Groesbeck Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Limestone County, Texas

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas? Texas law sets time limits for filing lawsuits, commonly two years from the date of the injury for many personal injury claims. Some exceptions may apply depending on the facts of the case, so it is important to consult early to preserve your rights. Missing a deadline can bar your lawsuit, so if you are unsure about timing, contact the firm to discuss your situation and any applicable limitations.

Seek prompt medical attention to address injuries and create an official record linking treatment to the incident. Seek emergency care if needed, and follow up with your doctor for recommended treatment. Document the scene if possible with photos, get contact information for witnesses, and report the incident to the appropriate party or police. Contact the firm before giving recorded statements to an insurer to protect your claim.

Many personal injury cases resolve through negotiation and settlement before trial, but some matters proceed to court when parties cannot agree on fair compensation. The decision to file suit and try a case is made after careful evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses. Your legal team will prepare the case for all outcomes, work toward an appropriate settlement when possible, and represent your interests in court if litigation becomes necessary.

Settlements consider past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for pain and reduced quality of life. Each case is evaluated based on medical documentation, employment records, and other supporting evidence. Non-economic damages are assessed on the case specifics and the severity of impact. A thorough review of records and consultations with medical professionals help determine an appropriate valuation.

If the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may provide a recovery option. The availability and limits depend on your policy terms and coverages in place at the time of the accident. If you do not have such coverage, other sources of recovery may exist depending on the facts, such as pursuing a claim against another negligent party or exploring personal asset recovery, though options can be limited.

Resolution time varies depending on injury severity, treatment duration, the complexity of liability issues, and willingness of insurers to negotiate. Some claims settle in a few months; others take a year or more when litigation and court schedules are involved. Early investigation and organized medical records can speed the process, but accurate valuation of long-term impacts often requires complete treatment records before final resolution.

Many injury firms, including ours, offer an initial consultation and handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning fees are collected from any recovery rather than up front. This helps make representation accessible regardless of immediate finances. There may be out-of-pocket costs for obtaining records or expert opinions that are handled as the case proceeds, and these are typically discussed and agreed upon at the outset.

Texas follows a proportionate responsibility system where recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you may still recover damages if your share of fault does not exceed applicable thresholds. The precise effect depends on the assigned percentages and case type. Accurately assessing fault and presenting evidence to minimize your assigned percentage can improve recovery potential, so legal representation often plays a key role in disputed allocation of responsibility.

In many cases, health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid will cover initial treatment costs, which may be reimbursed from any settlement. Providers and insurers often assert liens or reimbursement claims against recoveries that must be addressed during settlement negotiations. Your legal team coordinates with medical providers and insurers to resolve billing and lien issues, aiming to maximize the net recovery available to you after obligations are satisfied.

Bring any accident reports, photos, medical records or bills, insurance information, vehicle repair estimates, and a summary of time missed from work. Contact information for witnesses and a timeline of events are also helpful. If you do not have all documents, provide as much information as possible and the firm will assist in collecting records and filling in gaps during the intake and investigation process.