Addison Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Dallas County, Texas

Most personal injury claims in Texas settle with insurance companies after investigation and negotiation. Settlement outcomes depend on evidence, medical documentation, and how liability is established. If negotiations stall, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Filing preserves legal rights and can prompt more serious settlement discussions, but it also involves additional time and procedural steps.

In most cases the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas is two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can bar your right to sue. There are exceptions that can extend or shorten the deadline depending on factors like discovery of injury, injury to a minor, or claims against governmental entities, so it is important to seek guidance promptly.

Insurance companies often offer to cover some medical bills, but initial offers may not account for future care, lost wages, or non-economic harm. Review any offer carefully to ensure all damages are considered. Keep thorough records of treatment and expenses and consult with a legal representative before accepting a full release or final settlement to avoid forfeiting additional compensation you may deserve.

Prioritize safety and seek medical attention for injuries. If possible, document the scene with photos, get contact information for witnesses, and exchange insurance details with other involved parties. Report the incident to local authorities if required and preserve any physical evidence. Avoid making recorded statements to insurers without legal guidance.

Fault is determined by assessing whether a party failed to act with reasonable care and whether that failure caused the accident. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic laws guide fault determinations. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule that can reduce recovery based on your percentage of fault, and a claimant barred from recovery if found more than 50% at fault.

Yes. Under Texas law you may recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the incident. Your award will be adjusted to reflect comparative fault. Accurately documenting evidence and presenting a strong case can help minimize assigned fault and preserve recovery amounts.

Compensation may include payment for medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering. In rare cases punitive damages may be available where conduct was particularly wrongful. The exact categories and amounts depend on the incident, documented damages, and applicable Texas law governing recoverable losses.

The timeline varies widely. Minor claims can resolve in a few months while complex cases involving serious injury or litigation can take a year or more. Early investigation and clear medical documentation can speed resolution. If settlement negotiations fail and a lawsuit is filed, the process includes discovery and possible trial preparation which lengthens the timeline but may be necessary to obtain full compensation.

Many cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation. Trial is typically a last resort when parties cannot reach an acceptable resolution. Your legal representative will discuss settlement offers and the potential benefits and risks of taking a case to court so you can make informed decisions about pursuing trial.

Many personal injury firms work on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are collected only if you recover compensation. This arrangement aligns the firm’s interests with your recovery and reduces upfront costs. Be sure to clarify fee percentages, out-of-pocket expenses, and how costs are handled if there is no recovery during your initial consultation.