A personal injury attorney is a legal professional who assists individuals who have suffered injuries in accidents. They offer a broad range of legal services to help their clients recover compensation. A personal injury lawyer’s responsibilities include:
- Providing legal advice.
- Negotiating with insurance companies.
- Investigating accidents.
- Employing experts.
- Conducting discovery.
- Filing lawsuits.
- Examining witnesses.
Personal injury lawyers can assist people injured in various situations, such as car accidents, slip and fall incidents, dog attacks, workplace injuries, and more.
If you’ve sustained injuries in an accident and are seeking legal representation, a personal injury attorney might be the right choice for you.
WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE WHEN WORKING WITH A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY IN HOUSTON, TX?
When collaborating with a personal injury attorney, they will initially assess your case to determine its validity.
If your claim is valid, they will proceed to investigate the accident and gather evidence, which could involve hiring experts to examine the accident scene, reviewing police and medical records, and interviewing witnesses.
Your attorney will also build a case against the responsible party, file a claim on your behalf, and engage in negotiations with insurance companies to secure a settlement. On your behalf, they will initiate a lawsuit if a settlement cannot be reached.
A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER HANDLES WHAT KINDS OF CASES?
A personal injury lawyer in Houston can handle a diverse range of cases within the personal injury practice areas, including:
- Car accidents are a common personal injury scenario, often resulting from negligent driving, and personal injury lawyers help victims seek compensation for their injuries and damages.
- Motorcycle accidents involve unique risks and require specialized legal expertise to address the complex issues surrounding liability and recovery for riders and passengers.
- Truck accidents are often severe due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, making it essential for personal injury attorneys to investigate thoroughly and pursue just compensation.
- Pedestrian accidents involve vulnerable road users and personal injury lawyers work to hold responsible parties accountable for negligence that results in pedestrian injuries.
- Uber and Lyft accidents present legal complexities as ride-sharing companies are involved, necessitating skilled attorneys to navigate insurance and liability issues.
- Slip and fall accidents are common in various settings, and personal injury attorneys help victims establish liability for property owner negligence.
- Dog bites cases require personal injury lawyers to assess liability, often involving dog owners’ negligence, and pursue compensation for the physical and emotional trauma caused by the attacks.
- Workplace accidents involve workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawyers can assist in cases where third-party liability may also be present.
- Wrongful death claims are emotionally challenging cases where personal injury attorneys seek justice and compensation for the families of those who have lost their lives due to another’s negligence.
- Defective products cases involve holding manufacturers and distributors accountable for injuries caused by flawed products, requiring in-depth knowledge of product liability laws.
- Medical malpractice cases necessitate personal injury attorneys to scrutinize medical procedures and decisions, seeking compensation when negligence or errors lead to patient harm.
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury lawyer promptly.
They can provide advice on your legal options and help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
IS IT WORTH HIRING A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY?
For many individuals, the answer is yes. Research shows that those who hire attorneys after an accident typically recover more compensation than those who do not. In fact, hiring an attorney can potentially double the settlement amount.
This is attributed to several factors. Attorneys have extensive experience in negotiating settlements, possess ample resources to strengthen the case, and are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.
WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD AN ATTORNEY?
While many people believe that hiring a lawyer is costly, most personal injury law firms operate on a contingency fee basis.
This means that the attorney is only compensated when they secure a settlement or judgment for you.
Contingency fees typically amount to around 33%, but this can vary depending on the case.
Therefore, you don’t need to worry about upfront expenses, and you only pay if the attorney obtains compensation for you.
WHAT IS THE HOUSTON, TX, PERSONAL INJURY CASE TIMELINE?
The timeline for a personal injury case in Houston, TX, varies depending on the specific circumstances. However, there are general steps commonly involved in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Filing a personal injury claim with the insurance company initiates the process.
- The insurance company conducts an investigation.
- Negotiations for a settlement begin, and if unsuccessful, a lawsuit is filed.
It’s important to be cautious of insurance companies that may intentionally delay in the hope that the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit expires.
In Houston, the statute of limitations is two years, meaning you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date or risk losing your right to compensation.
Exceptions to this rule exist, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney for a specific case timeline.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT IN HOUSTON, TX?
If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit, which involves the following steps:
- Filing a complaint stating the case facts and requested damages.
- The defendant filing an answer that admits or denies allegations and may include defenses.
- Both parties engaging in discovery, including document exchange, interrogatories, and depositions.
- Filing motions for various legal requests.
- The trial where evidence is presented, and a judgment is made.
These steps provide a general outline, but the actual case progression can vary depending on individual circumstances, taking several months to several years.
Consulting with an experienced houston personal injury lawyer is recommended before taking legal action.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH AN EXPERIENCED HOUSTON, TX PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
Whether you’ve experienced a Houston-area car accident or a loved one has suffered due to negligence, our legal team can work with you to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact ROXELL RICHARDS INJURY LAW FIRM at (713) 974-0388 for a free consultation, and we will advocate for your rights.