Bolivar Peninsula Personal Injury Lawyer — Serving Galveston County, Texas

Many clients ask how long they have to file a lawsuit. In Texas, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury. Waiting too long can forfeit the right to pursue compensation, so it is important to begin preserving evidence and obtaining medical care promptly. Even if you are unsure whether your injuries will require long-term care, contacting a lawyer early can help ensure deadlines are met and evidence is preserved while you focus on recovery.

If it is safe, document the scene with photos of vehicles, injuries, road or property conditions, and any relevant signage. Exchange contact and insurance information with other parties and gather witness names and numbers. Notify law enforcement if necessary and obtain a copy of any incident report. Seek medical attention as soon as possible even if injuries seem minor. Prompt treatment creates a medical record that documents your injuries and helps support any later claim.

Insurance adjusters often ask detailed questions and may request recorded statements. Statements made early in the process can be misconstrued or used to minimize the value of a claim. It is wise to limit detailed discussions with insurers until you have medical documentation and legal guidance. Directing insurers to communicate through your lawyer can protect your interests and reduce the risk of unintentionally providing information that weakens your case.

Compensation typically includes past and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Total awards depend on the severity of injuries, recovery prognosis, and the available insurance or defendant assets. Accurate calculation requires medical and economic documentation. A lawyer can help assemble the evidence needed to support a comprehensive demand for your full losses.

If the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy may provide a recovery source. Reviewing your policy limits and coverage options is an early step in these cases. We can help evaluate available coverages and pursue all appropriate parties to maximize potential recovery when insurance is limited or unavailable.

Resolution time varies widely depending on injury severity, complexity of liability issues, and insurer responsiveness. Some cases settle in months when liability is clear and injuries are straightforward, while others may take longer if litigation becomes necessary. Our goal is to move matters efficiently while protecting long-term recovery, keeping you informed of realistic timelines throughout the process.

Many personal injury claims resolve through negotiation and settlement without a court trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and taking the case to court may be necessary to protect your rights. Preparing for litigation can strengthen settlement negotiations, and we will discuss the pros and cons of litigation before proceeding.

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which allows recovery as long as the injured party is less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Accurate fault assessment is an important part of case evaluation. Understanding the allocation of responsibility helps shape strategy and settlement expectations. We work to minimize assigned fault through investigation and evidence presentation.

Accepting an early settlement before completing medical treatment can limit recovery for future care needs that arise later. It is usually advisable to wait until your medical condition stabilizes or to ensure the settlement accounts for projected future costs. If unsure, seek legal advice before accepting any offer so that long-term medical and financial needs are properly considered in discussions with insurers.

To begin, contact our office at (713) 780-1633 or submit your information online for a case review. We will ask about the accident, injuries, and treatment and advise on immediate steps to preserve evidence and deadlines. If we agree to proceed, we will handle communications with insurers, gather documentation, and pursue the claim while keeping you informed at each stage.