Many insurance companies may appear supportive and rush you to sign documents or accept a settlement before fully understanding the extent of your injuries. A lawyer will ensure you’re not pressured, allowing you to focus on your recovery while securing the compensation you deserve.
The Texas statute of limitations is a set of laws that outline the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. In other words, these laws define the time limit you have to take legal action on something.
In the context of personal injury cases in Texas, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If you don’t file within this time, you will usually be barred from bringing a lawsuit regarding that injury in the future. However, there can be exceptions or circumstances that might extend or shorten this period.
It’s important to note that different types of cases have different statutes of limitations. For example, if your case involves a contract, you have four years to file a lawsuit.
If you do not file your lawsuit within the time period set by the statute of limitations, you will likely lose your right to sue. The court will probably dismiss your case as “time-barred.”
In other words, if you try to file your personal injury lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the person or entity you are trying to sue can use the expired statute of limitations as a defense. This means they can ask the court to dismiss your case, and the court would usually grant that request.
There are some exceptions, but they are rare. For example, sometimes the clock on the statute of limitations can be “tolled” or paused, such as when the injured party is a minor or mentally incompetent.
If your car accident occurred in Texas, you would generally file your personal injury lawsuit in Texas, regardless of where you live. The laws of the state where the accident occurred would typically govern your case. This is because the jurisdiction – the authority of a court to hear a case – usually lies where the incident took place.
No, the statute of limitations for incidents involving government employees or agencies can be different and often more complex compared to those involving private parties.
In Texas, if you plan to sue a government employee or agency, you must typically give notice of a claim (sometimes called an “intent to sue”) within a short period after the incident – sometimes as few as 30 to 180 days, depending on the specifics of the situation (see Sec. 101.101).
This requirement to provide notice is in addition to the regular statute of limitations, which is the deadline to actually file the lawsuit in court. The notice requirement ensures the government agency has adequate information and time to investigate the incident.
As always, due to the complexity of these laws and potential exceptions, it’s highly recommended to consult with an attorney experienced in cases against government entities to guide you through the process.
Our personal injury lawyers help Texans get the financial compensation they deserve. We only get paid if you win.* And we fight to win.
Hurt in an accident? Tell us what happened. We’ll give you straight answers — fast, free, and with no strings attached.*
Address
2711 North Haskell Ave.
Suite 2500
Dallas, TX 75204
Address
1900 W Loop S
20th Floor
Houston, TX 77027
Address
12605 East Freeway
Suite 400
Houston, Texas 77015
Address
7330 San Pedro Ave
Suite 700
San Antonio, TX 78216
Copyright © 2025 Jim Adler & Associates. All Rights Reserved.
*No fee if no recovery. Client is responsible for paying court costs and expenses, regardless of recovery. The results of your case may vary depending on the facts presented and your legal situation. By submitting any forms on this website, you are also agreeing to our Terms & Privacy Policy and you are providing consent to receive communications from us which may include calls, texts, emails, and/or prerecorded messages. “The Texas Hammer®,” “El Martillo Tejano®,” and related marks are registered trademarks of Jim Adler & Associates and are protected under U.S. trademark law. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or imitation of these marks is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
