New Jersey · Deadline to sue · Updated Oct 2026
Deadline to sue after a car accident in New Jersey
Time limits, government claims and a calculator.
Short answer
In New Jersey, you generally have 6 years to sue for car damage and 2 years for an injury, counted from the crash. For a claim against a public entity (state, county, town), file a written notice of claim within 90 days, then wait 6 months before suing; you lose the claim if 2 years pass (N.J.S.A. 59:8-8).
- Property damage (your car)
- 6 years
- Injury
- 2 years
- Law
- N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 (property damage, 6 years); N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 (personal injury, 2 years)
- Small claims limit
- $5,000
Claims against a government in New Jersey
- For a claim against a public entity (state, county, town), file a written notice of claim within 90 days, then wait 6 months before suing; you lose the claim if 2 years pass (N.J.S.A. 59:8-8).
Shorter time limits to watch in New Jersey
- Crash report: By law the driver must also send a written report within 10 days, unless a police officer files a report of the crash.
More facts for New Jersey
- If you don't choose a lawsuit option on your coverage selection form, the 'Limitation on Lawsuit' option applies by law (NJ DOBI Buyer's Guide 2026).
- The lawsuit option only affects suits for pain and suffering; medical bills and some economic losses are paid by PIP regardless (NJ DOBI Buyer's Guide 2026).
Deadline to sue in New Jersey
Protecting your deadline in New Jersey
- Your earliest deadline in New Jersey: 2 years.
- If a government was involved, act fast. For a claim against a public entity (state, county, town), file a written notice of claim within 90 days, then wait 6 months before suing; you lose the claim if 2 years pass (N.J.S.A. 59:8-8).
- Small claims, for car damage up to $5,000: New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Questions about deadlines to sue in New Jersey
How long do you have to sue for an injury after a car accident in New Jersey?
2 years from the crash (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 (property damage, 6 years); N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 (personal injury, 2 years)).
How long do you have to sue for car damage after an accident in New Jersey?
6 years from the crash (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 (property damage, 6 years); N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 (personal injury, 2 years)).
How do claims against a government work in New Jersey?
For a claim against a public entity (state, county, town), file a written notice of claim within 90 days, then wait 6 months before suing; you lose the claim if 2 years pass (N.J.S.A. 59:8-8).
What is the small claims limit in New Jersey?
$5,000 in the Small Claims section of the Special Civil Part; $5,000 to $20,000 goes to the regular Special Civil Part.
More for New Jersey drivers
- All car accident rules in New Jersey
- 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
- NJ DOBI: Auto Insurance Buyer's Guide 2026
- NJ Self-Reporting Crash form SR-1 (PDF)
- NJDOT: Self-Reporting Crash form page
- N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 (comparative negligence)
- NJSP & NJ Turnpike Authority Crash Report Requests
- N.J.S.A. 39:4-130 (notice and written report of crashes)
- N.J.S.A. 39:6A-3 (compulsory coverage limits)
- N.J.S.A. 39:6B-2 (penalties for no insurance)
- N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 (6-year limit)
- N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 (2-year limit)
- N.J.S.A. 59:8-8 (notice of claim against public entity)
- NJ DOBI: Consumer Inquiries and Complaints
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.