Lakeside Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Tarrant County, Texas

Many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation with an insurer, but resolution methods vary based on liability, injury severity, and available evidence. Early investigation and clear medical documentation improve the likelihood of a favorable settlement. If settlement negotiations do not produce a fair result, filing a lawsuit preserves your right to pursue damages in court. Timely action and strategic preparation are essential to maintain options and protect recoverable compensation.

In most personal injury cases in Texas you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar your claim unless a specific exception applies. Certain circumstances may change that timeframe, so it is important to consult with a lawyer promptly to confirm deadlines and take any necessary preservation steps.

Recoverable damages commonly include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering. Property damage may also be recoverable in vehicle-related cases. The specific damages you may claim depend on the facts of your case and the supporting medical and financial documentation. Thorough documentation strengthens the value of your claim.

Many personal injury cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation. Settlement can provide a faster resolution and avoid the uncertainties of a jury trial. However, if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to trial may be necessary to pursue the full value of your claim. We prepare every case as if it could go to court.

Personal injury attorneys commonly work on a contingency basis, meaning fees are paid as a percentage of the recovery and only if compensation is obtained. This arrangement allows injured people to pursue claims without upfront legal fees. Fee agreements should be reviewed carefully and clearly explain the percentage, costs that may be deducted, and how disbursements are handled. Ask for a written fee agreement before proceeding.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor. Follow medical advice and keep records of treatments and expenses. Also, report the incident to the appropriate authorities when required. Collect evidence at the scene if it is safe to do so, including photos, contact information for witnesses, and insurance details from other parties. Preserve any damaged property and avoid discussing fault with insurers without legal advice.

Texas applies a modified comparative fault system that reduces recovery by the injured person’s percentage of fault. If you are found more than 50% responsible, you may be barred from recovering damages. When fault is shared, careful documentation and legal argument can help minimize the assigned percentage and protect your potential recovery.

Case timelines vary widely depending on injury severity, medical treatment duration, complexity of liability, and insurer responsiveness. Some claims resolve in months while others may take a year or longer. Pursuing a reasonable timeline often means balancing the desire for prompt resolution with the need to fully document injuries and future care needs, which affects settlement value.

If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, recovery options may include your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, claims against other responsible parties, or pursuing personal assets through litigation. An attorney can review available insurance policies and possible legal avenues to determine the best approach to seek compensation despite limited coverage.

Begin by calling (713) 780-1633 or submitting your information for a free case evaluation. We will review the basic facts, advise on next steps, and explain important deadlines and evidence to preserve. If you decide to proceed, we will enter into a written fee agreement, begin collecting records, and coordinate medical and investigative resources to advance your claim promptly.