Texas car crash law reference: the statutes, quoted and explained
A reference to five Texas laws that come up after a car crash, from the two-year filing deadline to the Tort Claims Act notice rule. Each entry quotes the official statute text, explains it in plain language and shows the date it was last checked.
The short answer
This reference covers five Texas laws that often come up after a car crash. Each entry quotes the official statute text published by the Texas Legislature, links to the section on statutes.capitol.texas.gov, explains it in plain language, lists exceptions the law itself states, and shows the date the text was last checked.
This reference provides general informational guidance and is not legal advice.
The entries (text last checked 2026-10-27)
| Topic | Statute | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Two-year filing deadline for a personal injury lawsuit | CPRC §16.003 | The §16.003 entry |
| The 51% bar and proportionate responsibility | CPRC §33.001 | The §33.001 entry |
| Minimum auto liability insurance (30/60/25) | Transp. Code §601.072 | The §601.072 entry |
| A driver's duties after a crash: stop, give information, render aid, report | Transp. Code ch. 550 | The chapter 550 entry |
| Claims against a Texas governmental unit: notice and limits | CPRC ch. 101 | The Tort Claims Act entry |
What each entry covers
The two-year filing deadline (CPRC §16.003)
A person must bring suit for personal injury not later than two years after the day the cause of action accrues, and the same period applies to an action for injury resulting in death (§16.003). The entry also quotes the Code's rules for a person younger than 18 or of unsound mind (§16.001) and for a person absent from Texas (§16.063). Read the §16.003 entry.
The 51% bar (CPRC §33.001)
A claimant may not recover damages if his percentage of responsibility is greater than 50 percent; otherwise the court reduces the damages by the claimant's percentage (§§33.001, 33.012). Read the §33.001 entry.
Minimum liability insurance (Transp. Code §601.072)
The minimum amounts of auto liability coverage to establish financial responsibility are $30,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person, $60,000 for two or more persons, and $25,000 for property of others, each in one collision (§601.072(a-1)). Read the §601.072 entry.
Duties after a crash (Transp. Code ch. 550)
A driver involved in a crash that results or is reasonably likely to result in injury or death must stop, determine whether anyone requires aid, and remain until giving the information and help §550.023 requires; certain crashes must be reported immediately to police or the sheriff (§§550.021-.026). Read the chapter 550 entry.
The Tort Claims Act (CPRC ch. 101)
A Texas governmental unit can be liable for harm arising from an employee's operation or use of a motor-driven vehicle, is entitled to notice of a claim not later than six months after the incident unless a city charter sets its own period, and has limits on the amount of its liability (§§101.021, 101.101, 101.023). Read the Tort Claims Act entry.
How this reference is kept current
- Official text only. Each quotation is copied from the Texas Legislature's published statutes, not from a summary.
- Dated. Each entry shows the date its text was last checked and the most recent amendment listed in the statute's history line.
- Sessions can change the law. The Legislature convenes in regular session on the second Tuesday in January of each odd-numbered year (Gov't Code §301.001); the next regular session begins on January 12, 2027. The entries are scheduled to be rechecked by April 2027 and again after the 2027 regular session ends.
Related guides
- How Texas law shapes a car accident claim
- What to do after a car accident
- Texas filing deadlines for injury claims, explained
- Car accident information for Houston
About InjuryClaimGuide
InjuryClaimGuide is a legal advertising service. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. We do not recommend or endorse any attorney, and we do not analyze the merits of any potential claim. Routing to participating firms is based on geography, practice area, language, and firm capacity.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does the statute text in this reference come from?
- Each entry quotes the official text of the statute as published by the Texas Legislature at statutes.capitol.texas.gov, links to the section, and shows the date the text was last checked.
- How often is this reference checked?
- Each entry shows its last-checked date. The entries are scheduled to be rechecked against the official text by April 2027 and again after the Legislature's 2027 regular session, which begins on January 12, 2027 under Gov't Code §301.001.
- Does this reference tell me which law applies to my crash?
- No. InjuryClaimGuide is a legal advertising service. The entries explain what Texas statutes say in general; they do not apply the law to anyone's situation or evaluate any claim. An attorney can advise you about your specific situation.
Sources
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003 (two-year limitations period)
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §33.001 (proportionate responsibility)
- Tex. Transp. Code §601.072 (minimum coverage amounts)
- Tex. Transp. Code ch. 550 (collisions and collision reports)
- Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 101 (Tort Claims Act)
- Tex. Gov't Code §301.001 (time of the Legislature's regular session)
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More guides
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Texas Transportation Code chapter 550: a driver's duties after a crash
The official text of the Texas statutes that require a driver involved in a crash to stop, give information, help anyone injured and report the crash, and the officer's crash report rule, with a plain-language explanation. Text last checked October 27, 2026.
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Texas Transportation Code §601.072: minimum auto liability insurance (30/60/25)
The official text of the Texas statute that sets the minimum amounts of auto liability insurance needed to establish financial responsibility, known as 30/60/25, with a plain-language explanation. Text last checked October 27, 2026.
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Texas Tort Claims Act (CPRC chapter 101): vehicle claims, the six-month notice and liability limits
The official text of the Texas Tort Claims Act sections on claims arising from a government employee's use of a motor vehicle, the six-month notice requirement and the limits on liability, with a plain-language explanation. Text last checked October 27, 2026.
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Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.001: the 51% bar and proportionate responsibility
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Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003: the two-year personal injury filing deadline
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