New Summerfield Personal Injury Attorney — Serving Cherokee County, Texas

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas? In Texas, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury. Certain exceptions can extend or shorten that period depending on the facts, so it is important to seek legal guidance promptly. Even when a lawsuit deadline is not imminent, acting quickly helps preserve evidence, obtain witness statements, and ensure timely medical documentation, all of which strengthen a claim.

You may recover economic damages like medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish can also be recoverable depending on the case. In limited circumstances, punitive damages may be available when a defendant’s conduct is particularly harmful. Your attorney can explain which damages apply to your situation and how they are calculated.

Many personal injury claims resolve through negotiation with insurers rather than court. A settlement can provide timely compensation without the delay and uncertainty of trial. When insurers refuse to offer fair compensation or when liability is disputed, filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial may be necessary to achieve a just result. Your attorney will evaluate the likely path and advise accordingly.

Most personal injury lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay legal fees only if we recover compensation for you. This structure allows injured people to pursue claims without upfront attorney fees. You should discuss fee arrangements, expenses, and how recoveries are divided during the initial consultation so you understand the financial terms before deciding to move forward.

Seek medical attention for any injuries and follow your provider’s treatment recommendations. Report the incident to appropriate authorities and document the scene with photos and notes when it is safe to do so. Preserve evidence, collect contact details for witnesses, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without consulting an attorney. Early documentation helps protect your legal rights and supports a stronger claim.

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which reduces your recovery by your share of fault as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you generally cannot recover damages. An attorney can evaluate the evidence of fault, advocate for a fair allocation, and work to minimize your percentage of responsibility to preserve recovery options.

Case duration varies based on injury severity, medical recovery, the complexity of liability issues, and how quickly insurers respond to demands. Some matters settle within months, while others take a year or more when serious injuries or litigation are involved. Your attorney will provide a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your claim and keep you updated at key milestones throughout the process.

In many cases, initial medical treatment is paid by health insurance, auto insurance, or a medical lien, depending on your circumstances. If you lack immediate coverage, discuss options with your attorney to avoid gaps in care. Settlement proceeds typically reimburse medical providers and cover outstanding bills, but coordinating payments and liens is an important part of case management handled by your legal team.

Bring any accident reports, medical records, photos, insurance information, and a summary of expenses or time missed from work. If you have witness contact information, include that as well to help the initial evaluation. Even without complete records, meet with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve rights and begin assembling the necessary documentation for a strong claim.

We provide clear, regular updates by phone, email, or meetings based on client preference and case needs. You will have a dedicated point of contact to answer questions and explain developments as they occur. Open communication is a priority, and we strive to return calls and messages promptly so clients remain informed and can make timely decisions about their claims.