How Long Do I Have to File an Injury Claim in Texas?

The general rule is only a starting point

The correct deadline can depend on the claim, defendant, injury date, discovery rules, minority, death, prior proceedings, contractual provisions, and other circumstances. Filing a claim with an insurer usually does not itself stop limitations.

Government claims may require earlier notice

Claims involving cities, counties, transit systems, school districts, or other governmental units may be subject to formal notice requirements well before the lawsuit deadline. The applicable statute, charter, and facts should be checked immediately.

Preservation cannot wait

Even when the filing deadline is months away, surveillance can be overwritten, vehicles repaired, employees leave, and electronic records disappear. Early preservation is separate from limitations.

Confirm the deadline in writing

A lawyer evaluating a case should identify all plausible defendants and claims, determine the controlling deadlines, and calendar earlier internal dates. This article is general information, not a calculation of any reader’s deadline.

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