Stat. §541.05).
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar).
No-fault with PIP; liability uses modified comparative fault.
Focus markets: Jackson, Gulfport
Mississippi uses pure comparative negligence, meaning awards are reduced by your percentage of fault. The general PI limitation is three years.
3 years for personal injury (Miss. Code §15-1-49).
Focus markets: St. Louis, Kansas City
Missouri follows pure comparative negligence and has a five-year limitation for most PI claims—longer than many states. Keep thorough medical and expense records.
Focus markets: Billings, Missoula
Montana applies a 51% bar modified comparative-fault rule and a three-year PI deadline. Rural crashes often rely on highway patrol reports and prompt medical follow-ups.
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar).
Focus markets: Omaha, Lincoln
Nebraska uses a 50% bar modified comparative-fault rule—exceeding the defendant’s fault bars recovery. Most PI claims must be filed within four years.
4 years for personal injury (Neb. Rev. Stat. §25-207).
Modified comparative negligence (50% bar).
Focus markets: Las Vegas, Reno
Nevada follows a 51% bar comparative-fault rule and a two-year PI limitation. Urban crashes often hinge on camera footage and quick documentation.
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar).
Focus markets: Manchester, Nashua
New Hampshire is unique—no mandatory auto insurance for most drivers, but strict financial-responsibility rules apply after crashes. Negligence suits generally have a three-year deadline.
No compulsory insurance (if insured, common minimums 25/50/25) + financial responsibility.
At-fault system; unique financial-responsibility framework.
Focus markets: Newark, Jersey City
New Jersey is a no-fault state with required PIP and a ‘verbal threshold’ option. Negligence claims generally carry a two-year limit; fault over 50% bars recovery.
2 years for personal injury (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2).
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar).
Standard policy 25/50/25 (formerly 15/30/5) + PIP; basic policy differs.
No-fault with PIP; lawsuits limited by threshold choices.
Focus markets: Albuquerque, Santa Fe
New Mexico follows pure comparative negligence and a three-year PI limitation. UM/UIM coverage can be crucial where at-fault drivers carry low limits.
Focus markets: New York City, Buffalo
New York is a no-fault state with mandatory PIP and a serious-injury threshold for lawsuits. Negligence actions generally must be filed within three years.
No-fault with PIP; pure comparative fault for liability.
Focus markets: Charlotte, Raleigh
North Carolina’s contributory-negligence rule can bar recovery if you’re even slightly at fault. The general PI deadline is three years, and minimum liability limits rise in 2025.
Pure contributory negligence (any fault may bar recovery).
30/60/25 (rising to 50/100/50 for policies effective on/after July 1, 2025).
At-fault (tort) system with strict contributory negligence.
Focus markets: Fargo, Bismarck
North Dakota is a no-fault state with PIP benefits and a six-year negligence statute—longer than most states. Serious-injury cases may step outside no-fault.
6 years for negligence (N.D.C.C. §28-01-16).
No-fault with PIP; liability uses modified comparative fault.
Focus markets: Columbus, Cleveland
Ohio uses a 51% bar modified comparative-fault rule—your compensation is reduced by your share of fault and barred if you’re more than 50% at fault. Most car-injury suits must be filed within two years.
2 years for personal injury (Ohio Rev. Code §2305.10).
Modified comparative negligence (no recovery if >50% at fault) (Ohio Rev. Code §2315.33).
Focus markets: Oklahoma City, Tulsa
Oklahoma follows a 50% bar modified comparative-fault rule and generally allows two years to file PI cases. Minimum liability limits are 25/50/25.
2 years for most personal injury claims (12 O.S. §95(A)(3)).
Modified comparative negligence (recovery barred at ≥50% fault) (23 O.S. §13).
25/50/25 minimum liability.
Focus markets: Portland, Salem
Oregon is an at-fault state but requires PIP and UM coverage on every policy. The negligence rule is a 51% bar modified comparative-fault standard; most PI suits have a two-year limit.
2 years for most personal injury claims (ORS 12.110(1)).
Modified comparative negligence (no recovery if your fault is greater than the combined fault of others) (ORS 31.600).
25/50/20 liability + $15,000 PIP + 25/50 UM (mandatory).
Focus markets: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state: PIP is mandatory and ‘limited vs. full tort’ election affects lawsuits. The negligence rule has a 51% bar; most PI suits carry a two-year deadline.
2 years for personal injury (42 Pa.C.S. §5524).
Modified comparative negligence (bar at >50% fault) (42 Pa.C.S. §7102).
15/30/5 liability + $5,000 PIP minimum.
Choice no-fault with PIP; modified comparative negligence for liability.
Focus markets: Providence, Warwick
Rhode Island follows pure comparative negligence and gives most injury plaintiffs three years to sue. The state sets 25/50/25 liability minimums; UM/UIM rules apply by regulation.
3 years for personal injury (R.I. Gen. Laws §9-1-14(b)).
25/50/25 minimum liability; UM/UIM governed by regulation.
Focus markets: Columbia, Charleston
South Carolina applies a 51% bar modified comparative-fault rule adopted by case law. Most PI suits must be filed within three years. Liability and UM coverage are both required at 25/50/25 minimums.
3 years for most personal injury actions (S.C. Code §15-3-530).
Modified comparative negligence (bar at >50% fault) (Nelson v. Concrete Supply Co., 303 S.C. 243 (1991)).
25/50/25 liability + 25/50/25 UM required.
Focus markets: Sioux Falls, Rapid City
South Dakota uses a slight-bar comparative-fault rule—plaintiffs may recover only if their fault is ‘slight’ compared with the defendant’s. The usual personal-injury deadline is three years.
Slight-versus-gross comparative negligence (unique to South Dakota).
25/50/25 minimum liability.
At-fault (tort) system with ‘slight/gross’ comparison rule.
Focus markets: Nashville, Memphis
Tennessee follows a 50% bar modified-comparative-fault rule—plaintiffs cannot recover if 50% or more at fault. The general personal-injury deadline is one year from the accident.
1 year for personal injury (Tenn. Code §28-3-104).
Modified comparative negligence (50% bar).
Focus markets: Houston, Dallas
Texas applies a 51% bar modified-comparative-fault rule and a two-year deadline for personal-injury suits. Drivers must carry at least 30/60/25 liability coverage.
2 years for personal injury (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003).
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar) (Ch. 33).
Focus markets: Salt Lake City, Provo
Utah is a no-fault state requiring PIP coverage of at least $3,000 for medical expenses before a lawsuit can be filed. The personal-injury limit is four years for most cases.
4 years for personal injury (Utah Code §78B-2-307).
25/65/15 liability + PIP (no-fault).
No-fault system with PIP; liability uses modified comparative fault.
Focus markets: Burlington, Montpelier
Vermont applies a 51% bar modified-comparative-fault rule and provides a three-year deadline for personal-injury claims. The state sets 25/50/10 liability minimums.
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar).
Focus markets: Richmond, Virginia Beach
Virginia allows drivers to opt out of insurance by paying an uninsured motor-vehicle fee, but liability is still at-fault. It follows a pure contributory-negligence rule and a two-year deadline.
2 years for personal injury (Va. Code §8.01-243).
Pure contributory negligence (any fault bars recovery).
30/60/20 minimum liability (raised 2025).
Focus markets: Seattle, Spokane
Washington follows pure comparative negligence and a three-year statute of limitations. The state requires proof of financial responsibility but does not mandate auto liability insurance for every vehicle.
25/50/10 recommended minimums; financial-responsibility proof required.
At-fault (tort) system with pure comparative fault.
Focus markets: Charleston, Morgantown
West Virginia uses a 50% bar modified-comparative-fault rule and a two-year personal-injury limit. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are both mandatory.
2 years for personal injury (W. Va. Code §55-2-12).
Modified comparative negligence (50% bar) (W. Va. Code §55-7-13a).
25/50/25 liability + UM/UIM required.
Focus markets: Milwaukee, Madison
Wisconsin follows a 51% bar modified-comparative-fault rule and a three-year deadline. Auto liability insurance is mandatory, and minimum limits were raised in 2020.
3 years for personal injury (Wis. Stat. §893.54).
Focus markets: Cheyenne, Casper
Wyoming uses a 50% bar modified-comparative-fault rule and a four-year personal-injury statute of limitations. Liability insurance is mandatory for all drivers.
4 years for personal injury (Wyo. Stat. §1-3-105).
