What You Need to Know After Being Injured in an Accident
Accidents can happen in an instant, whether you're driving, walking, or working. Someone’s inattention—like running a red light or operating machinery without care—can lead to an injury. It might be a minor injury, like a cut or sprain, or something more serious, such as a broken bone, spinal injury, or head trauma. After addressing your immediate medical needs, you may find yourself asking: What’s next? How will you cover your medical bills, lost wages, or cope with chronic pain? Texas personal injury law is here to help when you’ve been hurt due to someone else's negligence.
Understanding Texas Personal Injury Law
In Texas, if you’re injured because of someone’s carelessness, you have the right to seek compensation for:
Lost income—Wages you would have earned if not for your injury.
Medical expenses—Necessary treatments not covered by insurance.
Pain and suffering—Physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Loss of companionship—Impact on your relationships due to the injury.
Loss of enjoyment—Inability to engage in activities you once loved.
Property damage—Loss or damage to your belongings.
Most personal injury cases hinge on proving negligence. This involves showing that the other party failed to act reasonably, their negligence caused the accident, and you suffered real harm as a result. In civil cases like these, you need to prove your claim by the "weight of the evidence," meaning your version of events must be more convincing than the defendant's.
Filing a Lawsuit: Key Time Limits
Texas law imposes a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the accident for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Acting within this timeframe is crucial to preserving your legal rights.
Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence
If you bear some responsibility for the accident, Texas’ comparative negligence rule may apply. You can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your share of the fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you will be barred from any recovery under the state's modified comparative negligence rule.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
From the initial claim to settlement or trial, we are committed to fighting for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you.
