Education
Personal Injury Statute of Limitations by State
• 2 min read
Each state sets its own deadline to file suit. Missing it ends the case — and any funding eligibility.
Most states give 2 to 4 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, measured from the date of accident or discovery of injury. Missing the deadline bars the claim entirely.
Common state limits: California (2 years), Texas (2 years), Florida (2 years post-2023 tort reform), New York (3 years), Ohio (2 years), Pennsylvania (2 years).
Special rules apply for minors, government defendants (shorter notice periods), medical malpractice (often shorter), and discovery-rule cases.
AARC's funding decisions account for filing status. Cases already filed are easier to underwrite than pre-suit cases approaching the limitation deadline.
If you're approaching the limitation period and haven't yet hired an attorney, that's the priority — funding comes after representation.
Call (800) 297-3834 about attorney referrals if you need representation before applying for funding.
Frequently asked questions
- Will taking an advance reduce my settlement?
- The advance plus its flat fee is repaid out of the settlement, so your net proceeds are reduced by that amount. It does not affect the gross value your attorney negotiates.
- Is a pre-settlement cash advance a loan?
- No. It is non-recourse funding tied to your personal injury claim. There are no monthly payments, and if your case does not recover, you owe nothing.
- Do I need good credit or a job to qualify?
- No. AARC does not run a credit check and does not require employment or income verification. Approval is based on the strength of your claim and your attorney's representation.
- How fast can I get funded?
- Most approved applicants receive funds in as little as 24 hours once AARC has the case documents from your attorney.
- How much does it cost?
- AARC uses a flat fee rather than compounding monthly interest. Typical advances are $500, $750, or $1,000, and the illustrative payoff at settlement is 2x the advance amount.
About the author
Written by the funding team at AARC — Accident Advance & Resource Center. AARC underwrites pre-settlement cash advances for personal injury claimants and works directly with plaintiff attorneys across 45 states. Our team reviews case documentation daily and writes from that firsthand experience.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always confirm details with your attorney. Contact AARC or call (800) 297-3834 with questions about your specific case.
