On Texas roads, a car crash happens every 56 seconds. In 2023, 4,283 people died in these accidents, with one death every two hours and three minutes. Over 250,000 people were injured as well, and considerable property damage was reported. Unfortunately, the impact of car accidents extends far beyond these statistics.

Car crash victims are often left facing extensive medical bills and an inability to work. Many suffer long-term injuries that require ongoing care. The emotional toll worsens the physical one, and some even suffer from severe post-traumatic stress. This is why the Texas legal system provides ways for car accident victims to seek compensation.

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When Should You File a Claim in Texas?

Under Section 16.003 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, you generally have two years from the day the crash occurs to file a lawsuit. This means the clock starts counting down immediately.

Why Do These Deadlines Matter?

The two-year deadline was set because time changes everything in a legal case. Letting time pass means creating opportunities for evidence to disappear or deteriorate. You risk situations such as:

  • Security camera footage getting deleted
  • Vehicles involved in the accident being repaired or scrapped
  • Witnesses moving away or forgetting key details
  • Medical records becoming harder to obtain

The law sets this constraint to provide a fair chance to both parties. As the victim, you need enough time to understand your injuries and gather evidence. But defendants also deserve protection from claims so old that they can’t properly defend themselves, and courts need to ensure cases are resolved while the evidence is still reliable.

Special Rules Apply to Government Vehicles

The rules change if your accident involves a government vehicle. Texas law gives you just six months to file your claim in these cases. Your notice needs to state when and where the accident happened, what damages or injuries you suffered, and how the incident occurred.

Unfortunately, missing this six-month deadline could mean losing your right to compensation entirely. Therefore, it’s important to act quickly if a government vehicle is involved in your accident.

Can You Get More Time?

By law, there is a consideration that not every situation fits neatly into a two-year window. Certain life circumstances can extend your time to file a personal injury claim. Here are some potential exceptions to the two-year countdown:

  • The clock might start only when unknown injuries are discovered
  • Victims under 18 have until their 20th birthday to file
  • The defendant leaving Texas pauses the clock
  • Mental incapacity can extend the deadline
  • Active military service of the defendant may extend the window

However, it’s important to note that courts take these exceptions very seriously. You’ll need clear evidence to prove you qualify for any extension, and you should never assume that an exception applies to your case without consulting a legal professional.

Insurance Companies Have Their Own Timelines

Your insurance policy creates additional deadlines. Most of them require accident reports within 24 to 72 hours, though some allow up to 30 days. Missing these deadlines can void your coverage before you ever reach the legal deadline. Each insurer sets specific requirements, and they enforce them strictly.

How to Build a Strong Case

You need strong documentation when pursuing a claim, and this requires:

  • Immediate police reports and accident-scene photos
  • Complete medical records and treatment history
  • All receipts and bills for accident-related expenses
  • Documentation of lost work time and other losses
  • Witness statements and contact information

Remember that this evidence becomes harder to gather as time passes. It’s in your best interest to act quickly.

Seek Prompt Medical Treatment

In 2023, 18,752 people sustained serious injuries following car crashes in Texas. None of these individuals planned to get hurt. Should it happen to you, it’s important to understand that the timing of medical care affects your case significantly.

Immediate treatment documents the connection between the accident and your injuries, but don’t stop at that. You also need regular checkups, because consistent follow-up care can reveal ongoing issues. Gaps in your treatment can hurt your settlement value because they don’t show the severity or progression of your injuries.

Start the Process Early

Here is why you want to start the process as early as possible:

  • Evidence is easier to collect
  • Witness memories are fresher
  • You avoid the pressure of deadlines
  • Insurance companies negotiate more seriously
  • You have time for proper case preparation

You can always wait if you feel the need to strategize. However, traditionally, the strongest cases often start with early action.

Work Within the Given Deadlines

A car accident can leave you reeling due to mounting medical bills, the injuries you’ve suffered, and the legal steps you have to take. Dealing with rules like the statute of limitations for filing a claim on top of all that can seem overwhelming.

But there’s no need to panic: The two-year deadline should give you plenty of time to build a strong case. Start early for your best chance at justice and compensation.