Car after an accident

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Texas?

While you may do everything in your power to be safe, car accidents still occur. They can result in not only property damage and physical injuries but also mental and emotional stress and wasted time. If you were injured in a car accident in Texas due to the negligence of someone else, it’s important to know what your options are, including how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit.

How Much Time Do You Have?

If you have been injured in a car accident, the length of time that you have to file a lawsuit is dependent upon the state in which you live. Some states allow you up to one year to file while others up to six years. Most states allow between two and three years from the date of the accident to file. Texas allows you two years from the date of the accident to file suit. Insurance companies are given up to 35 days to settle a claim and to decide whether or not they will pay the settlement. It’s key to understand that if you miss the window for filing (in other words, the statute of limitations has passed), you may no longer be awarded compensation – even if you were truly the victim. 

Statutes of limitation are so important because they symbolize the time during which it is reasonable to preserve evidence necessary for proving or disproving a case. These time limitations also ensure that those who witnessed an accident still have a reliable memory of the incident.

What Should You Do?

Since there are clear time limitations to filing a personal injury lawsuit, it’s imperative that you file the claim as soon as possible. Be sure to collect photographs, videos, police reports, medical reports, receipts, witness statements, etc. as these will be key in demonstrating the exact accident that occurred and the manner in which it occurred. 

It is also greatly beneficial to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who can help you to understand to what you are entitled and will work to help you obtain what it is that you deserve. They have a familiarity with these types of cases and therefore understand what a fair settlement would look like. 

You will be compensated according to several factors, such as the severity of your injury, the cost of your medical bills and expenses, your lost wages, and other evidence that you have collected to demonstrate what transpired. 

The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Injured in a Car Accident

If you were injured in a car accident due to the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand to what you are entitled under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make the important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Texas personal injury attorney.

At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that an accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!