Texas law generally gives injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, under the statute of limitations in Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003.
Missing this deadline typically bars the claim entirely, though limited exceptions can extend or pause the clock in certain situations. Because evidence and witness memories fade quickly, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
A Houston trial lawyer since 2009 — representing injured people and their families, and defending the accused in DWI and criminal cases. Jay is an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, a certified practitioner and instructor of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, a certified Drug Recognition Expert, and trained in forensic chromatography. He is a member of the National College for DUI Defense, a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, and an appointee to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission by Gov. Abbott in 2024.
Last reviewed July 2026 · This article is legal information, not legal advice. Read Jay’s full bio →