What Is the Utah Personal Injury Statute of Limitations?

After a serious accident, time can feel like it stands still and rushes forward simultaneously. Healing takes time. Financial strain builds. Life gets complicated. But one thing does not slow down: the legal clock. If you are considering filing a personal injury claim in Utah, you must know about the Utah personal injury statute of limitations.

The law sets a strict deadline for taking legal action after an accident. Missing it could cost you your chance to recover compensation.

In this blog post, our Provo personal injury lawyers explain how the statute of limitations works in Utah, when the clock starts ticking, possible exceptions that could extend your time, and why acting sooner rather than later is critical.

For a free consultation, please call (209) 600-4389 or fill out our online form today.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Utah?

In most cases, the personal injury statute of limitations in Utah is four years from the date of the injury. That means you have four years to file a lawsuit against the person, business, or entity responsible for your injuries. If you miss that window, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to seek damages, no matter how strong your case might be.

When Does the Clock Start?

In Utah personal injury cases, the statute of limitations typically starts on the date of the injury, which is known as the date of accrual. For example, if you were injured in a car accident on January 1, 2025, you generally have until January 1, 2029, to file your lawsuit.

There are rare situations where the clock might start later, known as tolling, but most cases begin counting down from the day the injury happens. Another example that differs involves wrongful death. If someone dies from their injuries, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years from the date of death.

Special Rules for Claims Against Government Entities

The rules are much stricter if your injury claim is against a government agency, such as a city, county, or the state of Utah:

• Notice of Claim. You must file a formal notice of claim within one year of the injury.
• Lawsuit Deadline. After the notice is filed, you typically must file a lawsuit within one year of the notice being denied (or deemed denied).

Failing to follow these rules can end your case before it begins. Claims against government bodies also have different procedures, so it’s critical to work with an attorney familiar with Utah government claims.

How the Utah Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Works for Minors

If the injured person is under 18 at the time of the accident, Utah law gives special protection. The four-year clock to file a lawsuit does not start to run until the minor turns 18. Once the individual turns 18, they have until their 22nd birthday to file a personal injury lawsuit.

This rule ensures that young people can seek justice even if they are too young to handle legal matters immediately after the injury.

Are There Exceptions That Can Extend the Time Limit?

In some cases, Utah law allows the statute of limitations to be tolled. 

Common exceptions include:

• Mental incapacity. If the injured person is mentally incompetent when the injury occurs, the clock may be paused until capacity is regained.
• Defendant is out of state. If the at-fault party leaves Utah after the accident but before a lawsuit can be filed, the statute of limitations may pause while they are absent.
• Fraud or concealment. If the defendant intentionally hid their involvement, the clock may not start until you discover the fraud.

However, these exceptions are narrow and often involve complex legal arguments. You should never assume you have more time without speaking to an experienced attorney.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

If you miss the Utah statute of limitations for personal injury, you lose the right to bring your case. Even if you have clear evidence and severe injuries, the court will likely dismiss your case before it ever gets heard.

Missing the deadline can leave you responsible for:

• Paying all your medical bills out of pocket,
• Covering lost wages and future income losses, and
• Bearing the emotional and physical costs without compensation.

Insurance companies know this and are not obligated to settle once your right to sue is gone.

Why Do People Sometimes Wait to File?

Many injured people delay filing for understandable reasons, such as:

• Hoping their injuries will heal on their own,
• Fearing the cost or stress of a lawsuit,
• Feeling overwhelmed by recovery and daily life, or
• Believing the insurance company will do the right thing and pay them.

Unfortunately, waiting can be a costly mistake. Evidence disappears, witness memories fade, and insurance companies often stall, hoping the clock will run out.

The earlier you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances are to preserve evidence, build a strong case, and recover the compensation you need to move forward.

Common Types of Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury claims that are subject to the four-year statute of limitations in Utah include:

• Car accidents,
• Truck accidents,
• Motorcycle accidents,
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents,
• Slip and fall accidents (premises liability), and
• Dog bites or animal attacks.

If someone else’s negligence or recklessness caused your injury, you may have grounds for a claim, but you must act before the legal deadline expires.

What Should You Do If You Have a Potential Case?

If you were injured in Utah and believe someone else was at fault, here are your next steps:

• Get medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations;
• Document everything, including photos, witness names, and accident reports;
• Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal advice; and
• Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

An attorney can review the facts of your case, calculate your deadlines, and make sure you do not miss any important legal requirements.

Call Silva Injury Law Before Time Runs Out

Understanding the Utah personal injury statute of limitations is crucial, but taking action is even more important.

At Silva Injury Law, we help people across Utah protect their rights after serious accidents. We know the deadlines, the exceptions, and the strategies insurance companies use to avoid paying what is fair. Founder Michael Joe Silva spent years advocating in courtrooms, and now he stands up for injury victims like you.

You deserve a Provo injury lawyer who understands your journey and is ready to fight for your future.

Call us at (209) 600-4389 or reach us online today for a free consultation. Do not wait until it is too late. Let us help you protect your rights and your recovery.