Kentucky · Deadline to sue · Updated Oct 2026
Deadline to sue after a car accident in Kentucky
Time limits, government claims and a calculator.
Short answer
In Kentucky, you generally have 2 years from the crash to sue, for car damage and for an injury. Negligence claims against Kentucky state agencies go to the state's claims board (Kentucky Claims Commission), not regular court, and must be filed within 1 year after the claim arises (KRS 49.120).
- Property damage (your car)
- 2 years
- Injury
- 2 years
- Law
- KRS 413.125 (personal property, 2 years); KRS 304.39-230(6) (injury tort claims from a car crash: 2 years after the injury, death, or last PIP payment, whichever is later)
- Small claims limit
- $2,500
Claims against a government in Kentucky
- Negligence claims against Kentucky state agencies go to the state's claims board (Kentucky Claims Commission), not regular court, and must be filed within 1 year after the claim arises (KRS 49.120).
Shorter time limits to watch in Kentucky
- Crash report: If anyone was hurt or killed, or total property damage is $500 or more, and no officer investigated, you must file a written report with the Kentucky State Police within 10 days.
Deadline to sue in Kentucky
Protecting your deadline in Kentucky
- Deadline for both kinds of claim in Kentucky: 2 years.
- If a government was involved, act fast. Negligence claims against Kentucky state agencies go to the state's claims board (Kentucky Claims Commission), not regular court, and must be filed within 1 year after the claim arises (KRS 49.120).
- Small claims, for car damage up to $2,500: Kentucky small claims guide on Small Claims Map
- Don't wait for the insurer: talks with an adjuster don't stop the clock.
Free help in Kentucky
Questions about deadlines to sue in Kentucky
How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Kentucky?
2 years from the crash, for car damage and for an injury.
How do claims against a government work in Kentucky?
Negligence claims against Kentucky state agencies go to the state's claims board (Kentucky Claims Commission), not regular court, and must be filed within 1 year after the claim arises (KRS 49.120).
What is the small claims limit in Kentucky?
$2,500.
More for Kentucky drivers
- All car accident rules in Kentucky
- Comparative fault
- Reporting a crash
- Uninsured driver
- Deadlines to sue in every state
- Small claims court for car damage
- Fault and payout explainer
- Insurance claim letter
- Police report request letter
Nearby states
Sources
- KRS 189.580
- KRS 304.39-060
- KRS 304.39-020
- KRS 304.39-110
- KRS 304.39-230
- KRS 304.20-020
- KRS 304.39-320
- KRS 304.99-060
- KRS 304.12-235
- KRS 304.12-230
- KRS 411.182
- KRS 413.125
- 502 KAR 15:010 (collision reports, fees)
- 806 KAR 12:095 (unfair claims settlement practices)
- Kentucky DOI – File a complaint
- KRS 49.120 – When claims must be presented (state claims)
- Kentucky State Police – Civilian collision reports
- Kentucky State Police – Open records requests
- Kentucky Department of Insurance (phone numbers)
- KRS 189.635 (accident reports; who may get copies)
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.