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After a car accident, it is easy to focus on the immediate concerns of medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and dealing with insurance companies. While these issues deserve your attention, it is also important to understand that Texas law places strict deadlines on how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long could prevent you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.
At Barrow Law, we help accident victims throughout Fort Worth protect their legal rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Knowing the deadline for filing a lawsuit is one of the most important steps you can take after a serious crash.
In most cases, Texas law gives injured individuals two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
If you do not file your lawsuit within this time frame, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you may lose the opportunity to recover damages for your injuries.
The same two-year deadline generally applies to wrongful death claims arising from fatal car accidents, although the timeline may begin on the date of the person's death rather than the date of the accident.
Because every case is unique, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to determine the deadline that applies to your situation.
Although two years may seem like plenty of time, building a strong car accident claim often requires immediate action.
Important evidence can disappear quickly. Witnesses may become difficult to locate, surveillance footage may be deleted, and physical evidence at the accident scene may no longer be available.
Seeking legal guidance early allows your attorney to:
The sooner an investigation begins, the stronger your case may be.
If you have been injured in a crash, our Fort Worth car accident attorneys can begin protecting your rights right away.
While the two-year statute of limitations applies in most Fort Worth car accident cases, there are situations where the deadline may be different.
Some examples include:
If the injured person is under 18 years old, the statute of limitations may not begin until they reach adulthood. However, certain claims brought on behalf of the child may still have separate deadlines.
If your accident involved a government-owned vehicle or a government employee, special notice requirements often apply. In many cases, these deadlines are much shorter than the standard two-year period.
Failing to provide proper notice could prevent you from pursuing compensation.
Some injuries are not immediately apparent after a collision. While the statute of limitations usually begins on the date of the accident, certain circumstances may affect when legal deadlines begin to run.
Because exceptions are limited and highly fact-specific, it is best to have an attorney review your case as early as possible.
No.
Many accident victims assume that as long as they are negotiating with an insurance company, they do not need to worry about filing a lawsuit. Unfortunately, this is not true.
Insurance claims and lawsuits are separate legal processes. Even if settlement discussions are ongoing, the statute of limitations continues to run.
Insurance companies understand these deadlines and may intentionally prolong negotiations. If the filing deadline passes before a lawsuit is filed, they may no longer have any incentive to offer a fair settlement.
This is one reason why working with an experienced Fort Worth attorney can help protect your interests throughout the claims process.
Missing the statute of limitations can have serious consequences.
In most cases:
Even if liability is clear, courts generally enforce filing deadlines very strictly.
If another driver's negligence caused your injuries, filing your claim within the applicable deadline allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Depending on your circumstances, you may recover compensation for:
Every Fort Worth car accident case is different, and the amount of compensation available depends on the severity of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the evidence supporting your claim.
Meeting legal deadlines is only one part of building a successful car accident case.
An experienced attorney can also:
Having legal representation allows you to focus on your recovery while your attorney manages the legal process.
The days and weeks following a car accident often pass quickly. Between doctor appointments, insurance calls, and recovering from your injuries, it is easy to lose track of important legal deadlines.
By speaking with an attorney early, you can better understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and give yourself the best opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve. Whether your accident occurred on a busy Fort Worth highway, a neighborhood street, or an intersection anywhere in Fort Worth, acting promptly can make a meaningful difference in your case.
If you are dealing with injuries after a car accident, our attorneys are here to help. Call us today or connect with us online to schedule a consultation.
