Brazos County Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas

How long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas depends on the nature of the claim. Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the injury, though there are exceptions for certain government claims and latent injuries. Always consult promptly to ensure deadlines are met, preserve evidence, and protect your rights. Early action helps secure medical records and witness statements that can be essential to a successful claim.

You may recover economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering. In rare cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available under Texas law. The exact amount depends on medical documentation, the severity and permanence of injuries, fault allocation, and legal limits that may apply. An attorney can help estimate potential recovery based on your circumstances.

Case timelines vary widely. Some claims resolve in a few months through negotiation, while others require years if litigation proceeds to trial. Factors include the need for medical treatment, complexity of liability, and court schedules. Your attorney can provide a case-specific timeline after evaluating treatment progress, evidence, and the likely negotiation track with insurers.

Insurance companies often offer early settlements that may not reflect the full scope of future medical needs or lost income. Consulting with an attorney helps evaluate whether the offer fairly compensates all current and anticipated damages. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and advise whether to accept an offer or pursue additional recovery, taking into account long-term care and rehabilitation needs.

Many personal injury cases settle before trial, but some require filing suit and proceeding to litigation to obtain fair compensation. The decision to take a case to trial depends on settlement negotiations, the strength of the evidence, and the client's objectives. If litigation becomes necessary, your legal team will prepare court filings, pursue discovery, and present your case in court while keeping you informed at every stage.

Initial emergency care should be sought immediately and billed to your health insurance if you have coverage. Some medical providers may offer treatment on a lien basis pending settlement, depending on the provider and case strength. Your attorney can help coordinate with medical providers and insurers to minimize out-of-pocket costs and work to have medical expenses reimbursed from any settlement or judgment.

Avoid admitting fault, speculating about what happened, or providing recorded statements to insurers without legal advice. Even casual comments can be used to reduce your claim's value. Stick to necessary factual information with first responders and seek legal counsel before communicating detailed accounts to insurance adjusters.

Minor claims with low damages and clear liability may be handled without counsel, but more significant injuries or disputed liability situations often benefit from legal representation to maximize recovery and meet procedural requirements. An attorney helps preserve evidence, evaluate settlement offers, and calculate long-term damages that might be overlooked when handling a claim alone.

Fault is determined by reviewing the facts, such as police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, and physical evidence from the scene. Comparative fault may apply to reduce recovery if the injured party shares in the responsibility. A thorough investigation helps establish liability and the degree of fault assigned to each party, which directly affects the damages recoverable in Texas.

Many personal injury firms, including The White Law Firm, P.C., offer initial consultations at no charge and work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning fees are collected as a percentage of any recovery rather than upfront payments. Discuss fee arrangements during your initial consultation to understand how costs, expenses, and payments will be handled throughout your case.