How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Texas?

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, it’s natural to focus on your recovery first. Between doctor appointments, medical bills, and time away from work, thinking about legal deadlines may be the last thing on your mind.

However, Texas law places time limits on how long you have to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long could affect your ability to seek compensation, making it important to understand your rights as soon as possible.

What Is the Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Texas, the deadline for most personal injury claims is two years from the date the injury occurred.

This generally applies to cases involving:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Dog bites
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Many other personal injury claims

If a lawsuit is filed after the deadline has passed, the court may dismiss the case, preventing you from pursuing compensation.

Are There Any Exceptions?

While the two-year deadline applies to many cases, there are situations where different rules may apply.

Some exceptions include:

Injured Minors

If the injured person is under 18 years old, the filing deadline may be extended in certain circumstances.

Claims Involving Government Entities

If your claim involves a city, county, or another government agency, you may have much shorter notice requirements. These deadlines can arrive well before the standard two-year period.

Delayed Discovery

In some situations, an injury may not be immediately discovered. Depending on the circumstances, the filing deadline may begin when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

Because every case is different, it’s important to speak with an attorney about the specific deadlines that may apply to your situation.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Even though two years may sound like plenty of time, building a strong personal injury case often starts long before a lawsuit is filed.

Important evidence can disappear over time. Witnesses may become difficult to locate, surveillance footage may be deleted, and memories naturally fade.

Speaking with an attorney early can help preserve important evidence and give you a better understanding of your legal options.

What Should You Do After an Accident?

If you’ve been injured, consider taking these steps as soon as possible:

• Seek medical attention.
• Report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
• Keep copies of medical records and bills.
• Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, if possible.
• Save any communication with insurance companies.
• Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your situation.

How De la Garza Firm Can Help

At De la Garza Firm, we understand that every personal injury case is unique. Our team is committed to helping individuals and families throughout Fort Worth understand their legal options and navigate the claims process with confidence.

If you have questions about a recent accident or are unsure how much time you have to file a claim, we’re here to help.

Contact De la Garza Firm today to schedule a free consultation. accident, contact De la Garza Firm today for a free consultation.

214-937-5077 | delagarzafirm.com

6777 Camp Bowie Blvd Ste 450 Fort Worth, TX 76116