When you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence in Texas, time is not on your side. The state has strict laws determining how long you have to take legal action, and missing these deadlines can prevent you from ever recovering compensation for your losses. Understanding Texas’s statute of limitations and how it applies to your personal injury case is essential for protecting your rights.

The Texas Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. This means you generally have two years to file a claim in court for injuries sustained in car accidents, slip and falls, workplace accidents, or other negligence-based incidents.

If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, and you’ll lose the opportunity to seek damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Exceptions to the Two-Year Deadline

While the two-year rule applies to most cases, certain situations can extend—or "toll"—the filing deadline:

• Minors: If the injured person is under 18, the two-year clock doesn’t start until their 18th birthday.
• Discovery Rule: If an injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the time limit may begin when you discover (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury.
• Government Liability: Claims against a Texas government agency or employee have a much shorter window—as little as six months to provide notice of the claim.

These exceptions are complex and can depend on your specific situation, making early legal advice critical.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Even if you technically have time, waiting too long to act can harm your case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies may use delays to question your credibility. Consulting with a personal injury attorney soon after your accident ensures your claim is filed correctly and within legal deadlines.

Get Help from The Major Law Firm Injury and Accident

Attorneys

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Texas, understanding your rights and acting within the proper timeframe is vital. At The Major Law Firm Injury and Accident Attorneys, we help San Antonio residents pursue fair compensation while navigating Texas’s complex legal system.