Edgewood Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas

Timing matters after an injury. You should seek medical attention promptly and preserve records of treatment, as these documents are central to proving the extent and cause of your injuries. Delays in treatment can complicate a claim and allow insurers to question the connection between the incident and your injuries. You should also consult with a law firm early to understand applicable deadlines and preserve evidence. Early contact helps ensure important items like witness contact information and scene photographs are collected before they are lost.

In most personal injury cases in Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file within that period, you risk being barred from bringing the claim in court. There are exceptions that can shorten or extend the deadline, such as claims against government entities or situations where the injury was discovered later. Consult with a firm promptly to determine the exact timeline that applies to your case.

Recoverable compensation typically includes past and future medical expenses, lost wages and lost earning capacity, and damages for pain and suffering or mental anguish. Property damage related to the incident may also be recoverable. In limited circumstances, additional damages such as punitive damages may be available, depending on the conduct of the defendant and the specifics of the case under Texas law.

Many personal injury matters are resolved through negotiation or settlement with insurance companies before a lawsuit is filed. Settlement is the most common outcome when liability is clear and medical records support the claim. If insurers refuse to offer fair compensation or if liability is disputed, filing a lawsuit and taking the case to court may be necessary. We prepare each case as if it could proceed to trial to protect your negotiating position.

Most personal injury firms, including ours, use contingency fee arrangements where legal fees are a percentage of the recovery. That means you generally do not pay attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you. There may also be case-related expenses such as expert reports, investigation costs, and filing fees. Discuss those details during your initial consultation so you understand how costs and fees will be handled.

Seek medical attention right away and follow all medical advice. Even if injuries feel minor initially, a medical evaluation documents your condition and creates records that support a future claim. Document the scene with photos if possible, collect contact information for witnesses, report the incident to the appropriate authorities, and preserve any physical evidence. Contact a law firm to discuss next steps and to preserve evidence and deadlines.

Many cases settle before reaching trial, but the likelihood of trial depends on factors such as the strength of liability proof, the size of the claim, and the willingness of insurers to offer fair compensation. Complex or high-value claims are more likely to require litigation. Preparing a case thoroughly for trial strengthens your negotiating position and often results in better settlement offers, even when litigation is ultimately avoided.

Texas uses a proportionate responsibility approach. If you are found partially at fault, your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, a 20 percent share of fault reduces recovery by 20 percent. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault for the incident in many cases, you may be barred from recovering damages. Discuss your situation early so fault apportionment can be evaluated and addressed.

Resolution time varies widely. Simple cases with minor injuries may resolve in a few months, while more complex matters involving serious injuries, long-term care, or disputed liability can take a year or longer. The need for medical stability often affects timing. Our approach is to pursue timely and fair resolution while protecting your long-term interests. We keep clients informed about likely timelines based on the facts and necessary evidence gathering.

You can choose to handle a claim yourself, but insurers are skilled at minimizing payouts and may exploit procedural oversights. Self-representation may be reasonable for small, uncomplicated claims where liability is clear and medical treatment is complete. For more significant injuries, disputed fault, or complex damages, representation can improve the chance of an appropriate recovery and ensures deadlines and evidentiary requirements are met. A consultation will help you decide the best path.