How Long Do I Have to File an Injury Lawsuit in Texas? A Practical Guide for Houston Accident Victims

Karen Diazgranados | Feb 09 2026 19:00

Quick Summary

In most Texas personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means you lose your right to recover compensation. But waiting too long can also weaken your case because evidence fades, witnesses become harder to reach, and insurance companies gain the upper hand.

The Standard 2‑Year Deadline in Texas

Texas law gives injured victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit for cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and falls, dog bites, and most other negligence-related injuries. This is known as the statute of limitations.

The clock typically starts on the day of the accident. However, there are limited exceptions for cases involving minors, delayed discovery of injuries, and government entities — each with its own special rules and shorter notice requirements.

Why Acting Early Makes a Huge Difference

Even though two years may sound like plenty of time, acting quickly helps preserve the strength of your claim. Here’s why:

  • Evidence disappears fast. Surveillance footage gets deleted, skid marks fade, and damaged vehicles get repaired or scrapped.
  • Witness memories change. The sooner statements are collected, the more accurate and helpful they tend to be.
  • Insurance companies move quickly. They often start building their defense immediately — sometimes even before you’ve received medical treatment.
  • Your medical documentation matters. Early evaluation helps connect your injuries directly to the accident, which is critical for proving your claim.

How Granados & Associates, PLLC Helps Protect Your Rights

Our team handles every part of the process — investigating the accident, gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, working with medical providers, and dealing directly with the insurance company on your behalf. We treat every case with a trial‑ready mindset from day one, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

If you want to explore the types of injury cases we handle, you can review our full list of practice areas here: Granados & Associates Practice Areas.

Don’t Wait Until the Deadline Gets Close

Calling early doesn’t mean you have to file a lawsuit right away — it simply protects your rights and gives us the time we need to build the strongest case possible.

If you or a loved one has been injured, reach out to us today. We’re available 24/7, bilingual (Se Habla Español), and here to help you understand your options.

Contact Granados & Associates, PLLC for a free consultation.