Gaines County Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas? In Texas, the standard deadline to file most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury. Certain exceptions, such as claims against government entities or cases where the injury was not discovered immediately, can change that deadline, so it is important to consult an attorney quickly to protect your claim.

Compensation in a personal injury matter can include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. The specific recoverable items depend on the facts of the case and the losses you can document. An attorney can help quantify past and future losses, coordinate medical opinions, and build a demand that includes both economic and non-economic damages when appropriate.

Many personal injury attorneys, including The White Law Firm, P.C., work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fee unless the firm recovers money for you. This arrangement allows injured people to pursue claims without upfront legal fees. If a contingency fee applies, the fee is a percentage of the recovery and is explained clearly in the client agreement along with any case-related expenses that may be advanced and later reimbursed from the recovery.

Insurers often make early settlement offers that may not reflect the full value of your claim, especially if injuries are still evolving. Accepting an early offer can prevent you from getting additional compensation for ongoing treatment or complications. Before accepting any offer, discuss it with an attorney who can review the amount, compare it to documented losses, and advise whether negotiation or further investigation could result in a better outcome.

Seek medical attention right away to document injuries and begin necessary treatment. Report the incident to the proper authorities, preserve evidence like photos and contact information, and avoid discussing fault with insurers until you consult an attorney. Keep records of all medical visits, expenses, and time missed from work, and contact a lawyer to protect your legal rights and ensure deadlines and evidence preservation needs are met.

Texas applies a modified comparative fault rule that reduces recoverable damages by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 50% or less responsible, you can still recover damages reduced by your share of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, recovery may be barred. An attorney can help gather evidence to minimize your assigned fault and present a stronger case for compensation despite partial responsibility.

Case timelines vary based on injury severity, the need for ongoing treatment, the complexity of liability issues, and whether the matter settles or proceeds to litigation. Some cases resolve in months, while others require a year or more to reach resolution. Your attorney will provide a case-specific timeline after evaluating medical treatment needs, the gatherable evidence, and the willingness of insurers to negotiate in good faith.

Many personal injury claims resolve through negotiation and settlement without a trial, but some matters require filing suit and going to court to secure fair compensation. Preparing a case for trial strengthens negotiating position and shows insurers you are willing to pursue full recovery. Your attorney will discuss litigation risks and benefits and advise whether settlement or trial better serves your interests based on the facts of the case.

Important evidence includes medical records and bills, accident reports, photos of the scene and injuries, witness statements, wage records, and any surveillance or vehicle damage documentation. Expert opinions can also be important in complex cases. Collecting and preserving this evidence early improves the ability to prove liability and damages. An attorney can help locate necessary records and secure witness cooperation.

Contact our Houston office by phone at (713) 780-1633 or through our website to schedule a free consultation. We will review your situation, explain your options, and outline the next steps to investigate and pursue your claim. During the initial consultation, bring any records you have such as medical bills, accident reports, and photos. We will assess whether we can assist and discuss our contingency fee arrangement and how we will proceed.