Westlake Personal Injury Attorney in Texas

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas? In most personal injury matters, Texas imposes a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. Certain circumstances can extend or shorten this period, so it’s important to consult an attorney promptly to preserve your rights. Failing to file within the applicable time limit can bar recovery, and gathering evidence early improves the ability to pursue a claim successfully.

Compensatory damages may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. The exact categories available depend on the facts and applicable law. An attorney can help document and value these losses, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, present arguments in court to seek appropriate compensation for both economic and non-economic impacts.

Yes. Prompt medical evaluation protects your health and creates an official medical record linking treatment to the incident. Some injuries may worsen over time, and early documentation is important for a claim. Follow your provider’s instructions, keep records of all visits and treatments, and notify your attorney of any ongoing symptoms or additional care related to the injury.

We manage insurer communications to protect your interests, responding to requests and negotiating settlement offers on your behalf. Insurers often aim to minimize payouts, so coordinated, strategic responses are important. You should avoid providing recorded statements or signing releases without legal advice. We will advise you on what information to provide and handle formal interactions to avoid compromising your claim.

Many personal injury claims resolve through negotiation and settlement, but some require filing a lawsuit and proceeding to trial if parties cannot reach agreement. Preparing a case for trial strengthens negotiating leverage. We assess each case individually and prepare for litigation when necessary, while pursuing settlement opportunities that serve the client’s best interests when appropriate.

Personal injury attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are collected only if the client recovers compensation. This arrangement aligns the attorney’s interests with achieving a positive outcome for the client. Specific fee terms, costs, and expense reimbursement practices are explained up front so clients understand how fees will be calculated and when expenses are deducted from recoveries.

Seek medical attention, ensure a safe location, and report the incident to authorities if required. Collect available evidence such as photos, witness information, and the other party’s contact and insurance details. Keep records of medical visits and expenses, and consult with a personal injury attorney early to discuss your options and next steps for preserving evidence and pursuing a claim.

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule that can reduce recovery in proportion to your percentage of fault. If you are less than 51% responsible, you may still recover damages reduced by your share of fault. Assessing fault percentages and negotiating fair settlements requires careful review of evidence. An attorney can help present mitigating facts and advocate for a favorable allocation of responsibility.

Resolution timeframes vary widely based on case complexity, severity of injuries, willingness of insurers to negotiate, and whether litigation is necessary. Some claims settle in a few months, while others take years to resolve fully. Early investigation and strong case preparation can accelerate settlement discussions, but certain cases require extended negotiation or court proceedings to achieve fair compensation.

Critical evidence includes medical records, witness statements, photographs of the scene and injuries, police reports, and any available surveillance or traffic camera footage. Documentation of lost wages and treatment costs also supports damages claims. Preserving physical and digital evidence promptly and coordinating with medical providers for thorough records strengthens the claim and improves chances of obtaining full and fair compensation.