Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Clients in Texas

How long will my case take? The timeline varies based on injury severity, medical treatment duration, and whether liability is disputed. Minor claims may resolve in a few months, while complex cases can take a year or longer. What affects the timeline? Ongoing medical care, disputes over fault, and the willingness of insurers to negotiate all influence how quickly a case settles. We communicate expected milestones and keep clients informed throughout the process.

Most personal injury firms, including ours, handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are collected only from recovery. This allows access to representation without upfront attorney fees. Are there other costs? There may be case-related expenses such as filing fees, expert reports, and investigation costs. We outline potential expenses and handle advances when necessary to pursue the claim.

Seek prompt medical attention and follow treatment recommendations to protect your health and create a clear record of injuries. Preserve any evidence you can, such as photos, witness contacts, and records related to the incident. When should I contact a lawyer? Contacting a lawyer early helps protect evidence and preserve your rights under Texas law. We can advise on communications with insurers and recommend documentation steps to strengthen your claim.

Many cases settle through negotiation before trial, but some matters require filing suit and pursuing litigation to achieve fair compensation. We prepare every case as if it could go to trial to strengthen negotiation leverage. What determines whether a case goes to trial? The willingness of the insurance company to offer fair compensation, the clarity of liability, and the amount of damages typically determine whether a case can be resolved without court proceedings.

Damages are calculated by assessing medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. Supporting documentation from medical providers and employment records helps establish economic damages. Can damages include future costs? Yes. When injuries produce long-term consequences, estimates of future medical care and lost earning capacity are included in valuations to ensure full recovery is sought.

Texas applies comparative fault rules that can reduce your recovery in proportion to your share of fault. If your percentage of responsibility exceeds the applicable threshold, it may affect your ability to recover. How is fault determined? Fault is determined by evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert analysis. We analyze the facts to minimize any assigned fault and protect recovery where possible.

You can attempt direct negotiation, but insurers may use early statements to limit potential recovery. Having experienced legal advocacy manage communications can help ensure offers reflect the full extent of damages. What are recorded statements? Insurers sometimes request recorded statements early in a claim. You are not obligated to provide one without guidance; consult our office before agreeing to recorded interviews.

Insurers commonly request medical releases to evaluate claims, but broad releases can allow access to unrelated records. We advise on scope and timing to protect privacy while providing necessary documentation for claim valuation. How do medical releases affect privacy? Releases that are narrowly tailored to relevant treatment protect unrelated health information. We help negotiate appropriate release terms when required by insurers.

If the at-fault party lacks insurance, options may include pursuing uninsured motorist coverage from your own policy or filing suit to obtain a judgment against the responsible party. Recovery may depend on available assets and policy limits. Are judgments enforceable? A judgment establishes a legal right to recovery, but collection may require additional enforcement steps. We can advise on practical recovery options based on the defendant's financial situation.

Begin with a phone consultation at (713) 780-1633 or an online inquiry to describe the incident and injuries. We review the basics, explain potential claims, and recommend immediate actions to preserve evidence. What should I bring to the consultation? Helpful items include medical records, accident reports, photos, and any correspondence with insurers. If those are not available, we can still evaluate the matter and request necessary records.