Every car accident in Texas is a unique event that can have many varying factors that affect the time between accident and resolution. On your own, it can be difficult to determine how long it will take to settle your case. A personal injury lawyer in your area can explain the possible Texas car accident settlement process and timeline. A lawyer can also clarify your potential recoverable damages and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, the law firm that represents you will investigate the collision and identify the at-fault driver. A lawyer can also help with evidence collection and communicate and correspond with the liable party and their representative. Responsive, supportive legal guidance and support can help streamline your case and ensure timely filing that removes your risk of dismissal.
Factors That Contribute to the Car Accident Settlement Process
The severity of the injuries you suffer in a car accident will play a significant part in the timeline of your case. If you investigate and attempt to settle your case on your own, you may have to wait until you recover sufficiently to take part in your case. If you are represented by a lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer builds your case. He will:
- The investigation
- Evidence gathering
- Settlement negotiation
- Settlement agreement
While it is a rare occurrence, some car accident cases will not be resolved with a settlement agreement. If this is the case with your accident, you can take the at-fault driver to court with the help of a personal injury lawyer.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Evidence from a car accident tells its story and can help substantiate your claim. The evidence file that a lawyer builds for you will contain:
- A copy of the police report. It will tell your lawyer the date, time, and location of the accident. It will also contain details on factors that contributed to the accident and contact information. It is usually ready within days or weeks of its filing.
- Copies of your medical records. They will prove the cause of your injuries and their immediate and ongoing costs. They can also help prove the degree of care you will require to reach full recovery.
Additional evidence includes witness statements, photos, and videos. Your lawyer may also request financial records to prove the value of any income loss related to your injuries and recovery.
Damages You Can Request
When you are involved in a collision, the driver whose negligence caused the accident is responsible for covering its financial aftermath. The damages you can request from the negligent driver include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Mental distress
- Emotional trauma
- Physical impairments
- Lasting disfigurement
You can also request coverage of funeral and burial expenses and of additional wrongful death damages. Understanding the value of your damages can add to the time it takes to settle your case. This is because it takes time for all the expenses of your accident to become known and for all parties to submit a bill to you.
In the case of medical bills, one hospital might send you separate bills for the emergency room, doctor, hospital room, medications, etc. A car accident lawyer can help ensure your bills are all in and the cost of your accident is clear before the settlement process starts.
Statute of Limitations
The Texas statute of limitations defines the time you have to file a lawsuit. According to Texas Law, you generally have:
- Two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
- Two years from the date of a loved one’s demise to file a wrongful death lawsuit
Do not wait until the last minute to file your lawsuit or to speak to a law firm team member about filing it. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can investigate your accident and ensure it is filed within the state’s timeline. We can tell you how long you have to take legal action when you call for a free consultation.
Your Role in Resolving Your Case
You, not your lawyer, will make the final decision to accept or reject a settlement offer. Your lawyer will help you weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each offer you receive. They will also ensure you understand the finality of an accepted offer and have the information and tools you need to make a well-informed decision.
Get a Free Car Accident Case Consultation Today
If you or someone you love was injured by a negligent driver in a Texas car accident, our personal injury lawyer can help resolve your case with a financial settlement process and clarify the potential timeline of your case. Find out how by calling one of our D. Miller & Associates, PLLC® team members at (713) 850-8600 today.
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