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

When you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, one of the most important questions is: “How much time do I have to file a claim?” In Texas, the clock starts ticking the moment your accident happens. Missing this deadline can cost you your right to recover compensation.

At the Law Office of Silverio Martinez, we want you to understand the Texas statute of limitations for personal injury cases and how it applies to your situation.

The Texas Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury

In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident or injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to:

Car accidents

Slip and fall injuries

Premises liability cases

Wrongful death claims

Other negligence-based injuries

If you miss this two-year deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, no matter how strong the evidence is.

Are There Exceptions to the Two-Year Deadline?

Yes. While two years is the standard, certain cases may have different timelines, including:

Injuries involving minors → The time limit may not begin until the child turns 18.

Medical malpractice cases → Often fall under separate rules with different deadlines.

Government entities → Claims against a city, county, or state agency may require a notice of claim within 6 months, much earlier than two years.

Because these rules vary, it’s critical to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File a Claim

Even though you may technically have two years, waiting too long can hurt your case. Here’s why:

Evidence fades → Surveillance footage can be deleted, and accident scenes change.

Witnesses forget → Memories become less reliable over time.

Insurance companies stall → Adjusters may delay your case hoping you run out of time.

The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

What You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Claim

Filing your claim on time gives you the chance to pursue compensation for:

Medical expenses (past and future)

Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

Pain and suffering

Emotional distress

Property damage (in car accident cases)

If you’re unsure how much your case might be worth, check out our guide on How Insurance Companies Devalue Personal Injury Claims (and What You Can Do About It).

Next Steps If You’ve Been Injured in Texas

Seek medical attention immediately – Your health and your legal case depend on strong medical documentation.

Report the accident – Whether it’s a slip and fall or a car crash, create a record.

Contact a personal injury lawyer – Don’t deal with insurance adjusters alone.

If you’re wondering what to do right after an accident, read our post on Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents and What to Do Next.

Talk to a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Today

At the Law Office of Silverio Martinez, we fight to make sure you don’t miss your chance to recover what you deserve. The statute of limitations is strict, but with the right legal team, you can take action before it’s too late.

Call us today at (956) 724-5047 for a free consultation, or learn more about your options by visiting our Personal Injury page.