The time to file a lawsuit is governed by a “statute of limitations”. A “statute of limitations” is a period of time within which an injured person must start a lawsuit. In motor vehicle accidents against private persons in Illinois, the statute of limitations in Illinois is two years from the date of the accident. In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations involving private parties, is three years. However, the important thing to remember is that a statute of limitations is a period of time within which you have to start a lawsuit – not finish one.