Michigan · Deadline to sue · Updated Oct 2026
Deadline to sue after a car accident in Michigan
Time limits, government claims and a calculator.
Short answer
In Michigan, you generally have 3 years from the crash to sue, for car damage and for an injury. Claims against the State of Michigan: file a written claim or notice of intent with the Court of Claims clerk within 6 months for property damage or personal injury (MCL 600.6431(4)).
- Property damage (your car)
- 3 years
- Injury
- 3 years
- Law
- MCL 600.5805(2) (injury to a person or property, 3 years); PIP benefits suit: MCL 500.3145 (1 year); PPI benefits suit: 1 year after the crash
- Small claims limit
- $7,000
Claims against a government in Michigan
- Claims against the State of Michigan: file a written claim or notice of intent with the Court of Claims clerk within 6 months for property damage or personal injury (MCL 600.6431(4)).
- Injury from a defective highway: serve notice on the government agency within 120 days (MCL 691.1404).
Deadline to sue in Michigan
Protecting your deadline in Michigan
- Deadline for both kinds of claim in Michigan: 3 years.
- If a government was involved, act fast. Claims against the State of Michigan: file a written claim or notice of intent with the Court of Claims clerk within 6 months for property damage or personal injury (MCL 600.6431(4)).
- Small claims, for car damage up to $7,000: Michigan 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 Michigan
Questions about deadlines to sue in Michigan
How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Michigan?
3 years from the crash, for car damage and for an injury.
How do claims against a government work in Michigan?
Claims against the State of Michigan: file a written claim or notice of intent with the Court of Claims clerk within 6 months for property damage or personal injury (MCL 600.6431(4)). Injury from a defective highway: serve notice on the government agency within 120 days (MCL 691.1404).
What is the small claims limit in Michigan?
$7,000 for people and businesses. Mini-tort claims up to $3,000 must be filed in small claims whenever possible.
More for Michigan drivers
- All car accident rules in Michigan
- 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
- MCL 257.622 (report to police)
- MCL 500.3009 (liability minimums)
- MCL 500.3102 (penalty for no insurance)
- MCL 500.3107c (PIP medical choices)
- MCL 500.3113 (who cannot get PIP)
- MCL 500.3121 (property protection insurance)
- MCL 500.3135 (tort threshold, mini-tort)
- MCL 500.3142 (PIP overdue, 12% interest)
- MCL 500.3145 (PIP lawsuit deadline)
- MCL 500.2006 (timely payment of claims)
- MCL 600.2959 (comparative fault)
- MCL 600.5805 (3-year limit)
- MCL 600.6431 (claims against the state)
- MCL 691.1404 (defective highway notice)
- DIFS: Choosing Bodily Injury Coverage
- DIFS: Auto insurance FAQ
- DIFS: Auto insurance consumer page
- Michigan State Police: TCRU FAQ
- DIFS: Your Guide to Auto Insurance (FAQ on purchasing auto insurance)
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.