Abilene Personal Injury Attorney in Texas

After an injury, get medical attention and document everything related to the incident. Collect names and contact information of witnesses, take photos of injuries and the scene, and keep all medical bills and records. Reporting the incident to the appropriate parties and preserving evidence helps protect your claim. Reach out to a firm to discuss your options before providing recorded statements to insurers or accepting early settlement offers. A prompt legal review helps identify deadlines and ensures your rights are preserved under Texas law.

Most personal injury lawsuits in Texas must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, can bar claims filed after it expires. Certain situations may affect the time limit, so it is important to contact a law firm promptly to confirm deadlines that apply to your case and take necessary steps to preserve your claim.

Medical providers often require payment or arrangements regardless of a pending claim. Some providers may place liens or wait for settlement, but you should confirm billing policies and keep records of all treatment and expenses. Discuss payment issues with your legal team early; they can communicate with providers, help negotiate liens, and ensure medical costs are included in your claim valuation.

Fault is determined by reviewing police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, physical evidence, and any available video. Insurance adjusters evaluate these factors to assign responsibility for the crash. When fault is disputed, further investigation and evidence collection may be necessary, and legal action can help establish liability and pursue compensation if insurers do not resolve the claim fairly.

Injury claims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. The available recovery depends on the facts and extent of injuries. Accurately documenting all losses is important to ensure a claim reflects both current and future needs related to the injury.

Many personal injury firms work on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are collected as a percentage of the recovery rather than hourly. This arrangement allows clients to pursue claims without upfront legal costs. Fee agreements vary, so review the terms carefully to understand the percentage, expenses, and when fees are collected if you recover compensation.

If the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance, other avenues may be available such as uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy, identifying additional responsible parties, or pursuing a judgment against the at-fault party directly. An early assessment of available recovery sources helps determine the best course of action and whether litigation or alternative measures are necessary to obtain compensation.

Case timelines vary widely based on injury severity, complexity, insurer cooperation, and whether litigation is required. Some claims settle in a few months, while others may take a year or longer to fully resolve. Timely medical treatment and prompt evidence collection help move a case forward. Your legal team can provide a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your situation.

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule that reduces your recovery proportionally to your percentage of fault, but you may still recover if you are less than 51% responsible. Accurate evidence is crucial to demonstrating the relative fault of all parties. Work with counsel to gather supporting facts and negotiate with insurers or present your case in court to protect your interests under the comparative fault system.

Many cases resolve through negotiation and settlement without a trial, but if parties cannot reach an agreement, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to court may be necessary to secure fair compensation. Preparing for trial begins early with thorough discovery and evidence development. Your legal team will advise whether settlement or litigation is the best option given the facts of your case.