Iowa car accident statute of limitations: two years for injury, five for property
The Iowa car accident statute of limitations gives you two years for injuries. Call free to check yours.
Iowa gives you two years to sue for an injury but five years for damage to your car. Both limits sit in Iowa Code 614.1. Children get a twist: a child’s claim can stay open until one year after turning 18.
The deadlines in Iowa
| What | Time limit | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Injury lawsuit | Two years | Iowa Code 614.1(2) |
| Car or property damage lawsuit | Five years | Iowa Code 614.1(4) |
| Shared fault | Barred if more at fault than the defendants combined | Iowa Code 668.3 |
| Minimum liability cover | $20,000 / $40,000 / $15,000 | Iowa Code 321A.1(11) |
| Lawsuit against a city or county | Two years | Iowa Code 670.5 |
| Written claim against the state | Two years | Iowa Code 669.13 |
Iowa time limits for children and public bodies
A child hurt in an Iowa crash has until one year after turning 18, under section 614.8. For a young child, that can be far longer than two years.
Claims against a city, county or other municipality must be sued within two years, under section 670.5. For the state, you file a written claim with the department of management within two years, under section 669.13.
Iowa’s rule on shared blame
You can still recover in Iowa unless your share of fault is greater than the defendants’ combined share, under section 668.3. An even split still pays half. If you were 40 percent to blame, a $30,000 loss becomes $18,000.
Iowa’s low minimum limits
Iowa is an at-fault state with low minimums: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per crash and $15,000 for property, under section 321A.1. A single hospital stay can pass $20,000. Your own underinsured motorist cover, if you bought it, may fill the gap.
When to call an Iowa car accident lawyer
Call before month 20 for an injury claim and sooner if the other driver’s limit looks too small. An attorney can check every policy that might pay and file before the two years end. The first conversation is free and the lawyer is paid only if the case wins.
Other states: Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin or every state on one page.
Iowa car accident statute of limitations questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Iowa?
Two years for injuries and five years for vehicle damage, from the crash date.
Does a minor get more time in Iowa?
Yes. A child can sue until one year after turning 18, under section 614.8.
Can I recover in Iowa if I was 50 percent at fault?
Yes. You are barred only if your fault is greater than the defendants’ combined fault.
What is the minimum car insurance in Iowa?
$20,000 per person, $40,000 per crash and $15,000 for property damage.
Before the clock runs out
Iowa’s minimum policy pays only $20,000 per person, which often caps a quick offer. Call before signing a release and a lawyer will review your deadline and every policy that may pay, free.
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