If you were injured in an accident, you may be focused on medical care, missed work, and recovery. While those issues are important, there is another deadline you should not ignore.
Texas law limits the amount of time you may have to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you could lose the right to pursue compensation.
Understanding the timeline can help you protect your case.
What Is the Deadline to File an Injury Claim in Texas?
In many Texas personal injury cases, the general filing deadline is two years from the date of the injury.
This time limit is often called the statute of limitations.
It commonly applies to cases involving:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Slip and fall injuries
- Dog bites
- Wrongful death claims
- Other negligence-based injury cases
If a lawsuit is not filed before the deadline, the court may dismiss the case.
Why Filing Early Matters
Even if two years sounds like a long time, waiting can hurt your case.
Important evidence can disappear over time, including:
- Crash scene evidence
- Security camera footage
- Witness memories
- Phone records
- Vehicle damage evidence
- Maintenance records
Acting early can make it easier to investigate what happened and preserve key proof.
Are There Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule?
Some injury claims may involve different deadlines or legal exceptions.
These may include:
Claims Involving Minors:
If the injured person is a child, the time to file may be extended in some situations.
Government Claims:
Claims against a city, county, or government agency may require much earlier notice deadlines.
Delayed Discovery:
In limited cases, the filing period may begin when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Wrongful Death Cases:
Different facts can affect when the deadline begins in fatal injury cases.
Because every case is different, it is wise to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the filing deadline can have serious consequences.
You may lose the ability to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Future treatment costs
Insurance companies know these deadlines. Delays can weaken your position during negotiations.
What Should You Do After an Accident?
To help protect your rights:
- Seek medical care right away
- Report the accident if required
- Keep records of treatment and expenses
- Save photos, videos, and documents
- Avoid giving recorded statements without advice
- Speak with an attorney early
The sooner you act, the more options you may have.
How can Carabin Law Help?
Injury claims can be stressful, especially when legal deadlines are involved. Waiting too long can put your case at risk.
At Carabin Law, our team helps injured Texans understand their rights, review deadlines, and take action when needed.
If you or a loved one has been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, do not wait to learn your options.
Understanding your rights starts with a clear review of your case.
Contact Carabin Law today for a free case review. Every Case Matters. Every Client Counts.
