Coppell Personal Injury Lawyer — Texas

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit 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, so it’s important to check your specific situation promptly.

Prioritize your safety and seek medical attention for any injuries. Call 911 if necessary and report the accident to law enforcement to create an official record. Collect contact and insurance information from other drivers, take photos of the scene, and preserve any evidence. Notify your insurance company and consider contacting legal counsel before accepting settlement offers.

Many personal injury cases settle through negotiation before trial, but some matters require litigation to achieve fair compensation. The decision depends on the strength of the claim, the willingness of insurers to settle, and the client’s goals. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial to ensure the strongest negotiating position. If settlement talks fail, we will proceed to litigation to pursue your recovery in court.

Medical expenses are documented through bills, treatment records, and provider statements. Future care estimates rely on medical experts’ opinions and life-care planning when long-term treatment is anticipated. Calculating future care also considers lost earning capacity and any ongoing rehabilitation or assistive needs. Accurate documentation and expert input help ensure future needs are reflected in a claim.

Texas applies comparative fault, which reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault if you are 50% or less responsible. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. Determining fault can involve analyzing evidence, witness statements, and physical circumstances. We work to minimize assigned fault and present a clear case for the other party’s responsibility.

Case value depends on the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, impact on daily life, and liability strength. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering also factor into valuation. An initial estimate can be provided after reviewing records, but a more reliable valuation emerges once medical treatment and prognosis are clearer. We evaluate each case based on its specific facts.

Many personal injury firms, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis, which means fees are collected from the recovery rather than upfront. This allows clients to pursue claims without immediate legal costs. We explain our fee arrangement and any case-related expenses during the initial consultation so you understand how costs are handled if we take your case.

You can attempt to handle a claim yourself, but insurers often aim to limit payouts, and navigating legal procedures can be complex. Self-representation may risk accepting an inadequate settlement or missing legal protections. Consulting with legal counsel can clarify your rights, help gather necessary evidence, and improve your position in negotiations or court if needed.

Resolution timelines vary widely. Simple cases with clear liability can resolve in a few months, while complex claims involving serious injuries or litigation can take a year or more. Ongoing medical treatment and the willingness of parties to negotiate affect timing. We provide regular updates and realistic timelines based on case facts.

Start by calling our office at (713) 780-1633 or using the contact form on our website to schedule a consultation. We will review your incident, explain options, and outline next steps. During the initial consultation we gather basic information, advise on evidence to preserve, and explain how we would handle the claim if you choose to proceed.