Houston is a developed metropolitan area in Texas. The fast-paced urban culture leaves room for accidents and injuries while traveling, at work, and in many other instances. Being injured in a vehicle accident leaves you with pain, substantial medical bills, and an overwhelming feeling.
It can leave you confused on whether to file a case, who to approach, what steps to take next, and more. A Houston personal injury lawyer legally represents you and ensures your rights are protected.
Read on to know the answers to the questions you are likely to have regarding personal injury and lawsuits.
Q – What Should I Do After the Accident?
Answer – Texas witnessed 12,107 serious injury motor vehicle crashes in 2020 alone. If you are injured in a vehicle accident or any other incident, seek medical attention at the earliest. If you are conscious and do not require emergency room treatment immediately, take pictures or videos of the scene to serve as evidence.
You have to exchange essential information with the other party. Make sure to take the names, addresses, contact details, and insurance information. Contact a personal injury attorney in Houston and prepare your injury claim.
Q – Do I Have a Substantial Case?
Answer – It is recommended that you take the assistance of an attorney to determine if you have a substantial case. Discuss the situation in detail. Your attorney reviews the incident and tells you who to sue, the compensation you can expect, and more.
They consider all the facts and the state laws before suggesting the next steps for you. In most instances, you have a case when the other party acted negligently or intentionally.
Q – Is There a Deadline to File the Lawsuit?
Answer – Yes, a deadline or the statute of limitations applies for personal injury cases. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury or accident for most personal injury lawsuits.
Make sure to file your lawsuit with a lawyer’s help as soon as possible. If you file it after the deadline, the Houston court is most likely to dismiss your case. A few exceptions rarely apply. Contact your attorney and understand the timeline for court processes.
Q – Should You Answer Questions from an Insurance Adjuster?
Answer – If an insurance adjuster contacts you, refrain from answering the questions on your own. They may prompt you to give out statements that may hurt your claim. Your injury lawyer prepares you on which statements to give and the topics to avoid.
The attorney can answer on your behalf. They also skillfully negotiate with relevant laws and substantial evidence.
Q – How Long Does It Take for Your Case to Settle?
Answer – Most personal injury cases do not go to a court trial. The insurance company or defendant agrees to a settlement. You may need compensation faster as it may be challenging to meet your medical expenses, especially senior citizens. Around 36,337 senior citizens had slip and fall accidents in Texas in 2014 alone.
However, the timeline differs for each case depending on the severity of injuries and the amount involved. A Houston personal injury lawyer fights rigorously on your behalf throughout the case.