Quick answer
Get prompt legal review; time limits depend on claim type, accrual, defendants, and exceptions.
Do now
Create a dated timeline of the incident, discovery, treatment, reports, and notices. Gather any prior settlement, claim, or lawsuit documents. Identify minors, government parties, and special claim types.
Watch for
A general two- or three-year rule may not answer your case. Do not assume negotiations, an open police investigation, or lack of recovery automatically extends time.
Official sources
NJ Courts — Statute of Limitations FAQ, NY Courts — Statute of Limitations Timetable, DC Code § 12-301, NJ Treasury — Tort and Contract Notice, NY Legislature — General Municipal Law § 50-e, DC Code § 12-309.