Texas Personal Injury Statute of Limitations (2025): Deadlines & Exceptions
Meta Description: Discover the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas as of 2025 — standard deadlines, exceptions and how to preserve your rights.
1️⃣ Introduction
Understanding the statute of limitations is critical for anyone involved in a personal injury claim. In Texas, these deadlines determine how long an injured person has to file a lawsuit. Missing them can permanently bar recovery, so knowing the time limits and exceptions as of 2025 is essential for protecting your legal rights.
2️⃣ General limitation period in Texas
Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. This rule applies to car accidents, slip and fall cases, and general negligence claims. The clock starts on the day the injury occurred unless an exception applies.
3️⃣ Exceptions (minors, discovery rule, government claims)
Texas law recognizes several exceptions to the standard two-year rule:
| Exception | Extension | Description |
|---|
| Minors | Until age 18 + 2 years | Statute is tolled until the minor turns 18 |
| Discovery Rule | From date of discovery | Applies when the injury or negligence was not immediately known |
| Government Claims | Notice within 6 months | Special notice requirement under the Texas Tort Claims Act |
4️⃣ Procedural steps: notice, filing, preservation of evidence
Before filing, it’s important to gather medical records, witness statements, and photographs that prove the injury and negligence. If the defendant is a government entity, written notice must be submitted within six months of the incident. Filing the lawsuit in the correct county court and preserving all original evidence strengthens your claim.
5️⃣ Consequences of missing the deadline
If the statute of limitations expires, courts typically dismiss the case, and the right to compensation is lost. Even if negotiations are ongoing, the filing deadline continues to run unless a tolling exception applies. Therefore, monitoring these dates closely is crucial to avoid forfeiting legal rights.
6️⃣ Best practice for claim preparation
Start documenting the incident immediately, consult an attorney early, and maintain a detailed record of medical and financial losses. Keeping a timeline of all communications and evidence ensures you meet all statutory deadlines and avoid procedural mistakes that could undermine your case.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the standard filing deadline?
A1. Usually two years for personal injury in Texas.
Q2. Does the time start at injury or discovery?
A2. Depends – the discovery rule may apply if the injury wasn’t immediately known.
Q3. Can I negotiate after it expires?
A3. It gets harder; you may lose legal rights once the statute has run out.
Conclusion
As of 2025, Texas personal injury claims must generally be filed within two years, but key exceptions and notice rules can alter that timeline. Understanding these limits and preparing your claim promptly are the best ways to preserve your right to fair compensation.
References
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