Hickory Creek Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Houston County, Texas

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas? In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Certain circumstances may extend or shorten that timeframe, so prompt action helps preserve your options. What should I do immediately after an accident? Seek medical attention, document the scene and damages if possible, and keep records of all treatment and expenses. Contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and ensure evidence is preserved.

Fault is determined by examining the facts, evidence, and applicable law to assess whether someone breached a duty of care that caused the injury. This includes witness statements, incident reports, photographs, and expert opinions when appropriate. Texas uses modified comparative fault to allocate responsibility. Your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault, so objective documentation and legal guidance are important in presenting your position effectively.

You can pursue economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and property repair costs, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In limited circumstances, punitive damages may be available for particularly reckless conduct. Accurately documenting treatment, work impact, and daily limitations helps ensure you seek compensation that reflects both current and anticipated future needs.

Many personal injury claims are resolved through settlement after negotiation with insurers, but some disputes require filing a lawsuit and proceeding to trial to achieve a fair outcome. The decision depends on liability, damages, and insurer cooperation. We prepare every case as if it might go to court, which strengthens negotiation leverage and protects your rights if litigation becomes necessary.

For personal injury matters, we typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf. This aligns our interests with obtaining the best possible result for you. We also discuss any potential costs or expenses associated with pursuing a claim so you understand how the process will proceed and what financial responsibilities, if any, may arise during the case.

Insurance companies may request recorded statements that can affect your claim. It's generally wise to consult with your attorney before providing formal statements to insurers. Your attorney can advise on appropriate responses and handle communications to protect your position during the claims process.

Medical providers and insurers may have claims against your settlement to recover unpaid bills, and these obligations are taken into account when calculating net recovery. Your attorney works to identify, negotiate, and address liens to maximize your net compensation. Proper documentation and timely negotiation with medical providers can reduce outstanding balances and preserve more of your settlement for recovery and future needs.

Yes, under Texas comparative fault rules you can often recover damages reduced by your share of fault, provided your percentage does not exceed legal thresholds that bar recovery. Your attorney will evaluate evidence to limit your assigned fault whenever possible. Presenting clear evidence, witness statements, and supporting documentation helps minimize your fault percentage and protect your ability to obtain compensation.

Bring copies of medical records, bills, accident reports, photographs, insurance correspondence, and any notices you received. If you do not have documents, provide details about the incident, treatment, and time missed from work. The more information you provide, the quicker we can assess liability and damages and recommend a practical plan tailored to your situation.

Case timelines vary based on injury severity, treatment duration, investigation needs, and insurer cooperation. Some claims resolve in a few months, while others involving serious injuries or litigation can take longer. We provide realistic timelines based on your case specifics and keep you updated throughout the process to help you plan for recovery and financial obligations.