What is the Deadline to File a PI Case in TX?

If you have been hurt by someone’s carelessness, you typically have just two years to file your claim. However, there are exceptions.

Accidents are very serious and afterwards, you will incur high medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. These damages add insult to injury, as you may not know how you will pay for the costs related to your accident. Fortunately, when someone else caused your accident, you can file a claim against them to recover compensation for your losses. To be successful with your claim, it is crucial that you file within the appropriate amount of time.

The Statute of Limitations in Personal Injury Cases in Texas

Generally speaking, the statute of limitations in personal injury cases is two years from the date of your accident. If you do not file your lawsuit within this time, you will lose your right to claim any damages at all. The court will throw out your case based on the fact that time has expired, regardless of how strong the rest of your case is.

Two years sounds like a long time after an accident, but it is not. Prior to filing a lawsuit, a full investigation must be conducted and evidence must be obtained to support your claim. Medical records must also be gathered and in many instances, eyewitnesses have to be located and interviewed. All of this takes time and so, you should speak to an Edinburg personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident, so they can get started on your case.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

Although two years is usually the statute of limitations placed on personal injury lawsuits, there are exceptions. Claims arising from sexual assault, asbestos-related injuries, and silica-related injuries have a different statute of limitations than the general rule. Also, lawsuits involving children or individuals with a mental disability may also have longer statute of limitations.

Lawsuits involving the government also have a much shorter statute of limitations than other personal injury cases. If you are suing a government agency, you generally must notify them of the claim within six months of the date of the accident. Within this notice, you must outline the time and location of the accident, what occurred during the incident, and the damages you are seeking. Timing is even more critical when a lawsuit or claim involves the government, so it is even more important to speak to a personal injury lawyer right away.

Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Edinburg Will File Your Claim on Time

If you have been hurt by another person’s negligence, our Edinburg personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo can help. Our experienced attorneys will ensure your claim is filed on time, and will also help you through the rest of the process so you have the best chance of claiming the full damages that will cover the cost of your losses. Call us today at 956-318-3200 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.