When you get hurt in a motorcycle accident in Texas because someone else is negligent, you have the right to take legal action and demand compensation for your losses and suffering. However, you won’t have unlimited time to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
The standard statute of limitations for motorcycle accident lawsuits in Texas is two years. The statute of limitations begins to run on the date you were injured in the motorcycle crash.
If you miss the filing deadline, you won’t be able to hold another party (or their insurance company) responsible for your medical expenses, lost wages, disability, and pain and suffering.
That’s why it’s critical to speak with a Round Rock motorcycle accident attorney in Texas as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Texas?
In Texas, Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 provides a two-year limitation for most personal injury cases, including those related to motorcycle accidents.
However, there are times when a different timetable can apply to a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Some exceptions provide injured motorcycle riders with additional time to seek compensation for their injuries, while other exceptions accelerate the time a rider has to pursue damages.
Government Tort Claims
While it doesn’t happen often, there are times when a government agency could potentially be liable (in whole or in part) for a motorcycle accident.
Typically, government agencies are immune from personal injury claims, unless a government actor or agency is negligent and contributes to a person’s injury or wrongful death.
Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, you have 180 days from the date of a motorcycle accident to provide a notice of claim to the negligent government agency. As long as you’ve filed your notice of claim within this six-month window, you’ll still have two years to file your full motorcycle accident lawsuit with the local court.
Because these deadlines are so short, having an experienced Round Rock motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
Injuries to Children
When a child is hurt in a Texas motorcycle accident, the statute of limitations can be tolled until that child turns 18. Once the child becomes an adult and gains the capacity to file a lawsuit, the two-year statute of limitations begins to run.
In these situations, the victim has until their 20th birthday to pursue damages for their motorcycle accident injuries. If this is the case, a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney in Round Rock can explain how these special rules might apply to your case.
When Should I Call a Round Rock Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Texas?
As soon as you can. While you have up to two years to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit, it can be important to get started right away.
The longer you wait, the more likely it becomes that:
- Evidence gets damaged, lost, or destroyed
- Witness memories fade, change, and become less reliable
- The at-fault party and their insurance company have time to strategize their defense
Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney in Round Rock, Texas, can give you peace of mind, offer time to focus on your recovery, and help ensure that your claim is filed on time. Don’t wait to get the help you need after a motorcycle crash.
Contact the award-winning legal team at Dow Law Firm today at (512) 240-9951 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Our Round Rock motorcycle accident lawyers helped clients recover millions of dollars during some of the most difficult times of their lives, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.