Jewett Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas — The White Law Firm, P.C.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas? In most cases the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of injury. Missing that deadline can bar your ability to pursue compensation, so timely action is important. Certain exceptions may extend or shorten the deadline depending on the circumstances, including claims against government entities.

Seek medical attention right away and follow all recommended treatment to protect your health and document your injuries. Collect contact information for involved parties and witnesses, take photos of the scene and any damage, and keep copies of medical bills and records. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice, and contact a personal injury attorney to discuss preserving evidence and next steps to protect your claim.

Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement with insurance companies. However, if parties cannot agree on fair compensation, filing a lawsuit and going to court may be necessary to pursue full recovery. Whether litigation is needed depends on the strength of evidence, the insurer’s position, and the value of damages. Your attorney can advise on the likely path and prepare your case for trial if required.

Fault is established through evidence showing a party failed to exercise reasonable care and that failure caused the injury. This may include police reports, witness statements, photographs, and expert opinions where appropriate. Texas follows modified comparative fault rules, which can reduce recovery if the injured person is found partially responsible. If you are more than 50% at fault, you generally cannot recover damages.

Compensation can include payment for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be available when conduct was particularly harmful. The exact value depends on medical documentation, the impact on daily life and earning capacity, and the strength of proof linking the injury to the defendant’s conduct.

Many personal injury attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are paid a portion of any recovery rather than an hourly rate. This arrangement allows clients to seek representation without upfront legal fees. Discuss fee structures during your initial consultation so you understand what percentage applies and any potential out-of-pocket costs for litigation-related expenses.

For minor claims with clear liability and limited damages, handling the claim yourself may be possible. However, insurance companies often undervalue claims, and cases with disputed liability or significant injuries benefit from professional representation. Consulting with an attorney can help you evaluate offers, understand your rights, and decide whether legal representation is advisable for your situation.

Resolution times vary widely. Some claims settle in a few months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries or litigation can take a year or longer. Factors include case complexity, medical recovery timelines, and court schedules. Your attorney can provide a timeline estimate based on your case facts and keep you informed about progress and anticipated next steps.

Medical records, billing statements, photographs of injuries and the incident scene, witness statements, and police or incident reports are among the most valuable evidence. Employment records showing lost wages also support economic damages claims. Early preservation of evidence and prompt gathering of documentation strengthens a claim and aids in accurately valuing damages.

Call our office at (713) 780-1633 or use our website contact form to schedule a case review. We will discuss your situation, outline potential steps, and explain how we can assist with investigation and representation. During the initial review we will identify immediate actions to protect your claim, such as preserving evidence and obtaining medical records, and answer questions about likely timelines and potential outcomes.