Missouri · Deadline to sue · Updated Oct 2026

Deadline to sue after a car accident in Missouri

Time limits, government claims and a calculator.

Short answer

In Missouri, you generally have 5 years from the crash to sue, for car damage and for an injury. Claims against Missouri government bodies are limited, and some cities require written notice of an injury within 90 days.

Property damage (your car): 5 years
Injury: 5 years
Law: RSMo § 516.120(4)
Small claims limit: $5,000

Claims against a government in Missouri

Claims against Missouri government bodies are limited, and some cities require written notice of an injury within 90 days.

Shorter time limits to watch in Missouri

Crash report: If the crash involves an uninsured driver and anyone is hurt or killed or any one person's property damage is over $500, or if you yourself had no insurance, you must send a written report to the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days.

Deadline to sue in Missouri

Protecting your deadline in Missouri

Deadline for both kinds of claim in Missouri: 5 years.
If a government was involved, act fast. Claims against Missouri government bodies are limited, and some cities require written notice of an injury within 90 days.
Small claims, for car damage up to $5,000: Missouri 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 Missouri

Questions about deadlines to sue in Missouri

How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Missouri?

5 years from the crash, for car damage and for an injury (RSMo § 516.120(4)).

How do claims against a government work in Missouri?

Claims against Missouri government bodies are limited, and some cities require written notice of an injury within 90 days.

What is the small claims limit in Missouri?

$5,000.

More for Missouri drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.