Galveston Personal Injury Lawyer — Serving Galveston County, TX

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas? Texas generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, measured from the date of the injury. Certain circumstances can alter that timeline, so it is important to seek prompt legal evaluation to avoid losing rights. If you believe your case may involve governmental entities, maritime rules, or other special rules, additional or shorter deadlines may apply. Contacting a legal representative quickly helps identify the correct filing window.

Case value depends on the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost income, and non-economic harms such as pain and suffering. Each claim is unique, and a careful review of medical records and future care needs is necessary to estimate value. Insurance policy limits and comparative fault can also affect recovery. We evaluate all damages and applicable defenses to provide a realistic assessment tailored to your situation.

Many personal injury cases resolve through negotiation with insurers and do not require a court trial. Settlements can provide faster compensation and avoid the uncertainty of a jury verdict. However, if negotiations stall or an insurer refuses a fair offer, filing suit and pursuing litigation may be necessary. We prepare each case with trial possibilities in mind to strengthen negotiation positions.

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which can reduce recovery by the claimant's percentage of fault. If you are less than 51% at fault, you may still recover damages, but the amount may be adjusted accordingly. Establishing accurate fault percentages requires careful investigation of the facts, witness accounts, and any available objective evidence such as photos or traffic reports.

Filing a lawsuit creates public court records, although many case details can remain confidential through settlement agreements. Sensitive personal information is typically protected, but filings are generally part of the public record. If privacy concerns are significant, discuss them early so we can consider options and include appropriate confidentiality terms in any settlement negotiations.

You should seek legal advice soon after an injury to ensure evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and potential claims are properly evaluated. Early action improves the ability to reconstruct the incident and document damages. Prompt consultation also helps coordinate medical care and communication with insurers to avoid inadvertently compromising your claim.

Many personal injury matters are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are contingent on recovery. We explain fee arrangements clearly during the initial consultation so you understand costs and net recovery. You are responsible for reasonable case-related expenses, which are typically advanced and repaid only from any recovery. Detailed fee terms are provided in writing before representation begins.

Quick settlements may be tempting but can undercompensate for long-term medical needs or delayed symptoms. Consulting with a legal representative before accepting an early offer helps ensure the settlement covers foreseeable future costs. We review offers and advise whether they are fair given your injuries and prognosis. If necessary, we negotiate for better compensation or pursue litigation to seek full recovery.

Medical records, incident reports, photos of injuries and the scene, witness statements, and documentation of lost wages are among the most persuasive forms of evidence. These materials help establish liability and the extent of damages. Preserving physical evidence and obtaining timely medical evaluations strengthens a claim, as does early collection of witness contact information and any surveillance footage that may exist.

The timeline varies by case complexity, severity of injuries, and willingness of insurers to negotiate. Some cases settle in a few months, while others that require litigation may take a year or longer. We aim to resolve matters efficiently while protecting your interests. We provide realistic timelines after reviewing your case and keep you informed throughout the process.