Falcon Lake Estates Personal Injury Attorney — Zapata County, Texas

What you should do right after an injury is document the scene, seek immediate medical attention, and collect contact information for any witnesses. If possible, take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any visible damage to property or watercraft. You should also preserve records of medical visits, bills, and time missed from work. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before discussing the case with a lawyer who can help protect your claim and advise on communication strategies.

In most cases you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of the injury. This deadline can affect your ability to recover compensation, so timely action is important. There are limited exceptions that can alter the filing period, so it is best to consult with a lawyer early to confirm applicable deadlines for your specific situation.

Many personal injury cases settle through negotiation with insurers, resulting in a resolution without a trial. A settlement can be faster and avoids the uncertainty of a court decision. However, if insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to trial may be necessary. We prepare each case as if it may go to court to protect your interests.

Compensation can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering. The specific damages available depend on the details of your case. We help document both economic and non-economic losses to present a full picture of the impact your injury has had on daily life and future needs.

Most personal injury matters are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are deducted from any recovery and there is typically no upfront attorney fee. This arrangement allows injured individuals to pursue claims without immediate out-of-pocket costs. You remain responsible for certain case expenses in some situations, but these are usually advanced by the firm and repaid only from a settlement or judgment. We explain fee terms clearly during the initial consultation.

Investigation may include obtaining accident reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing navigation and safety records, examining the condition of watercraft, and working with marine accident investigators when appropriate. Timely on-site investigation helps preserve evidence. We also collect medical records and consult with treating providers to document injuries and long-term effects, ensuring the full scope of damages is presented to insurers or the court.

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which allows recovery as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your damages are reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. Determining comparative fault can be complex and fact-specific, so early legal review can help protect your right to recover and minimize any percentage assigned to you.

Key evidence includes medical records showing diagnosis and treatment, photos of injuries and the scene, witness statements, accident reports, and documentation of economic losses like bills and pay stubs. Together these items establish causation and damages. Preserving evidence promptly and assembling a complete file improves the credibility of your claim and supports stronger settlement negotiations or trial presentation.

The timeline varies based on the complexity of injuries, the extent of medical treatment needed, insurer cooperation, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months; others require a year or more to reach a fair resolution. We aim to move your case efficiently while ensuring your recovery and future needs are fully documented before accepting any settlement offer.

Contact our office at (713) 780-1633 or use the online contact form to schedule a no-obligation case review. During that call we will gather basic information about the incident and advise on immediate next steps. If you decide to proceed, we will begin documenting your injuries, obtaining records, and communicating with insurers on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.