Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date the injury occurred. This covers car accidents, truck wrecks, slip and falls, most premises cases, and many other claims. If you miss the deadline, a court will almost always dismiss your case no matter how clear the other side's fault.
The General Rule: Two Years From the Date of Injury
Two years sounds generous, but it disappears quickly while you are recovering, fighting with insurers, and trying to get back to work. Evidence fades just as fast: witnesses move, dashcam and surveillance footage gets overwritten, and skid marks and damaged property are repaired. The practical deadline to start building a strong case is far earlier than the legal deadline to file.
Claims Against Government Entities Move Faster
If a city bus, county vehicle, public hospital, or government employee caused your injury, the Texas Tort Claims Act imposes much shorter notice requirements. Many Texas cities require written notice of a claim within as little as 45 to 90 days under their charters, and the state generally requires formal notice within six months. Missing that notice window can bar an otherwise valid claim entirely.
Because so many Texas crashes and falls involve some government component, you should never assume you have the full two years.
Exceptions That Can Pause the Clock
Texas recognizes the discovery rule for certain injuries that are not immediately apparent, such as some surgical errors or toxic exposure. In those cases, the clock may begin when you knew or reasonably should have known of the injury and its cause.
For minors, the limitations period generally does not begin until the child turns 18. The clock may also be tolled for a person of unsound mind. These exceptions are narrow, heavily disputed by insurers, and should never be relied on without a lawyer reviewing the specific facts.
If you were hurt in Texas, do not wait to learn which deadline applies. A free case review can pin down your exact timeline and make sure nothing slips past.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Texas attorney.