Hackberry Personal Injury Attorney — Texas Representation

How long a claim takes depends on the complexity of the injuries, the willingness of insurers to negotiate, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Some cases resolve within a few months, while cases involving severe injuries or contested liability can take a year or more. Early medical care, thorough documentation, and timely communication with the firm and insurers help move a claim forward. We review case-specific timelines during the initial consultation and provide realistic expectations for your matter.

Prioritize safety and medical attention for anyone injured. Contact emergency services if needed and, when safe, exchange contact and insurance information with other involved parties. Take photos of the scene and vehicle damage and write down witness names if possible. Seek prompt medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, and keep copies of medical records and bills. Notify your insurer and consider contacting a personal injury attorney before giving recorded statements to other parties or insurers.

Many claims resolve through negotiation with an insurance company, but some matters require filing a lawsuit to obtain fair compensation. Whether a case settles depends on liability clarity, damages, and the insurer’s willingness to offer a reasonable settlement. We prepare every file with litigation readiness in mind so that if negotiations stall, we can proceed to court to pursue a favorable outcome for the client.

Pain and suffering damages are non-economic and do not have a fixed formula. They are evaluated based on the severity and duration of injuries, medical treatment, recovery outlook, and the impact on daily life. Documentation of symptoms and testimony from medical providers strengthen these claims. Insurers and courts consider the complete record of the injury, including medical notes and evidence of how the injury affected work and personal activities, when valuing non-economic losses.

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule that can reduce your recovery by your percentage of responsibility. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the incident, you may be barred from recovering damages. Accurately documenting the facts and presenting evidence can affect the allocation of fault. We evaluate comparative fault issues early and work to minimize any percentage assigned to you.

We typically handle personal injury matters on a contingency-fee basis, which means fees are collected only if we secure a recovery through settlement or trial. We will explain fee arrangements, costs, and any potential out-of-pocket expenses during the initial consultation. Transparent fee discussions and written agreements ensure you understand how fees and case costs are handled before work begins.

Some minor claims may be handled without legal representation, particularly when liability is clear and damages are limited. However, insurers often have experienced adjusters working to minimize payouts, and handling complex negotiations or litigation alone can be difficult. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can clarify whether representation is likely to improve your recovery and protect your interests throughout the claim process.

You may recover economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, prescription costs, property damage, and lost wages. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare cases where the defendant’s conduct is particularly harmful, punitive damages may be available under Texas law to punish and deter wrongful behavior, but those awards are subject to strict legal standards.

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. Missing the filing deadline can bar you from pursuing a lawsuit, so timely action is important. Certain circumstances can change deadlines, so contact the firm promptly to protect your rights and preserve evidence in your case.

We prioritize clear and timely communication. Clients receive updates about major developments, responses to insurer offers, and next steps via phone, email, or in-person meetings, according to client preference. At intake we discuss preferred contact methods and provide expectations for response times so you know how and when you will hear from our team.