Ohio · Deadline to sue · Updated Oct 2026

Deadline to sue after a car accident in Ohio

Time limits, government claims and a calculator.

Short answer

In Ohio, you generally have 2 years from the crash to sue, for car damage and for an injury. Suits against a city, county or other political subdivision must be filed within 2 years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2744.04).

Property damage (your car)
2 years
Injury
2 years
Law
Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10(A)
Small claims limit
$6,000

Claims against a government in Ohio

  • Suits against a city, county or other political subdivision must be filed within 2 years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2744.04).
  • Suits against the State of Ohio go to the Ohio Court of Claims and must be filed within 2 years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2743.16(A)).

Deadline to sue in Ohio

Ohio: 2 years for property damageEnter the date of the crash to see the last day to file a lawsuit.

Protecting your deadline in Ohio

  1. Deadline for both kinds of claim in Ohio: 2 years.
  2. If a government was involved, act fast. Suits against a city, county or other political subdivision must be filed within 2 years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2744.04).
  3. Small claims, for car damage up to $6,000: Ohio small claims guide on Small Claims Map
  4. Don't wait for the insurer: talks with an adjuster don't stop the clock.

Free help in Ohio

Questions about deadlines to sue in Ohio

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

2 years from the crash, for car damage and for an injury (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10(A)).

How do claims against a government work in Ohio?

Suits against a city, county or other political subdivision must be filed within 2 years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2744.04). Suits against the State of Ohio go to the Ohio Court of Claims and must be filed within 2 years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2743.16(A)).

What is the small claims limit in Ohio?

$6,000.

More for Ohio drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.