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Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury in Texas (2025): What You Need to Know Before Time Runs Out

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Texas — whether it’s a car crash, slip-and-fall, workplace injury, truck accident, dog bite, or any other incident — one rule can make or break your entire case:

The statute of limitations.

This deadline determines how long you have to file a lawsuit. Miss it, and your right to compensation disappears forever — no matter how strong your case is or how badly you were hurt.

This guide breaks down the Texas personal injury statute of limitations in clear, simple terms, including exceptions, special rules, and why acting quickly (and contacting an attorney like The Lange Firm) is the smartest move you can make.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Texas?

In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury cases is:

🕒 Two (2) years from the date of the injury

This applies to cases such as:

• Car accidents

• Truck accidents

• Motorcycle crashes

• Pedestrian accidents

• Slip-and-fall injuries

• Dog bites

• Nursing home injuries

• Workplace third-party injury claims

• Assault and intentional injury cases

• Wrongful death

If two years pass and a lawsuit hasn’t been filed, courts almost always refuse to hear your case.

Insurance companies know this — and they use delay tactics hoping the clock runs out.

Why the Statute of Limitations Matters So Much

Many people assume they have “plenty of time,” but the period passes much faster than expected. Medical treatment takes months. Insurance negotiations drag on. Evidence disappears. And before you know it, you’re approaching the deadline.

When the statute expires:

• You cannot file a lawsuit

• The insurance company has no reason to settle

• Your claim becomes legally worthless

That’s why personal injury lawyers recommend contacting an attorney as early as possible — the sooner The Lange Firm gets involved, the more time there is to build a strong case and avoid any deadline mistakes.

Exceptions That Can Change the Deadline

While two years is the standard limit, several exceptions can extend or shorten the timeframe. Here are the most important ones every Texan should know:

1. Cases Involving Minors

If the injured person is under 18, the two-year clock does not start immediately.

For minors, the statute typically begins on their 18th birthday, meaning they may have until age 20 to file.

However, some types of claims — like medical bills owed by parents — may still have earlier deadlines. Families should always consult a lawyer right away.

2. Cases Involving Wrongful Death

In wrongful death cases, the deadline is:

🕒 Two years from the date of death,

not the date of the original injury.

This distinction matters when a victim survives for a period before passing away.

3. Medical Malpractice Cases

Medical malpractice in Texas has several unique rules:

• Standard deadline: 2 years

• In some circumstances: Up to 10 years under the “statute of repose”

• Special notice requirements before filing

• Complex rules for minors

If medical negligence is involved, contacting an attorney immediately is critical — these cases involve some of the strictest deadlines in Texas law.

4. Government Claims Have Shorter Deadlines

Suing a government entity (city, county, school district, state agency, bus authority, etc.) follows a different set of rules.

Here’s the biggest difference:

🕒 You may have as little as 6 months to file a notice of claim — sometimes less.

For example:

• City of Houston → 90 days

• City of Austin → 45 days

• Texas state agencies → 6 months

If you don’t file a formal notice on time, the lawsuit is barred — even if the government clearly caused the injury.

This is one of the main reasons why early legal help matters.

5. When the Injury Was Not Immediately Known

Texas allows extensions in cases where the injury wasn’t discoverable right away, such as:

• Exposure to toxic chemicals

• Hidden injuries

• Defective products

• Medical errors discovered later

This is known as the “discovery rule.”

Under this rule, the two-year period may start when the injury was discovered — or reasonably should have been discovered.

6. When the Defendant Leaves Texas

If the person who caused the injury leaves the state before a lawsuit is filed, Texas law may “pause” the statute of limitations until they return.

This prevents wrongdoers from escaping accountability simply by moving temporarily.

Why You Should Never Wait Until the Deadline

Even though the limit is two years, waiting even a few months can weaken your case dramatically.

Here’s what typically goes wrong when people delay:

• Evidence gets lost

• Witness memories fade

• Accident videos are deleted

• Vehicles are repaired before inspection

• Insurance companies drag their feet

• Medical records become harder to obtain

• Defendants disappear

The earlier you contact a lawyer, the better the result — period.

How Long Do You Have to File an Insurance Claim?

This is different from filing a lawsuit.

Insurance companies often require prompt notice, which may mean:

• 24 hours

• 72 hours

• “As soon as reasonably possible”

If you wait too long, the insurer may deny coverage based on late reporting — even if you’re still within the two-year lawsuit deadline.

How the Statute of Limitations Affects Settlement Negotiations

Insurance adjusters understand the law very well.

When the statute of limitations is close to expiring, they often:

• Delay returning calls

• Ask for unnecessary documents

• Request repeated “reviews”

• Offer extremely low settlements

• Hope the victim doesn’t file in time

Once the deadline passes, your negotiating power disappears completely.

That’s why The Lange Firm monitors all deadlines closely and files lawsuits when necessary to protect your rights.

Does Filing a Claim Stop the Clock?

No.
This surprises many people.

Only filing an actual lawsuit stops the statute of limitations.

Filing an insurance claim is not enough.
Negotiating with the adjuster is not enough.
Getting medical treatment is not enough.

To preserve your rights, the lawsuit must be filed in the proper court before the deadline.

How The Lange Firm Protects Your Case Before Time Runs Out

Personal injury deadlines can be confusing, but you don’t have to navigate them alone.

When you hire The Lange Firm, the team immediately:

• Confirms the correct statute of limitations

• Identifies all defendants

• Sends legal notices on time

• Preserves evidence

• Begins negotiations early

• Files the lawsuit before the deadline

• Builds a strong case for full compensation

Their goal is simple: protect your rights and ensure no deadline ever threatens your recovery.

Final Takeaway

Time is the enemy in personal injury cases — but the good news is that you don’t have to face it alone.

The statute of limitations in Texas is strict, but with the right lawyer, you can protect your right to compensation and move forward with confidence.

If you’ve been injured in Texas — whether in a car accident, slip-and-fall, workplace incident, or any other situation — The Lange Firm is ready to guide you, protect your deadlines, and fight for the recovery you deserve.

You focus on healing.
They’ll focus on the law.