Filing a Personal Injury Claim Timeline in Texas

Getting injured badly enough to file a personal injury claim can have a massive impact on your life. You might be unable to work or enjoy the activities you once loved. You might have chronic pain or long-term disabilities. Getting compensation can be critical for paying your expenses and holding the other party responsible.

Even if your case is simple, however, you might have to wait a while to get a check. The timeline on a personal injury claim in Texas varies, but it can take a while to resolve an individual case. Here’s what you can expect when you file.

How Long Do You Have to File?

The first thing you should do after getting injured is see a doctor. However, your injuries might not be clear right away. Sometimes, it can take days, weeks, or even longer for problems to develop that were related to the injury.

For most personal injury cases, the statute of limitations in Texas is two years. You have two years from the date of the injury to file, although most people submit their claim long before that. The main exception is for personal injury claims against government agencies or employees, which have a 6-month statute of limitations.

There are other exceptions, such as for minors, but generally, you will need to file within two years. Waiting to file until you fully understand the impact of your injuries is smart, as long as you don’t wait too long.

What’s the Timeline for a Personal Injury Case in Texas?

Once you understand the impact of your injuries, there are several steps in the filing and settlement process.

  • Speaking with an attorney
  • Filing your claim
  • Participating in the investigation
  • Negotiating a settlement
  • Receiving compensation

If the settlement process is unsuccessful, then you might need to take the matter to court. These steps will be needed to close out the case:

  • Filing a lawsuit
  • Participating in discovery and court hearings
  • Reaching a verdict
  • Receiving compensation

This process can take just a few months if you are able to settle out of court or up to several years if you cannot reach an agreement. Every case is different, so it’s impossible to predict how long each will take to resolve.

When Should You Talk To an Attorney?

It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury, as your memory will be at its best. They can give you advice on when to file and how to proceed with your case. A lawyer will represent you and guide you through the personal injury claim process to help you get the best possible settlement in your case.

For help with a personal injury case in Texas, call our office in San Antonio at (210) 953-7486 to speak with our experienced attorney today.