What Should I Do Immediately After a Personal Injury in Houston?
Call 911 if you need medical attention, then document everything about your accident. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage while getting contact information from witnesses and the other party involved.
Seek medical care even if you feel fine, as some injuries like concussions or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms immediately. Keep all medical records and receipts, as these will be crucial for your personal injury claim.
Contact a Houston personal injury lawyer before speaking with insurance companies, as they may try to minimize your settlement offer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, called the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced by Texas courts.
Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to seek compensation forever. However, certain circumstances can extend or pause this time limit, such as cases involving minors or when the injury was not immediately discovered.
Contact a Houston personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and ensure proper case preparation.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Houston Personal Injury Case?
Personal injury victims in Houston can recover economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, plus non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Economic damages include current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages compensate for physical pain, mental anguish, and how the injury affects your daily life.
In cases involving gross negligence, Texas law may also allow punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Houston?
Most Houston personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay if they win your case. The standard contingency fee ranges from 33% to 40% of your settlement or court award.
This arrangement allows injury victims to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Your lawyer covers all case expenses, including court fees, expert witnesses, and investigation costs.
Always discuss fee structures during your initial consultation and get the agreement in writing before proceeding with representation.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company First Settlement Offer?
No, you should rarely accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company. These initial offers are typically much lower than what your case is actually worth and are designed to close your claim quickly and cheaply.
Insurance adjusters often make settlement offers before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or their long-term impact on your life. Many injuries require ongoing treatment, and you may miss work longer than initially expected.
Consult with a Houston personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offer to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages.
What Makes a Strong Personal Injury Case in Houston?
Strong personal injury cases have clear evidence of the other party negligence, well-documented injuries, and proof of damages. This includes police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photos from the accident scene.
Consistency in your medical treatment and following doctor orders strengthens your case significantly. Gaps in treatment or missed appointments can be used against you by the defense.
Working with an experienced Houston personal injury attorney from the beginning helps ensure proper evidence collection and case development for the strongest possible claim.
