Understanding how long you have to file a personal injury claim in Arkansas is a crucial step toward protecting your rights after an accident. Time limits matter—for both your ability to seek compensation and your ability to preserve evidence, witness memories, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies. In this blog, we walk through the statute of limitations in Arkansas, explore how those rules apply in different types of injury cases, and explain how the team at Pfeifer Law Firm can help you act in time.
The Statute of Limitations in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the general rule for personal injury claims is that you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This is defined under Arkansas Code § 16-56-105. If you wait longer than three years without filing, you may find the court will refuse to hear your case—even if you had a valid claim.
That three-year period applies in many common scenarios, such as car accidents, slip and fall injuries, and most straightforward negligence claims. However, while three years is the default timeframe, it’s not always as simple as counting 36 months from the crash date.
Special Considerations That Can Shorten or Alter the Deadline
Minor or Incapacitated Claimants
If the injured party was a child or someone legally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute may be tolled (paused) until the disability is removed or the minor turns 18. That effectively gives additional time before the clock begins.
Government Entities
If the claim is against a state or local government—for example, a traffic crash involving a city vehicle or road maintenance issue—there may be special notice requirements and shorter timeframes. Failing to meet those notice rules can be fatal to the claim.
Discovery Rule
In cases where the injury or its cause was not reasonably discoverable at the time of the accident, Arkansas courts may apply the “discovery rule.” That means the clock starts when you knew—or reasonably should have known—about the injury and its cause.
Wrongful Death Claims
Separate from a personal injury claim, a wrongful death action typically has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death. Those cases require swift action.
Why Missing the Deadline Can Be Disastrous
When the statute of limitations expires, the defendant can raise it as a legal defense—and the court may dismiss your case automatically. You may have strong facts, clear liability, and serious injuries—but if you waited too long, you risk getting nothing.
Beyond the legal cutoff, time affects other critical elements of a case. Evidence disappears: video footage is lost, witnesses move away or forget details, and records vanish. Early action preserves your ability to collect medical records, examine the accident scene before changes occur, and lock in the names and statements of witnesses.
How the Deadline Applies to Specific Injury Types
Car Accidents
If you were injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle crash, you must be mindful of that three-year general deadline. The team at Pfeifer Law Firm frequently handles collision cases. If you were injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle or large truck, you can learn more about how the firm helps by visiting the truck accident attorneys in Little Rock page.
Slip and Fall & Premises Liability
Slip-and-fall incidents and other premises liability cases also fall under the three-year window, but prompt action is essential. Identifying who controlled the property, whether warnings were posted, and whether maintenance was neglected requires early investigation. Learn more at the firm’s slip and fall injury lawyer in Little Rock page.
Other Personal Injury Claims
Whether your injury resulted from a dog bite, defective product, or another form of negligence, the three-year limit remains a key milestone—but the specific circumstances of your case may impact the timeline.
When Should You Start the Clock?
The best answer: start now. While Arkansas law may give you up to three years, treating that period as a buffer is risky. The sooner you begin preserving evidence, documenting injuries, and speaking with an attorney, the stronger your claim will be.
You can get started by visiting the firm’s main page for personal injury cases: Little Rock personal injury lawyer.
What Happens If You File Late?
If you miss the statute of limitations, the opposing party may request a dismissal—and judges routinely grant those motions. Insurance companies know the deadlines well and may prolong communication intentionally, hoping you’ll miss the window to act.
Even if your case technically survives, delayed action often weakens evidence, reduces leverage, and limits the compensation you may recover.
How Pfeifer Law Firm Helps You Beat the Clock
When you reach out to the firm, the attorneys take immediate steps to preserve both your case and your rights. They verify your exact filing deadline, gather essential evidence, obtain police reports, secure witness statements, and collect medical documentation before records are lost or altered.
They also handle all communication with the insurance companies—ensuring you don’t unintentionally compromise your claim or miss a procedural deadline.
Ready to File Your Arkansas Personal Injury Claim? Get the Guidance You Need Today
If you’re unsure how much time you have left to file—or whether the statute of limitations in your case is already running—now is the moment to take action. The sooner you involve an attorney, the easier it is to preserve evidence, document your injuries, and protect your right to compensation.
Pfeifer Law Firm is here to guide you through every step, explain your deadlines clearly, and move quickly to ensure your claim is filed on time.
Reach out today for a free consultation and get clarity on your timeline before it’s too late.