One of the most important aspects of filing a legal claim is being aware of the statute of limitations, which sets a filing deadline. Statutes of limitations vary based on the nature of the claim and the state in which the lawsuit is being filed.
The statute of limitations for car accidents in Texas is normally two years from the date of the accident. Though certain exceptions may shorten or extend the deadline, failure to file by the correct date will result in your case being dismissed in court. To avoid this, call (469) 813-7332 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with your skilled personal injury lawyers.
Understanding the Texas Car Accident Statute of Limitations
Though car accident lawsuits can take time to resolve, the statute of limitations only requires that you file your case within the relevant time limit, not that it be resolved within that period. However, once the statute of limitations governing your case expires, you will no longer be able to file a claim seeking compensation for your accident. As long as you file within the time limit, your case will not be barred.
Are There Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations in Texas?
It’s always best to act quickly when considering a lawsuit to ensure you file on time. However, though exceptions to the car accident statute of limitations in Texas are relatively rare, they do exist under certain circumstances:
- The plaintiff is a minor or determined to be mentally unsound. If the plaintiff is underage or mentally unfit at the time of the accident, the two-year countdown does not begin until either condition ceases.
- The defendant left the state of Texas. If the defendant is absent from the state, the countdown pauses until they return.
- The plaintiff or the defendant passed away. If either the plaintiff or the defendant dies during the statutory limitations period, the countdown is suspended for 12 months after the death.
- The plaintiff was not aware of their injury or its connection to the defendant’s actions. Depending on the circumstances, the statute of limitations may be paused until the plaintiff realizes they are injured or that the defendant was at fault. This exception rarely applies in car accident lawsuits.
- The end of the two-year statutory filing window falls on a holiday or weekend. When this occurs, the deadline is moved to the next business day for the local county offices.
Benefits of Filing Your Claim Early
It’s understandable if filing a lawsuit isn’t your first priority after an accident, especially if you’ve been injured. However, the sooner you reach out to our knowledgeable Texas car accident attorneys, the sooner they can begin building a strong claim on your behalf.
Among other things, waiting too long to reach out to a lawyer runs the risk of losing valuable evidence and testimony from witnesses as their memories start to fade. It is also best if your attorney handles conversations with at-fault parties and insurers from the beginning. This ensures your rights and interests are protected.
Once you reach out, our attorneys can also start working with your health care providers to make sure your injuries and treatment are well-documented. This documentation will become crucial evidence when proving the full value of your compensable damages.
Trust Shamieh Law With Your Car Accident Claim
Your top priority after a car accident should be recovering from your injuries. At Shamieh Law, our top priority is getting you the full and fair compensation you deserve. Our compassionate legal team has the skills and resources needed to handle even the most complex claims. We set ourselves apart from other law firms with our unwavering dedication to our clients and commitment to securing the best case results possible on their behalf.
With offices in Dallas and Austin, our Texas car accident lawyers are standing by to review your claim and make sure it is filed on time. Because we operate on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win. Call (469) 813-7332 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Ofrecemos servicios en español.
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