Somerville Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas

How long you have to file a lawsuit depends on the type of claim and the specific facts. In most Texas personal injury cases, the general deadline is two years from the date of injury, but exceptions can apply based on the defendant, government involvement, or discovery of harm. Because deadlines vary and missing a filing window can bar your claim, it is important to seek legal guidance early so your rights are preserved and any necessary filings are completed on time.

You may recover economic damages such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. In wrongful death cases, family members may recover loss of companionship and funeral expenses. The specific damages available depend on the nature and severity of your injuries and applicable Texas law. Thorough documentation of your losses helps support full recovery in settlement negotiations or at trial.

Many personal injury claims are resolved through settlement without a trial, often after negotiation with insurers. A settlement can provide faster resolution and reduced cost compared with litigation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, pursuing a lawsuit and taking the case to court may be necessary. We prepare each case for trial so clients are in a strong position whether settlement or litigation is the chosen path.

Casual statements or recorded interviews can be used by insurers to minimize a claim, so careful handling of communications is important. Providing basic factual information is often necessary, but detailed or speculative comments can be risky. Allowing an attorney to manage insurer communications reduces the chance of unintentional harm to your claim and ensures responses are consistent with your overall legal strategy.

Resolution timelines vary widely depending on injury severity, medical treatment duration, complexity of liability issues, and insurer cooperation. Some cases conclude in a few months, while others with ongoing treatment or disputed liability can take a year or longer. We provide estimated timelines after reviewing the facts of your case and keep clients updated at each stage so they understand progress and what to expect next.

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which reduces potential recovery by your percentage of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. Assigning fault percentages can be complex. Careful investigation and presentation of evidence can help minimize your assigned fault and protect your recovery potential.

Settlements should account for past medical expenses and anticipated future medical needs related to the injury. Estimating future care involves medical opinions and documentation of treatment plans and expected costs. A thorough damages assessment considers ongoing therapy, assistive devices, future surgeries, and any long-term care needs to help ensure settlement funds cover those expenses.

Many personal injury firms, including ours, operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless there is a recovery. You may still be responsible for certain case expenses, which are typically advanced by the firm and reimbursed from recovery. We will explain our fee arrangement and any potential costs during the initial consultation so you understand how fees and expenses are handled.

Proving negligence requires showing the other driver owed a duty of care, breached that duty through unsafe conduct, and caused your injuries as a result. Evidence often includes police reports, witness statements, photographs, vehicle damage analysis, and medical records. Expert opinions, accident reconstruction, and timely investigation of the scene can strengthen proof of negligence when liability is disputed.

Bring any medical records, bills, insurance information, police reports, photos of the scene or injuries, and contact information for witnesses if available. These documents help us assess the claim and give informed guidance about next steps. If you do not have all materials, still schedule a consultation. We can identify what records to obtain and begin the process of preserving evidence and protecting your rights.