A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who helps people who have been injured in accidents.
They provide a wide variety of legal services and help their clients recover compensation.
A personal injury lawyer does the following things:
- offer legal advice
- negotiate with insurance companies
- investigate accidents
- hire experts
- perform discovery
- file lawsuits
- examine witnesses
Personal injury lawyers can help people who have been injured in car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, workplace accidents, and more. If you have been injured in an accident and are looking for legal representation, a personal injury lawyer may be the right option for you.
What is it Like Working With a Personal Injury Attorney in Houston, TX?
When you work with a personal injury lawyer, they will first take a look at your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If you do, they will then begin to investigate the accident and gather evidence. This may include hiring experts to examine the scene of the accident, examining police and medical records, and interviewing witnesses.
Your lawyer will also work to build a case against the person or company responsible for your injuries. They will file a claim on your behalf and begin to negotiate with insurance companies to try and secure a settlement for you. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
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What Types of Cases Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Handle?
A personal injury lawyer can handle a wide variety of cases. Personal injury practice areas include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Workplace accidents
- Wrongful death claims
- Defective products
- Medical Malpractice
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you on your legal options and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Is it Worth it to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
For many people, the answer is yes. Studies show that people who hire attorneys after an accident recover more money than those who don’t. In fact, hiring an attorney can sometimes double the amount of money you receive in a settlement.
There are several reasons for this. First, attorneys have a lot of experience negotiating settlements. They know what to ask for and how to get the best deal possible for their clients.
Second, attorneys have a lot of resources at their disposal. They can hire experts to help them build a strong case and increase the chances of recovering more money. Finally, attorneys are motivated to get the best results for their clients. They want to see them recover as much money as possible so they can get paid.
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What if I Can’t Afford an Attorney?
Many people believe that is too expensive to hiring a lawyer. However, most personal injury law firms operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer doesn’t get paid unless they secure a settlement or judgment for you. Contingency fees typically run around 33% but can vary based on the case.
So, while personal injury attorneys do cost money, this is not something you have to worry about up-front. The best part is, if the lawyer does not obtain compensation for you, you don’t pay.
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What is the Timeline for a Personal Injury Case in Houston, TX?
The timeline for a personal injury case in Houston, TX, can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. However, there are some general steps that will typically occur during a personal injury lawsuit.
First, the attorney for the injured person will file a personal injury claim with the insurance company. This will initiate the process.
Next, the insurance company will likely conduct an investigation into the accident. They will gather evidence and speak to witnesses in order to build their case.
After that, both sides will begin negotiating a settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, it is time to file a lawsuit.
Be careful–many insurance companies will delay in hopes that the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit expires.
The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in Houston, TX, is two years. This means that you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident or risk forfeiting your right to compensation. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it is always best to speak with an attorney to get a more specific timeline for your case.
This is why it is important to have an attorney who will keep on top of the case and make sure that everything is moving forward as it should.
What is Involved in a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Houston, TX?
If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, your lawyer will file a lawsuit with the appropriate court.
The first step is filing a complaint. Your complaint will state the facts of your case, and what you are asking for in damages. Damages in a personal injury lawsuit can include things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The defendant (the person or company you are suing) will then file an answer. The answer will admit or deny the allegations in the complaint, and may also include defenses to the lawsuit.
Discovery
Next, both sides will engage in discovery. This is a process where both parties request information from each other. This can include:
- requesting and providing documents (like medical records)
- requesting and answering interrogatories (questions about the accident)
- performing depositions (interviews under oath)
Discovery can be onerous, but an experienced attorney will shine during this time and take most of the burden off of you.
Motions
Motions may also be filed during this time period. A motion is a request to the court for some sort of relief. For example, a party might file a motion to dismiss the case or to compel discovery.
The Trial
The trial is the final step. In a personal injury trial, each side will present their evidence to a jury and try to convince them that their version of events is more accurate. After both sides have presented their case, the judge or jury must come to a decision about who was at fault for the accident and how much money should be awarded as compensation.
If you win your trial, the judge will sign an “Entry of Judgment” – which officially makes it a judgment in your favor.
The above steps are general guidelines – every case progresses differently depending on individual circumstances. The process can take anywhere from several months to several years to complete. You should consult with an experienced Houston Personal Injury Attorney before beginning any legal action against another party after being injured.
Schedule a Consult With an Experienced Houston, TX Personal Injury Attorney
Whether you have been injured in a Houston area car accident or a loved one has passed away due to another’s negligence, our legal team can work with you to get the compensation that you need and deserve. Contact Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers at (713) 500-5000 for a free consultation. We will fight for your rights.
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