At Patterson Law Group, we know firsthand how chaotic and stressful life becomes after a car crash. Between dealing with injuries, property damage, and pushy insurance companies, it’s easy to put off calling a lawyer. But if you’re asking yourself how long you have to call an auto accident lawyer after a crash in Texas, the answer is simple: the sooner, the better.
The law in Texas sets firm deadlines for pursuing compensation. Waiting too long can jeopardize your entire case, even if your injuries are severe and the other driver was clearly at fault.
That’s why we encourage crash victims to contact our Fort Worth auto accident attorney immediately. Fast action can make all the difference when it comes to preserving your rights and maximizing your recovery.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Texas?
Texas law gives injured individuals a two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit. That deadline starts on the date of the accident. Suppose you wait longer than two years to take legal action. In that case, the court will likely dismiss your case, leaving you unable to pursue any compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages.
The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 makes this rule clear. The two-year limit applies not only to injury claims but also to property damage claims related to a car accident.
Why the Statute of Limitations Isn’t the Only Deadline That Matters
Even though two years might sound like plenty of time, delaying your call to a Fort Worth auto accident lawyer can cost you in other ways; critical evidence can disappear. Witness memories fade. Insurance companies build their defenses early. And if you try to handle your claim on your own at first and later realize you need legal help, you may have already made missteps that are difficult to undo.
Calling an accident lawyer right after your crash gives you the best chance of protecting your rights and receiving fair compensation. It also means you won’t be navigating the legal and insurance maze alone.
Situations That Shorten Your Deadline
Certain cases have timelines that are significantly shorter than the standard two years. If any of the following apply to your case, you need to act even faster:
Claims Against Government Entities
If your accident involved a city vehicle, a school bus, a police cruiser, or another government entity, special rules apply. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, you must file formal notice of your claim within just six months of the accident. Some municipalities, such as the City of Fort Worth, may have even shorter notice periods (as little as 60 or 90 days), depending on local law.
Missing that deadline usually bars you from suing the government entirely, even if your injuries are severe. A car accident lawyer in Fort Worth, TX, can help you determine whether your crash involves a government agency and file the necessary notice on time.
Claims Involving Minors or Incapacitated Adults
If the injured person is a minor or mentally incapacitated, Texas law may “toll” (pause) the statute of limitations. In these cases, the two-year clock often doesn’t begin running until the individual turns 18 or regains mental capacity. However, claims involving medical bills incurred by the parent or guardian might still be subject to the standard deadline.
Because these situations can get complex quickly, it’s best to involve an attorney early to ensure your rights are protected.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you miss the statute of limitations deadline, the consequences are severe. Even if your injuries are well documented and the other driver admits fault, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. Insurance companies are aware of this, and they have no obligation to negotiate a settlement once the deadline has passed.
In short, missing the filing window means giving up your legal right to compensation. That’s why we stress the importance of contacting a Fort Worth auto accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash.
Benefits of Calling an Auto Accident Attorney Right Away
While it’s legally possible to wait months or even a year before contacting a lawyer, doing so comes with significant risks. Here’s why acting fast is in your best interest:
We Can Preserve Crucial Evidence
The accident scene changes quickly. Skid marks fade, damaged vehicles get repaired or scrapped, and surveillance footage may be overwritten. We act quickly to preserve this evidence, often dispatching investigators to the scene and securing photos, footage, and witness interviews before they are lost.
We Handle the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, and they begin working toward that goal immediately after a crash. When you contact us early, we can handle all communications with the insurance company, protecting you from potential pitfalls such as recorded statements or lowball settlement offers.
We Help You Get the Right Medical Care
Many crash victims don’t know where to turn for treatment, especially if they’re uninsured or underinsured. We work with a network of trusted providers and can help ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and documented.
We Provide Peace of Mind
You have enough to worry about after a crash. Hiring a car accident lawyer in Fort Worth means you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. We keep you informed, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing.
How Patterson Law Group Helps You After a Crash
We don’t just file paperwork—we fight for you. When you choose us to represent you after a car accident, we take the burden off your shoulders by:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly
- Gathering medical records and bills
- Calculating the full value of your claim
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
- Taking your case to court if needed
Whether you suffered whiplash or a traumatic brain injury, we approach every case with care and determination. Our Fort Worth auto accident attorneys have helped hundreds of clients secure compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Common Injuries That Require Legal Help
Even seemingly “minor” crashes can result in long-term injuries. We regularly help clients with:
- Neck and back injuries
- Concussions and TBIs
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Emotional trauma
Never assume your injury isn’t serious enough to call a lawyer. If another driver’s negligence caused your harm, you have the right to seek compensation, and we’re here to help.
What If You’ve Already Spoken With the Insurance Company?
Many people talk to the insurance company before realizing they need a lawyer. That’s okay—it’s not too late. However, the sooner you involve us, the better. We’ll review your case, advise you on the next steps, and work to fix any damage caused by early missteps.
We may still be able to recover full compensation, but time is of the essence. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need.
FAQ: Calling an Auto Accident Lawyer After a Crash
How soon after a crash should I call a lawyer?
You should contact a Fort Worth auto accident lawyer the same day or within a few days of the accident. Early involvement allows your attorney to preserve evidence, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and ensure your medical care is properly documented.
Can I still get a lawyer if I already spoke to the insurance company?
Yes, and you should. Even if you’ve already given a statement or begun the claims process, a lawyer can step in and take over negotiations. We can also work to minimize any damage that early missteps may have done.
What if I feel fine after the accident—should I still call a lawyer?
Yes. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not present symptoms for days. If you delay medical care or legal action, it could hurt your claim. Contacting a car accident lawyer in Fort Worth, TX, early helps protect your rights, even if symptoms develop later.
Do I have to pay upfront to hire a lawyer?
No. At Patterson Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. There’s no financial risk in calling us for help.
What if I missed the two-year deadline?
In most cases, missing the statute of limitations means your claim is no longer valid. However, there are rare exceptions. Contact us immediately—we can assess whether an exception might apply and advise you on your options.
Let us help you move forward. If you’ve been in an accident, reach out today for a free consultation with a dedicated auto accident attorney in Fort Worth.
Don’t Wait to Call an Auto Accident Lawyer After a Crash in Texas
If you’ve been in a crash, you don’t have to navigate the recovery process alone. Whether your accident happened yesterday or several weeks ago, it’s not too late to call us—but every day you wait can make your case more difficult to win.
At Patterson Law Group, we’re here to stand up for you from day one. Call us now for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and begin working on your case immediately—so you can focus on what matters most: healing and moving forward.
