Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Texas
Last verified 2026-07 · Source: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003
The deadline
2 years
from the date of the accident, under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003.
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Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas. Miss it and you lose the right to sue — but several Texas-specific exceptions can extend (or shorten) that window, detailed below.
Texas Deadlines for Related Claims
| Claim type | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Car Accident | 2 years | Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003 |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 yrs | Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 74.251 |
| Credit Card Debt | 4 yrs | Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.004 |
When the Clock Starts
In Texas, the limitations period for car accident lawsuits generally begins on the date of the accident. Texas does not apply a general discovery rule to this claim type — the date of the event controls, which makes early action critical.
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Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
- Minors: the clock is generally paused while the injured person is under 18.
- Fraudulent concealment: if the defendant actively hid the wrongdoing, the deadline may be extended until it was or should have been uncovered.
- Defendant leaves the state: absence can pause the clock in many circumstances.
- Government-claim trap: Claims against Texas government entities require written notice within 6 months under the Texas Tort Claims Act (§ 101.101); some cities require 45–90 days.
Missing the deadline almost always means dismissal; limited tolling if the defendant leaves the state.
Source: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, official Texas statute · verified 2026-07
What to Do Before the Deadline Runs
- Pin down your accrual date — the day the clock started — and calendar the deadline conservatively.
- Preserve evidence now: photos, records, witness contacts, bills. Evidence decays faster than deadlines.
- Send preservation/notice letters where required (especially for Texas government defendants).
- If the deadline is inside 6 months, treat it as urgent — filing suit is the only reliable way to stop the clock.
How Texas Compares to Nearby States
| State | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 2 years | Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003 |
| Louisiana | 2 yrs | La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
You have 2 years from the date of the accident, under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003.
Can I still sue after 2 years in Texas?
Usually no — courts dismiss claims filed after the statute of limitations expires. Narrow exceptions (tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment) can extend the deadline; whether one applies depends on your facts.
What if the victim was a minor?
Texas generally pauses ("tolls") the deadline while the injured person is under 18, giving them time to file after reaching adulthood. Special limits can still apply, so check the statute.
Is the deadline different for claims against the government?
Claims against Texas government entities require written notice within 6 months under the Texas Tort Claims Act (§ 101.101); some cities require 45–90 days.
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Sources
- Official Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003 — official Texas statute
- Verified 2026-07 under our 4-step process — every line checked against the sources above. How we verify
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Deadlines have exceptions that depend on your facts — confirm with a licensed Texas attorney.