If you have been injured in an accident in Texas — whether in a car crash, oil field accident, slip and fall, or maritime incident — one of the most critical questions is: how long do you have to take legal action? Missing the deadline to file a lawsuit can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. Here is what South Texas injury victims need to know.

The General Texas Statute of Limitations: 2 Years

For most personal injury claims in Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. This applies to car accidents, truck accidents, oil field injuries, slip and fall accidents, and most other tort claims. If you do not file your lawsuit within two years, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and the defendant can use the expired deadline as a complete defense.

Two years sounds like plenty of time, but it goes fast — especially when you are focused on recovering from injuries, dealing with insurance companies, and managing medical bills. Starting the process early gives your attorney time to preserve evidence, identify all defendants, and build a strong case. Visit our personal injury practice page for more on how we handle Texas injury claims.

The Jones Act: 3-Year Statute of Limitations for Maritime Workers

If you are a seaman who qualifies for protection under the Jones Act, you have three years from the date of your injury to file suit — one year longer than the standard Texas personal injury rule. This applies to maritime workers who spend a substantial portion of their working time on a qualifying vessel in navigation. The three-year window is set by federal law and applies regardless of which state the lawsuit is filed in.

However, do not let the extra year create a false sense of security. Maritime injury claims are complex and require specialized investigation, including preserving vessel logs, maintenance records, crew manifests, and Coast Guard reports. Our maritime law attorneys can help you protect your Jones Act rights.

Government Entity Claims: Shorter Deadlines Apply

If your injury was caused by a government entity — a city, county, or state agency — Texas law imposes a shorter deadline. You must provide written notice of your claim within six months of the injury under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Failure to provide timely notice can forfeit your right to sue. Federal government claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act require notice within two years but have additional procedural requirements.

Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline

In certain circumstances, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused), including: if the injured person is a minor at the time of the accident (the clock may not start until they turn 18), if the injured person is of unsound mind, if the discovery rule applies (for injuries that were not immediately apparent), or if the defendant fraudulently concealed the cause of the injury.

These exceptions are narrow and fact-specific. Do not assume an exception applies to your case without consulting an attorney.

Why Waiting Hurts — Even Within the Deadline

Even if you file within the legal deadline, delaying your claim can seriously damage your case. Physical evidence gets destroyed or lost. Witnesses' memories fade. Surveillance footage gets overwritten. Black box data from trucks gets erased. Medical documentation of your injuries is strongest when treatment is prompt. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of building the strongest possible case.

Insurance companies often use delay tactics to reduce claims. If you wait months to consult an attorney, the insurer may argue your injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the accident.

Free Consultation — Anderson Alexander PLLC

Do not let a statute of limitations issue prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. Anderson Alexander PLLC handles personal injury and maritime claims throughout South Texas. Attorneys Austin Anderson and Clif Alexander are Super Lawyers rated.

Call us today for a free consultation:Anderson Alexander PLLC101 N Shoreline Blvd Suite 420, Corpus Christi TX 78401Phone: (361) 452-1279Contact us online — No fee unless we win.