In California, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit depends on the type of claim. For personal injury claims, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries sustained. If the injury is not immediately discovered, the deadline is one year from the date of discovery. 

For property damage claims, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for  vehicle or property damage. The statute of limitations begins running from the accident date or the date you reasonably discovered the injury or damage. 

Failing to file within these deadlines results in losing the legal right to seek compensation. However, exceptions may apply in cases involving minors, government entities, or delayed discovery of injuries.