For the purpose of determining whether a period of limitation prescribed in this chapter has run, an action shall be deemed commenced upon the filing of the complaint with the clerk of the court in which the action is being brought if the action is commenced by filing or upon service of the summons and complaint if the action is commenced by service. (Added 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 233, eff. March 29, 1972.)