After an accident, the last thing most people want to think about is paperwork and deadlines. But if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence—whether in a car accident, motorcycle crash, slip and fall, trucking accident, or dog bite attack—you need to understand how long you have to take legal action.
At The Bonner Law Firm, PC in Houston, TX, we’ve seen too many people miss out on compensation simply because they didn’t know the time limits set by Texas law. This blog will explain the deadlines for filing a personal injury claim in Texas and why acting quickly is so important.
The Texas Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is:
👉 Two years from the date of the accident or injury.
This means that in most situations, you only have two years to file a lawsuit in court. If you miss this deadline, your case may be dismissed—and you could lose your right to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the two-year rule applies in most cases, there are important exceptions:
-
Wrongful Death Claims: Families generally have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit.
-
Claims Against Government Entities: If your injury involved a city, county, or state government (such as a slip and fall on government property), you may have to file a notice of claim within 6 months of the incident.
-
Minors or Incapacitated Victims: If the victim is under 18 or legally incapacitated, the clock may not start running until they reach legal capacity.
Because these rules can be complicated, it’s critical to speak with a Houston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Even if you technically have two years, waiting can weaken your case:
-
Evidence disappears – accident reports, video footage, or witness memories can fade.
-
Medical records may be harder to connect to your injury if you delay treatment.
-
Insurance companies gain leverage the longer you wait to file.
The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney in Houston, the stronger your case will be.
Types of Cases Covered by the Statute of Limitations
The two-year deadline typically applies to:
-
Car accidents and motorcycle crashes
-
18-wheeler and commercial truck accidents
-
Slip and fall or premises liability cases
-
Dog bite injuries
-
Workplace injuries caused by negligence
-
Wrongful death lawsuits
How The Bonner Law Firm Can Help
At The Bonner Law Firm, PC, we guide Houston accident victims through every step of the legal process. We:
-
Review your case and deadlines during a free consultation.
-
Collect evidence before it disappears.
-
Handle negotiations with insurance companies.
-
File your claim on time to protect your rights.
Our goal is to make sure you get the maximum compensation possible under Texas law.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Texas, don’t wait until it’s too late. The clock is already ticking on your right to file a claim.
