Timing is critical after a serious car accident or otherwise. The moments, days, and weeks following an accident can be trying, both physically and mentally.
There’s the pain of injuries and the chaos of dealing with the financial strain that serious personal injuries can put you. The last thing you want to be thinking about is a time limit for filing your case and receiving your compensation. Unfortunately, every state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury cases, and Texas is no different.
When to File Your Lawsuit in Texas
Texas’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years if you are bringing your case against a private company, employer, or another civilian. This time limit begins on the day that the accident takes place.
As to when you should file your personal injury case, the proper time can vary depending on your specific situation. It’s important to note that you should not file your case until you’re certain that all medical problems caused by the accident have been properly documented and all other damages have been accounted for. This way, your due compensation in the case has been assessed prior to going forward with the claim.
That being said, waiting too late can forfeit all rights you may have had to compensation in the first place. Consult with an attorney to know exactly when is the optimal time to file your accident claim.
Exception to Texas’s Statute of Limitations
There is one notable exception to Texas’s two year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you are filing your case against either the state or federal government, the statute of limitations drops down to six months. This time limit also begins on the day of the accident.
Claims against the government require different procedures than do other personal injury accident cases. For one, your claim must be formally submitted to the government along with any details or official records of the accident.
For more information about Texas’s statute of limitations and filing your personal injury claim, check out our article “How Long Do I Have to File Suit For an Accident in Texas?”