When you’ve been injured in an accident in Texas, time is not on your side. The law sets strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit, and missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to seek compensation entirely. Understanding how long you have to file and when the clock starts ticking is essential to protecting your rights.

The General Rule: Two Years to File

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. This means you typically have two years from the day of your accident—whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace injury—to file a lawsuit in court.

Exceptions to the Rule

While two years is the standard, there are several exceptions that can extend or shorten the filing period:

• Minors and Incapacitated Individuals: If the injured person is under 18 or legally incapacitated, the two-year clock may not start until the disability ends.
• Discovery Rule: In some cases, the injury may not be immediately apparent. The statute may begin when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
• Claims Against the Government: When filing a claim against a government entity, special notice requirements apply. You may have as little as six months to file notice of your claim.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Delaying action can hurt your case. Evidence can be lost, witnesses can become harder to find, and insurance companies may use delays to deny claims. Acting promptly ensures that your attorney has enough time to build a strong case and file before the deadline expires.

Get Help from a Houston Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to consult a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At The Alexander Firm, we can provide legal assistance to the Houston public and help you understand your rights under Texas law. Our team works to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.