Shady Hollow Personal Injury Attorney — Travis County, Texas

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas? Generally, most personal injury lawsuits in Texas must be filed within two years of the injury. Some exceptions may extend or shorten that time, so it is important to consult promptly to preserve your claim.

A quick settlement may cover immediate bills, but it could leave future treatment and ongoing expenses unpaid. It is important to estimate future medical needs before signing any release. We recommend documenting all treatments and consulting before accepting an offer so you understand whether the payment adequately addresses long-term costs and potential complications.

Many claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement without trial. However, if negotiations do not produce a fair result, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to court may be necessary to obtain proper compensation. Preparing for litigation strengthens negotiating position, and we handle both settlement talks and courtroom advocacy when required.

Fault is determined by examining police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, and physical evidence from the scene to establish negligence or rule violations. Comparative fault rules in Texas may reduce recovery if the injured party shares responsibility. A careful investigation and reconstruction when needed can clarify liability and protect your ability to recover damages.

You can recover economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In rare cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available. A thorough case valuation should consider both immediate costs and potential future losses tied to ongoing treatment or diminished earning capacity.

You should provide basic information to your insurer and cooperate with required medical care, but avoid detailed recorded statements for the at-fault party’s carrier without guidance. Early statements can be used to limit compensation. Consulting a law firm before meaningful discussions with the other side helps ensure your rights are protected and your statements do not harm your claim.

We generally handle personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are collected from any recovery rather than upfront. This arrangement helps clients pursue claims without immediate legal costs. We will explain fee structures, potential expenses, and how costs are handled so you understand what to expect before proceeding.

Texas follows modified comparative fault rules that reduce recovery by the injured party’s percentage of fault. As long as your share of responsibility is below the legal threshold, you may still recover a portion of damages. Accurate evidence and legal advocacy are important to minimize assigned fault and protect the recovery you deserve.

The timeline depends on factors like injury severity, medical treatment needs, and negotiation complexity. Some cases settle within months, while others that require litigation can take a year or more. We provide realistic timelines based on case specifics and work to resolve claims efficiently while safeguarding full compensation for your losses.

Bring any medical records, bills, accident reports, photos, and contact information for witnesses if available. These materials help us evaluate the claim and identify immediate steps to protect evidence. If you do not have all documents, come anyway; we can request records and outline a plan to move forward promptly.