Van Vleck Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Texas Clients

Many clients ask about the costs of pursuing a claim. We handle most personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. This approach allows injured people to obtain representation without upfront legal fees. If a recovery occurs, fees and expenses are deducted according to the retainer agreement and you receive the remaining net recovery. We will explain potential costs and how expenses are handled during the initial consultation.

In most personal injury cases in Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can bar your right to file a lawsuit, so it is important to consult promptly to preserve your claim. Certain circumstances may affect deadlines, such as claims against governmental entities or discovery rules in latent injury cases. We can review your situation and advise on any deadlines that apply.

Recoverable damages typically include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be available when the defendant's conduct was especially harmful. The specific damages you may pursue depend on the facts of your case, the severity of injuries, and the applicable law. We evaluate losses carefully to build a complete picture of damages for negotiation or trial.

Insurance companies often start with low initial offers. Accepting the first offer can close the case before you fully understand the scope of your injuries and long-term needs. It is generally advisable to have an informed review before accepting any settlement. We review offers and compare them to documented damages and future needs. If a proposed settlement is inadequate, we negotiate for a fairer resolution or advance litigation when appropriate.

Many personal injury matters resolve through negotiation and settlement without a trial, but some cases require filing a lawsuit and proceeding to court if parties cannot reach agreement. Preparing a case for possible trial strengthens negotiation positions. We prepare thoroughly for litigation when needed and advise clients about the courtroom process, potential timelines, and likely outcomes so they can make informed choices about settlement and trial.

Fault is determined by examining evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs, traffic laws, and expert analysis if necessary. Texas applies comparative fault, which adjusts recovery by a claimant's percentage of responsibility. An accurate assessment of fault often requires a detailed investigation. We work to gather and analyze relevant evidence to present a clear picture of liability.

Obtain necessary medical attention right away and document the incident with photos and witness information if possible. Report the incident to the appropriate authorities or property owner and keep records of all treatment and expenses. Avoid posting details about the incident on social media and consult with a representative before giving recorded statements to insurers. Early preservation of evidence helps support a stronger claim.

Yes. Under Texas comparative fault rules, you may recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault so long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the incident. Your recovery will be adjusted to reflect your share of responsibility. Assessing comparative fault requires careful investigation into the facts. We analyze evidence to minimize your assigned fault and pursue the best possible recovery under the rules.

Case timelines vary widely. Some claims settle in a few months, while complex matters involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or litigation can take a year or longer. The duration depends on medical treatment completion, negotiation, and court schedules. We provide a timeline estimate based on the specific facts of your case and keep you updated on progress toward resolution.

Not all cases go to trial. Many are settled through negotiation, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution. However, we prepare cases as if they may go to trial to ensure strong negotiating leverage and readiness if litigation is necessary. If trial becomes the best option to achieve a fair outcome, we will explain the process and represent you through every step of the courtroom proceedings.