What if a city or other public agency is involved?
Reviewed by Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin
California State Bar #45226 ↗ · Approval recorded November 4, 2026
How we record review approvalClaims against a public agency often need a formal notice within six months. This is called a government claim. A later lawsuit has its own time limit.
In this guide
Here’s an example
A city truck hits a person on a bike. The person may need to file a claim with the city before they can sue.
A made-up example to explain the idea. Your facts may lead to a different answer.How the rule works
Government Code § 911.2 generally sets a six-month presentment period for personal injury claims. Section 945.6 governs lawsuit timing and can depend on how notice of rejection was given.
Legal references: [1] Government Code § 911.2 — Presenting a government claim · [2] Government Code § 945.6 — Time to sue a public entity
What can change the answer?
A police report or phone call may not count as a claim. Late claims are allowed in some cases, but the rules are strict. The deadline to sue can depend on the rejection notice.
Court decisions behind this answer
A case can help explain a rule. Its facts and limits matter too.
State of California v. Superior Court (Bodde)
Supreme Court of California · 2004
32 Cal.4th 1234, slip op., p. 1
Before suing a public agency, a person may need to send it a formal claim. The court required the lawsuit to address that step or a valid excuse.
This does not list every deadline. It does not excuse a late claim.
Case applicability reviewed as recorded above.
A useful next step
Find the right public agency. Ask where to send the claim and when it is due. Do this promptly.
If you are unsure which rule applies, a lawyer can review your facts and any deadlines. Learn about GJEL’s injury representation.
The law behind this guide
The references below support the legal discussion. Their application depends on the facts.
- Government Code § 911.2 — Presenting a government claim ↗Statute · Review recorded above
- Government Code § 945.6 — Time to sue a public entity ↗Statute · Review recorded above
- State of California v. Superior Court (Bodde) (2004) 32 Cal.4th 1234 ↗Case law · Review recorded above
Updated 2026-11-04. Read our editorial standards.