Is there a deadline to file a lawsuit for a car accident?  YES!  Most civil cases have a statute of limitations that applies;  that is a law that puts a time limit on your right to have a lawsuit heard in a state's civil court system. Specific time limits vary depending on the kind of case you want to file.

CRS 13-80-102 says that "tort actions", which include "actions for negligence" must be "commenced within two years after the cause of action accrues." In plain English, that means an injury claim arising from any kind of negligence, like a slip and fall accident, must be filed against the at-fault property owner within two years.  

However, most car accident cases have a longer statute of limitations, and you may have as long as 3 years to file a lawsuit!  However, other car accident cases ... like uninsured motorist cases ...  may have a different time period, so it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible!