There is a time limit, known as a statute of limitations, on filing a lawsuit on a personal injury case. In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to do so, then your claim may be barred. More importantly, the longer the wait to file a claim, the weaker your case will likely be, as memories fade and evidence is lost. That is why it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a crash.