How Long Do You Have To Report a Car Accident in Texas?~2 min read
Every year, thousands of people are killed or seriously injured on Texas roadways. Our goal at Springer & Lyle is to help those who have been injured due to the negligence of another driver collect all the damages to which they are legally entitled.
Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
The Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that in 2021, the most recent year for which there are statistics, there were 4,701 people killed in motor vehicle accidents on Texas Roadways. This was the second most deadly year for traffic deaths and injuries in Texas history.
This was an increase in the number of accidents, deaths, and serious injuries that occurred in 2020, and 2020 represented a substantial increase in accidents, deaths, and injuries that occurred in 2019.
How Long Do I Have to Report the Accident to Police?
According to Texas law, “The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of a person or damage to a vehicle to the extent that it cannot be normally and safely driven shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the accident” to the local police or sheriff’s office.
The police are required to file a report within 10 days of the accident. The police report provides information to your personal injury attorney that can be used to further investigate the accident.
How Long Do I Have to Report the Accident to My Insurance Company?
Each insurance company is different so check your policy carefully. Some policies say you must report the accident to the company “within a reasonable time.” This may be interpreted as two days or even 30 days. If you fail to timely inform your insurance company of the accident, they may deny your claims or, not represent you if the other drivers claim you were at fault.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In Texas, for adults, you must file your personal injury lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. If you miss that date, you lose forever your right to sue for damages no matter how seriously you were injured. Do not let your time for filing your lawsuit run out.
Contact us at Springer & Lyle
The personal injury attorneys at Springer & Lyle can help you obtain the reasonable compensation you are entitled for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other physical damage. Contact us at 940.387.0404 for a free consultation.
