How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Texas?
After you have been injured in an accident, it is extremely important to hire a Texas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to avoid losing valuable evidence in your case.
You should also be aware of the time limits set by the statute of limitations. If you wait too long to file a personal injury lawsuit, your claim can become time-barred based on the statute of limitations.
What is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a specific amount of time that a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit. In civil lawsuits, including all personal injury claims, each state has its own statute of limitations.
Typically, the clock on the statute of limitations begins “ticking” on the date of the event causing the plaintiff’s injury. For example, if a plaintiff is injured in a car crash, the deadline is set from the date of the collision.
For most personal injury lawsuits, there is no way to stop or extend (“toll”) the statute of limitations. Once the clock runs out, all claims are “time-barred” and the plaintiff’s legal rights to bring a valid claim have expired.
In some cases, particularly involving governmental entities, injured victims have a much shorter time deadline to provide written notice of a claim or risk losing the right to seek economic damages. To ensure your rights and ability to make a claim are protected, you should always contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a wreck or injury.
What is the Texas Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims?
Under Texas law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years. A plaintiff must file a claim within two years from the date of the event resulting in injury to remain eligible for compensation.
Why You Should Work With a Skilled Texas Personal Injury Lawyer
While two years may sound like a long time, every day that a plaintiff waits to hire a lawyer is a day the insurance company spends preparing to defend or diminish the value of your claim. You can be sure the insurance company has a team of lawyers working on their behalf. You need legal representation to look out for your interests.
Also, the longer you wait to retain an attorney, the more likely it becomes that evidence critical to your is lost. The sooner you hire an attorney, however, the better your attorney will be able to preserve your rights, protect your evidence and ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.
With offices in Southlake, Dallas, and Fort Worth, we have handled thousands of personal injury claims. We are well acquainted with the Texas statute of limitations and how the limitations period may be applied in your jurisdiction.
The experienced Texas personal injury lawyers at the Francis Firm can assist with your case. Contact us today and let us help you understand your rights, get the medical care you need and the settlement you deserve.
For more information about filing a claim, call (817) 329-9001 or contact us online as soon as possible for a free, confidential, and no-obligation legal consultation.