Legal deadlines
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Texas?
If you've been injured in Texas, the clock is ticking. The state gives you a limited window to file a personal injury lawsuit — and if you miss it, you lose your right to compensation entirely. Here's what every injured Texan should know about the deadline. For city-specific resources, see our Texas accident guides.
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Prepared by Texas Settlement Calculator Editorial Team · Published 2026-08-15 · Editorial standards
The two-year rule
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 often provides a two-year limitations period for personal-injury claims, but accrual, tolling, minors, governmental notice and other exceptions can change the analysis. Do not treat the general rule as a calculation of an actual filing deadline.
Why you shouldn't wait two years
Texas personal-injury limitations questions often begin with a two-year period, but accrual, tolling, notice rules, parties and claim type can change the analysis. Evidence availability varies by source, and medical care should follow healthcare-provider guidance rather than a claim timetable. This resource does not assume that earlier action automatically produces a stronger claim.
When the clock might start later
In most cases, the two-year clock starts on the date of the accident. But there are exceptions. If your injury wasn't discovered right away — for example, a medical error that caused harm months later — the clock may start when you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury. If the at-fault party left Texas after the accident, the time they're gone may not count. These exceptions are narrow and fact-specific, so don't assume they apply without talking to an attorney.
Special rules for children and government claims
If the injured person is a minor, the two-year clock typically doesn't start until their 18th birthday. Claims involving a governmental entity can have TTCA notice requirements separate from ordinary limitations rules. CPRC § 101.101 generally provides six months, recognizes lawful city-charter or ordinance notice provisions, and includes an actual-notice exception. The applicable entity and rule should be identified from the specific facts and current law.
The bottom line
Limitations and evidence-preservation issues are source- and claim-specific. Medical care should follow healthcare-provider guidance, and the calculator provides only a broad educational preliminary range; it does not determine whether earlier action creates a stronger legal position.
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Related Texas guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Texas?
Texas personal-injury claims often involve a two-year limitations period, but exceptions can alter the deadline. Use the limitations screening resource for an educational date check and obtain case-specific guidance for an actual filing deadline.
Are there exceptions to the two-year deadline?
Yes, but they're narrow. The clock may start later for injuries that weren't discovered immediately, for minors (it starts at 18), or if the at-fault party left the state. Government claims can involve separate TTCA notice requirements; CPRC § 101.101 generally provides six months while recognizing city notice provisions and an actual-notice exception.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Missing an applicable limitations deadline can bar a claim, but accrual, tolling, exceptions and claim-specific rules can affect the analysis. The applicable deadline should be determined from the facts and current law.
This tool produces a preliminary, non-binding estimate based on the information you provide and general personal-injury valuation methods. It is not legal advice, not a guarantee of any outcome, and not a substitute for review by a licensed attorney. Actual settlements and verdicts vary widely based on evidence, jurisdiction, insurance coverage, and many other factors. Texas Settlement Calculator is not a law firm and does not practice law; use of this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship.