How Long Do I Have To File an Injury Claim in Oregon?

Time is one of the most important — and most overlooked — factors in a personal injury case. Oregon sets strict deadlines called statutes of limitations, and missing one usually means permanently losing your right to compensation, no matter how strong your case is. This guide explains the key deadlines for filing an injury claim in Oregon.

Accident Aid is a free concierge service, not a law firm. We help Oregon accident victims act in time by connecting them with a trusted attorney early — at no cost.

Key Takeaways

• Oregon's personal injury statute of limitations is generally 2 years from the accident date
• Property damage claims generally have a longer 6-year deadline
• Claims against public bodies require much earlier notice
• Certain circumstances can pause or change the deadline
• Waiting too long can permanently end your claim

The 2-Year Personal Injury Deadline

For most personal injury claims arising from a car accident, Oregon law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit (ORS 12.110). If you do not file within that window, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and the insurer knows this — which is why they sometimes drag out negotiations as the deadline nears.

The 6-Year Property Damage Deadline

Claims for damage to your vehicle and other property generally have a longer statute of limitations of six years (ORS 12.080). This is why you can often pursue a diminished value claim long after your injury claim is resolved.

Claims Against Government Entities

If a government vehicle or public body was involved — a city bus, a county truck, a state employee — special rules apply under the Oregon Tort Claims Act. You typically must provide formal notice of your claim within a short window (often 180 days), long before the general two-year deadline. Missing this notice requirement can bar your claim entirely.

Exceptions That Can Change the Deadline

Some situations can pause ("toll") or alter the clock:

• Minors: The two-year clock generally does not begin until the injured person turns 18
• Discovery rule: In limited cases, the clock may start when an injury is discovered, not when it occurred
• Incapacity: Certain disabilities may pause the deadline

These exceptions are narrow and fact-specific, so never assume one applies without confirming with an attorney.

Why You Should Act Well Before the Deadline

Even though you may have two years, waiting is risky. Evidence fades, witnesses become hard to find, and building a strong case takes time. Filing at the last minute leaves your lawyer little room to investigate and negotiate. The smart move is to speak with an attorney early.

How Accident Aid Helps

If you are unsure how much time you have, do not guess. Accident Aid connects you with a trusted Oregon personal injury attorney who can confirm the exact deadlines for your case — free, and with no obligation.

FAQ

What happens if I miss the deadline? The court will almost always dismiss your case, and you lose the right to recover, regardless of how strong it was.

Does the deadline apply to insurance claims or only lawsuits? The statute of limitations is the deadline to file a lawsuit. You should still report and pursue insurance claims promptly, well before that.

How do I know which deadline applies to my case? Because deadlines vary by claim type and defendant, the safest approach is to consult an attorney as early as possible.

Disclaimer: Accident Aid is a free concierge service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Deadlines vary by case; consult a licensed Oregon attorney.