Fort Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer — Texas

Many claims settle before a lawsuit is filed, but the timeline depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the responsiveness of insurers. Initial settlement talks can occur within weeks, but disputed liability or serious injuries may take months or longer to resolve, especially if litigation becomes necessary.

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 sue. Certain circumstances can change the deadline, so it is important to consult promptly to understand any exceptions that may apply to your situation.

Case value depends on medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, the severity and permanence of injuries, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. An accurate valuation requires reviewing medical records, bills, and details about the incident; we can provide an assessment after a case review.

Many injury cases resolve through negotiation or mediation without a trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, preparing for court may be necessary to pursue appropriate compensation. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial to strengthen settlement positions and ensure clients are ready if litigation becomes required.

If the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance, other sources such as your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, employer insurance, or third-party liability may be available. We review all potential recovery avenues and advise on strategies to maximize compensation given the available insurance and assets.

Immediate medical needs should be addressed through your own insurance, emergency care, or providers who will accept payment arrangements; some providers will wait for settlement in serious cases. We can assist in communicating with medical providers and exploring options to manage bills while your claim is pending, including liens or negotiated payment plans when appropriate.

Many personal injury firms, including ours, handle cases on a contingency basis, meaning fees are paid from any recovery rather than upfront. This allows access to representation without immediate out-of-pocket costs. There may be modest case-related expenses advanced by the firm, and we explain how these are handled and reimbursed from any recovery before fees are applied.

Provide insurers with basic contact and claim information, but avoid detailed recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers without consulting a lawyer. Let your legal team handle substantive communications so you do not inadvertently weaken your claim or miss important issues in negotiations.

Photographs of the scene, medical records, police reports, witness contact information, and documentation of lost income are all valuable to establish liability and damages. Timely preservation of evidence and consistent treatment records strengthen causation and damage claims, so gather what you can and share it with your attorney promptly.

Texas follows a proportionate responsibility system where a claimant’s recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault, and recovery is barred if fault exceeds a defined threshold in some contexts. An attorney can analyze the facts to estimate comparative fault and advise how it may affect potential recovery and negotiation strategy.