How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury in Texas?
Table of Contents
If you find yourself thinking “how long after a car accident can you claim injury?” you probably need to act fast. When it comes to personal injury claims in Texas, there’s a statute of limitations on lawsuits. The longer you wait, the bigger the risk you face of losing your claim.
Schedule a free case evaluation with our Houston car accident attorneys today. At your consultation, we evaluate your case and help you explore your options. When you need an advocate on your side, we are the team to fight for your future!
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in Texas?
“How long after a car accident can you claim injury?” Time passes more quickly than you realize.
Motor vehicle accidents are scary, confusing situations. Oftentimes, they come with severe injuries and a great deal of property damage. As you try to recover and move on with your life, it’s easy to let time slip through your fingers.
Often, victims don’t realize how little time they have to hold someone accountable for the negligence that led to their injuries. After a car accident, you only have a short amount of time to file a lawsuit against the liable party.
Car wrecks often bring about mounting medical bills, repair bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens. Altogether, it heaps additional, unnecessary stress on your family. That’s why it is essential for you to act quickly.
When you file a personal injury claim quickly, you better your odds of attaining the compensation you deserve.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury? The Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Claims in Texas
The time limit you have for filing a personal injury lawsuit is the statute of limitations. Every state has its own rules for these limitations set for different types of lawsuits. They exist to provide protection to defendants against legal action after an “unreasonable” amount of time passes.
Additionally, the idea is to encourage plaintiffs with valid claims to act quickly and diligently. Moreover, these limits keep evidence from being lost over time. In car accident claims, evidence ranges from your injuries and treatment to the damage to your property. Without proper documentation, the case becomes flimsy and a matter of your word against the defendant’s word.
In Texas, it’s important not to wonder “how long after a car accident can you claim injury?” The statute of limitations in the Lone Star State for filing a personal injury lawsuit (as well as for property damage) is two years from the date of the accident.
When you sustain injuries in a motor vehicle accident and don’t file your lawsuit, you may lose your right to receive the compensation you deserve. Moreover, you lose the opportunity to hold the other person accountable for their negligence.
The Clock Starts Ticking After Your Auto Accident
In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations for car accident claims becomes active when you have “reasonable knowledge of the harm” the accident causes. In most accidents (including truck, motorcycle, auto, and pedestrian accidents), victims understand when they sustain physical harm, see property damage, etc.
Statute of Limitations, Wrongful Death, and Time of Passing
When a person dies because of a car wreck, this two-year limit still applies. However, the period doesn’t start until the person passes. In wrongful death lawsuits, your family has too much to deal with.
With a motor vehicle accident lawyer on your side, you have an advocate to bear the weight of your case as you focus on healing your family.
When the Time Limit Expires
When the opportunity to ask “how long after a car accident can you claim injury?” passes, cases often face dismissal. However, there are a few exceptions that impact how long the statute lasts. For instance, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations begins when they turn 18 years old. Additionally, when the defendant leaves the state before beginning the legal process, there’s an opportunity to extend the time limit. In this instance, the period of time out of state does not count against the two years available to file a lawsuit.
Act Quickly with Your Personal Injury Claim
In many cases, “how long after a car accident can you claim injury?” is the wrong question to ask. The more important question is, can you prove negligence?
Whether you have a standard car accident claim or a wrongful death lawsuit, your potential for success hinges on the ability to prove that the other person’s negligence caused the auto accident.
Even when you feel “pretty sure” that the insurance claim process will solve your case, it’s a good idea to act soon after the accident. This gives you and your attorney more leverage in settlement negotiations.
When you wait too long to file a claim, it becomes all the more essential to hire an experienced Houston auto accident attorney. With a lawyer, you have someone to ensure your legal options stay on the table.
Liable Government Employees and the Statute of Limitations
As you wonder “how long after a car accident can you claim injury?” you face an entirely different set of rules when the liable party is a government employee.
When a government employee causes an accident that injures you or damages your property, it’s essential to follow a special set of rules. For example, if a city bus rear-ends your car, you have to provide notice of your claim in a shorter amount of time.
This gives the state a chance to respond to your allegations and investigate. With an auto accident attorney on your side, you have someone familiar with the process to explore your options and help you follow these special guidelines.
Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
How long after a car accident can you claim injury? In Texas, you have two years to file your personal injury claim. The sooner you act, the better your chances to receive the compensation you deserve.
Time passes quickly. When you hire an aggressive auto accident attorney, you have someone to guide you through the legal process. This is essential for a positive outcome that meets your needs.
When you contact our team quickly after your car accident, we work to preserve the evidence necessary for your case. Moreover, we act quickly to ensure you have everything you need to recover and protect your future. Let us bear the weight of your case as you focus on healing. Schedule a free case evaluation with our team to discuss your claim.
