Deaf Smith County Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas? The general deadline for most personal injury lawsuits in Texas is two years from the date of the injury. Some exceptions can extend or shorten this deadline depending on the circumstances, so it is important to consult an attorney promptly. Waiting to act can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation because evidence may be lost and witnesses may become harder to locate. Early consultation helps protect your rights and ensures necessary steps are taken before deadlines expire.

You can seek recovery for economic losses like medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be available when conduct was willful or grossly negligent. A careful review of your treatment records, future care needs, and financial impact is necessary to calculate a fair damages demand. Your attorney will help compile documentation that supports the full extent of your losses.

Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiations and settlement with insurers, but some matters proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Preparing for trial signals to insurers that you are ready to litigate if necessary. Trial outcomes are uncertain, and your legal team will discuss the risks and benefits of settlement versus trial to help you decide what best serves your interests.

Texas follows a comparative fault rule where your recovery may be reduced by your share of fault, as long as you are no more than 50% responsible for the injury. If you are assigned 50% fault or less, you can still recover, but the award will be reduced accordingly. Accurate fact-finding and persuasive argumentation are important to minimize the percentage of fault attributed to you. Evidence such as eyewitness statements and accident reconstruction can influence fault determinations.

You should provide basic information to insurers, but avoid giving recorded statements or detailed accounts before consulting with an attorney. Insurers often use early statements to limit liability or undervalue claims. An attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, protect your rights, and ensure that any information you provide does not unintentionally harm your claim.

Medical expenses may be covered by your health insurance, medical payments coverage, or other benefits while your claim is pending. In some cases, medical providers place liens against a settlement or judgment to secure payment. Your legal team can help manage medical billing and negotiate liens to preserve as much of your recovery as possible for your out-of-pocket needs and future care.

If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, you may pursue a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you have it. Other avenues include identifying additional responsible parties or pursuing claims against available assets. Reviewing your insurance policy and available coverages early is important to identify potential recovery sources and ensure timely claims are made to your insurer when applicable.

Resolution time varies based on case complexity, the severity of injuries, the willingness of insurers to negotiate, and whether litigation is necessary. Some claims settle in a matter of months while others take longer if trial is required. Your attorney can provide a realistic timeline based on your case details and keep you informed of progress and any factors that affect scheduling.

Many personal injury firms, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are collected from a recovery rather than collected upfront. You should discuss fee arrangements and any potential costs during your initial consultation. Contingency arrangements reduce financial barriers to pursuing a claim, and your attorney will explain how fees and expenses are handled if there is a recovery.

To begin, call (713) 780-1633 or request a consultation through our website. We will discuss the facts of your case, advise on immediate steps, and outline potential legal options for pursuing compensation. Early contact allows us to secure evidence, obtain medical records, and meet important deadlines that protect your ability to recover damages.