FAQ

It’s difficult to say how much your truck accident case might be worth until an experienced truck accident lawyer has investigated the crash and evaluated the facts of your case. But you can get some idea of what your case might be worth by examining all the different kinds of losses you are eligible to receive through a personal injury lawsuit. These losses include things like:

• Any medical bills related to the accident, including any future treatment you may require
• Your lost wages or other incomes resulting from the accident
• Your reduced ability to work because of a long-term or permanent disability from the accident
• Your pain and suffering from your injuries
• Your emotional distress caused by the accident
• Your personal property that was damaged in the accident

There is no law requiring you to hire a truck accident lawyer after a collision involving an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or other commercial vehicle. However, not hiring an experienced truck accident attorney is generally a bad idea, especially if you’ve been severely injured. If you are recovering from severe injuries and have missed work due to a truck accident, seeking compensation from the at-fault party can be challenging without professional legal help. Your focus should be on recovering from your injuries and getting medical treatment. While you take care of yourself, a truck accident attorney can handle the legal legwork. Hiring a lawyer is also crucial to maximizing your claim. You only have one chance to recover the money you need and deserve. If you try to seek compensation alone and don’t have the proper legal training, you risk being taken advantage of by the other party’s insurance company. With an experienced injury lawyer fighting for you, you’ll have a better chance of maximizing your claim and getting the money you need to move on from the crash.

Fault in a truck accident is based on the legal concept of negligence. Negligent behavior includes actions or inactions that fall short of the duty of care drivers owe to everyone else on the road. Evidence of negligence can come from many sources, such as information in the police report, photos, witness statements, black box data, toxicology reports, expert accident reconstruction, and more.

It depends on the nature of the driver’s medical condition. If a truck driver has a sudden medical emergency that was not foreseeable or preventable, they likely cannot be held liable. However, if the driver had a known medical condition and failed to take steps to prevent an accident, they could be responsible for the crash.

Truck accident cases generally take longer than car accident cases because there may be multiple liable parties, so you might need to file numerous claims. There also might be several injured parties, particularly if the crash involved multiple vehicles, which could complicate things. Most truck accident cases take at least several months before you settle, and it may be even longer if your case goes to trial.

If you are partly at fault for a truck accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. In cases where multiple parties share responsibility for an accident, Texas uses a form of comparative negligence to determine who will receive compensation. That means as long as you are not found to be more than 50 percent liable for an accident, you could still recover partial compensation for your injuries. If you are found partly responsible for an accident, your payment will likely be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage through your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to seek compensation for your injuries. You may also be able to file a claim against the trucking company or another liable party. Finally, you may still be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and claim compensation from the other driver’s assets.

The truck accident lawyers at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not have to pay any fees upfront, and you will only have to pay your attorney if they help you recover compensation for your injuries. Contingency fees mean everyone who needs access to the legal system can afford a personal injury lawyer.

Although many people understandably want to know how much their spinal cord injury claims might be worth, it is unfortunately not possible to say without first reviewing the specific details involved. Many factors influence the potential value of your claim, including the severity of your exact injury, the cost of your medical treatment and ongoing care, the impact your injury has had and will continue to have on your life, and more. Once our team has reviewed these and other details, we can provide a more accurate assessment of how much your claim may be worth. You can rely on our firm to provide honest and realistic advice based on the unique details of your situation.

You may still have a case even if you were partly at fault for the incident that led to your spinal cord injury. In Texas, you can file a personal injury claim as long as you are not more than 50% to blame. However, under the state’s rule of modified comparative negligence, you will not be able to recover the full amount you are seeking in compensation. Instead, your recovery will be reduced by your at-fault percentage. So, for example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for your spinal cord injury, and you are seeking $100,000 in damages, you would only be entitled to 75% of that amount, or $75,000.

Just as many factors influence the value of your claim, many factors also impact the length of time it will take to resolve your case. Some of these factors include the amount of time it takes for you to reach maximum medical improvement, whether the defendant disputes liability or argues that you were partly at fault, the amount of insurance coverage available, and the defendant’s willingness to settle, among others. At Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, we work as quickly and efficiently as possible to resolve our clients’ claims. While we always strive for swift and favorable settlements, we know that this is not always possible. Sometimes, it is necessary to take cases to trial to seek the full, fair amount our clients are owed. When this is the case, we are fully prepared to aggressively advocate for you in court.

Personal injury lawyers, including those who handle spinal cord injury claims, offer legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay a retainer or any upfront legal fees. Instead, your attorney will receive payment via a percentage of your recovery, typically about 33 1/3%, though this can vary. In other words, you do not pay any out-of-pocket expenses when you hire Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, and we only collect attorney fees if and when we win your case.

Wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits, rather than criminal cases. This means that the person or party who brings a wrongful death claim seeks financial compensation for certain losses, or “damages,” rather than criminal penalties, such as imprisonment. It is possible for an at-fault party to face both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit if they are responsible for the death of an individual. Additionally, the outcome of a criminal case—or the lack of criminal proceedings—does not necessarily affect the outcome of a civil wrongful death lawsuit or an individual’s right to file suit.

If the defendant is convicted of manslaughter, homicide, or murder in the case involving your loved one’s death, this does not necessarily imply civil liability. However, a conviction can be a good indicator that you will be successful in your civil wrongful death lawsuit. This is because the burden of proof in a criminal case is much higher than it is in a civil lawsuit. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil lawsuit, however, you must simply show that the defendant is more likely than not to have caused the death of your loved one. Your attorney can help you understand what must be proven in your wrongful death claim, as well as what to expect if the defendant is charged with and/or convicted in a criminal case.

Survival claims are similar to wrongful death claims in that both seek compensation for damages following the death of an individual. However, while a wrongful death case seeks recovery for eligible surviving family members, a survival action typically seeks compensation for the decedent’s estate. Rather than awarding damages directly to surviving family members, damages in a survival claim are awarded to the estate and then distributed accordingly.

No, many wrongful death cases settle before going to trial. At Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, our Houston wrongful death attorneys know how to aggressively pursue favorable settlements on behalf of surviving family members and help them avoid the time, cost, and stress of trial. However, we also recognize that this is not always possible. If the liable party refuses to settle, or if it offers an unjust amount, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to secure the justice and fair compensation you and your family deserve.

Every case is different; the exact amount of time it will take to resolve your wrongful death case depends on numerous individual factors, such as the complexity of the claim and the defendant’s willingness to settle. That being said, most wrongful death cases are resolved within several months to a couple of years. The attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC strive to achieve fast, favorable settlements for our clients. We understand the importance of resolving your case as efficiently as possible so that you and your family can heal and move forward with your lives. However, we also recognize that it is essential that you receive the full, fair amount you are owed. We are always ready and willing to take cases to trial whenever necessary.

Generally speaking, your slip and fall claim may be worth more if you suffered severe, life-changing injuries. However, the exact value of your case depends on many factors in addition to the severity of your injuries, including the cost of your medical care, whether you took time off work to heal, how much you lost in wages due to being out of work, and whether you were partly at fault for the incident. We recommend that you contact an attorney at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC to set up a free initial consultation. During this consultation, we can review the specific details of your case and determine how much it may be worth, as well as what you can expect from the legal process.

Not necessarily. Although some cases do go to trial, many are settled during pre-trial litigation or even before. Our firm can help you understand what to expect from your claim during a free initial consultation. If your case does go to trial, and your appearance in court is required, we will be sure to fully prepare you for this.

If you are found to be partly at fault for the incident that led to your injuries, you can still file a personal injury claim as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Under Texas’s rule of modified comparative negligence, you can file a claim for damages if you are found to be less than 51% to blame, but you will not be able to recover the full amount you are seeking in compensation. Instead, your recovery will be reduced by your at-fault percentage. For example, if you slipped and fell on a wet floor in a grocery store, but the store manager argues that you were looking at your cellphone while walking and did not see the puddle, you may be found 20% at fault. If you are seeking $10,000 in damages, you would only be able to recover up to 80% of that amount, or $8,000.

Many slip and fall cases are settled within a few weeks to a couple of months. However, numerous factors influence the duration of your case. If you suffered severe injuries, required extensive medical care, or were found partly at fault, it could take longer to resolve your case. Generally speaking, the more complex the situation, the longer it can take to reach a settlement. Some slip and fall cases may take years to reach a settlement or verdict.

As with any other personal injury claim, the exact value of your pedestrian accident case depends on many factors. This includes the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had/will continue to have on your life, as well as the cost of your medical care, the value of your lost wages, and whether you have become disabled and unable to work due to your injuries. Your percentage of fault (if any) also plays a role in the value of your pedestrian accident claim. That being said, the more severe your injuries and the greater your damages, the more your claim is typically worth. We encourage you to reach out to our pedestrian accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC to discuss your specific case—including its potential value—during a free, no-obligation consultation.

Although jaywalking—that is, crossing a street or roadway outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk between two adjacent intersections with traffic control devices in operation—is illegal in Texas, you may still have a case if you were hit by a negligent motorist while jaywalking. You will likely be assigned a percentage of the blame, as jaywalking is typically considered a form of negligence. However, if your degree of fault is less than 51%, you may still file a claim for damages. Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you have the right to seek compensation for injuries if your percentage of fault does not exceed 50%. However, you will not be able to recover the full amount you are seeking if you are found partly at fault. Instead, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Some pedestrian accident cases do proceed to trial, but many do not. While there is a chance that you may have to appear in court, our firm works to settle these cases without having to go to trial whenever necessary. We are aggressive when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies and other liable entities. However, if we believe that taking your case to trial is the best way to recover the full amount of compensation you are entitled to receive, we are prepared to do just that.

Every case is different, and the exact amount of time it will take to resolve your pedestrian accident claim depends on numerous factors, not least of which is the defendant’s willingness to settle. Simpler cases can be resolved in a matter of weeks to several months; more complex cases may take months to years to reach a resolution.

Not every motorcycle accident case goes to court. In fact, many settle during pre-trial litigation or even before. However, if the insurance company or another liable party refuses to settle your claim, there is a chance you will need to go to court. Our attorneys will advise you on whether or not going to trial is in your best interests and, if so, can fully prepare you for what to expect.

Every case is different, and the amount of time it will take to resolve your case depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, whether liability is disputed, and more. Some motorcycle accident claims are settled within several months of the accident; others take years to reach a resolution. In any case, you can count on the team at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC to work efficiently on your behalf. We strive to resolve our clients’ cases as quickly and favorably as possible, whenever possible.

The exact value of your claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, the cost of your medical care, how much time you had to take off work during your recovery, whether you were disabled because of your injuries, whether you were partly at fault for the accident, and more. Generally speaking, the more severe your injuries and the more extensive your damages, the greater the value of your claim.

If you are found to be partly at fault for the accident, you can still file a claim for compensation—as long as you are not more than 50% to blame. Under Texas’s rule of modified comparative negligence, you may recover compensation after an accident for which you are partly at fault if your percentage of fault does not exceed that of the other party/parties involved. However, you cannot recover the full amount you are seeking in compensation if you are found to be partly at fault. Instead, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, for example, if the insurance adjuster and/or court finds you 25% to blame, you can only recover up to 75% of the full amount you are seeking in damages. All too often, insurance companies use the rule of modified comparative negligence to devalue and underpay claims. It is important that you work with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who can aggressively negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

You are not legally obligated to report a dog bite. However, if you wish to take legal action against the owner of the dog, it is necessary to report it within two years of the incident. Be sure to take photos and gather documentation such as medical reports, police reports, animal control records, and any other pertinent information.

What happens to a dog after it bites someone depends on the circumstances of the attack. In most cases, the dog is not put down. Rather, it is quarantined for a certain period of time—typically just a few days. This can be done at a local animal shelter or the owner’s home. However, if the attack is particularly brutal, or if the dog is deemed to be “vicious,” it may be put down. In some cases, vicious dogs are allowed to live, but the owner is ordered to follow strict conditions meant to protect the safety of others.

A dog bite settlement could take anywhere from 30 days to two years or more, depending on the situation. In cases of clear liability, it could settle anywhere from 30 to 90 days. In cases that require some investigation (known as the “discovery phase”) it could take six months to a year. Cases that go to trial could take two years or more to get a court date in order to be settled.

This can be a difficult decision, especially if you know the dog and are on good terms with the owner. Did you accrue medical bills as a result of the bite? Did you miss work? Are you coping with permanent scarring or disfigurement? If so, you should seek compensation. Are you concerned that the dog could bite someone else in the future? If so, you may want to pursue legal action to ensure that the owner takes proper care in controlling the dog. Keep in mind that when you pursue compensation for a dog bite injury, you are typically going through the owner’s homeowner’s insurance vs. demanding money from the person directly. The insurance company will be looking out for their best interests, so you should look out for yours.

While some dog bite cases do proceed to litigation, many are settled before trial. You may have to go to court if the liable party refuses to settle your claim. However, in many instances, we are able to appear in court on behalf of our clients. If your attendance is required, our team will work with you to ensure you know what to expect and feel fully prepared.

If a dog seriously injures or kills someone, the dog owner could be held criminally liable. This means that, in addition to potentially being made to pay compensation to the victim and/or their family members, the dog owner may face charges involving criminal negligence, manslaughter, or homicide. Such charges carry harsh penalties, including jail or prison time, steep fines, and more.

If necessary, seek medical care first and foremost. Secure your dog away from others until you can ensure it will not bite again. Consider training programs to help teach your dog not to bite so that you can avoid a possible lawsuit in the future if your dog were to bite someone else.

Yes. If a police dog bites you, it can be considered excessive force or police brutality. However, these cases can be extremely difficult to prove, as law enforcement is often shielded from liability in cases involving dog bites that occur while a working dog is on duty and carrying out duty-related activities. If you were bitten by a police dog, you should immediately contact a personal injury lawyer for legal advice and assistance.

Many construction accident cases involving catastrophic injuries, meaning they tend to be relatively high in value. However, the exact value of your claim depends on the severity of your injury, the impact it has had on your life, and numerous other factors. Our attorneys can review the details of your unique situation during a free consultation and provide more information regarding how much your specific claim might be worth.

Being partly at fault for the accident or injury does not necessarily bar you from seeking compensation for your damages. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of whether or not you were at fault. If you are not eligible for workers’ compensation, or if you wish to file a third-party work injury claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim, you could still have a case if you were partly at fault—as long as you are less than 51% to blame. Texas follows a comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar when it comes to shared fault. Under this rule, you can file a personal injury claim against another party if you were up to 50% at fault for the incident that caused your injury. However, you will not be able to recover the full amount you are seeking in damages if you share some of the blame. Instead, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, for example, if you are found to be 30% to blame for the incident that caused your injuries, and you are seeking $100,000 in damages, your damages would be reduced by 30%, or $30,000. This means that you would only be able to recover up to $70,000.

The amount of time it will take to resolve your claim depends on many factors, including the overall complexity of your case. Generally speaking, more complex cases involving more severe injuries take longer to resolve than simpler claims. Other factors that influence the amount of time it will take to resolve your case include the length of your physical recovery, the amount of time it takes for you to reach maximum medical improvement, whether the defendant disputes liability or argues that you were partly at fault, and the defendant’s willingness to settle.

Personal injury lawyers, including those who handle construction accident claims, offer their legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that clients do not pay upfront attorney fees or most litigation-related costs. Instead, the firm fronts these costs and only collects payment if/when it recovers a settlement or verdict on behalf of the client. At this time, a percentage of the total recovery is used to pay the attorney’s legal fees and other litigation-related expenses.

To know how much your brain injury case could be worth, we must first examine the unique and specific details involved. The overall value of your claim depends on various factors, including the severity of your injury, the cost of your medical care, the impact of your injury on your life, and your degree of fault (if any) in causing the incident that led to your injury. It is not possible to accurately determine how much your case may be worth without first reviewing these and other important elements. We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team to learn more.

Although some brain injury cases proceed to trial, this is not always the case. In fact, at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, we strive to help our clients avoid the courtroom whenever possible by aggressively negotiating with insurance adjusters and other liable parties for fair, favorable settlements. Even if your case does proceed to litigation, we may be able to appear in court on your behalf. If your presence is required, our team will make sure you are fully prepared and know what to expect before you ever step foot in the courtroom.

Brain injury cases tend to be very complex, which means they can take a considerable amount of time to reach a resolution. Most often, these cases take about two years to reach a settlement, but this amount of time can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances involved. Some may be settled sooner, whereas others may take longer and could even go to trial.

Although the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles does not require you to present a license to obtain a registration for a motorcycle, you are required to produce an insurance card for the motorcycle. However, most insurance companies will not insure a motorcycle if you are not licensed to operate it.

Lane splitting, or the practice of riding a motorcycle on road lines or in between lanes of traffic, is not legal in Texas. Instead, Texas law requires all operators of motor vehicles, including motorcycle riders, to ride between traffic lines. In addition, the law gives each motorcycle use of the full width of the lane, meaning that another vehicle cannot be beside a motorcycle in the same traffic lane, except that two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in the same lane. Thus, a passenger vehicle looking to pass a motorcycle must move fully over to the adjacent left lane (if legal to do so) and may not have any part of the vehicle in the motorcycle’s lane when passing.

Yes. In Texas, you must possess a Class J learner’s permit or Class M motorcycle license to operate a motor-driven cycle (a motorcycle with an engine displacement of 250cc or less) or a moped (a motor-driven cycle that cannot attain a speed of greater than 30 mph and the engine has a displacement less than 50cc and cannot produce more than two brake horsepower).

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit in Texas, although you will be restricted to riding a motorcycle with an engine displacement of no more than 250cc until you turn 16.

“Negligence” refers to careless, reckless, or wrongful (including unlawful) behavior. Often, this type of behavior leads to serious accidents, injuries, and even deaths. Some examples of negligence include someone who runs a red light because they were texting while driving, a shop owner who fails to put out a “wet floor” sign after an employee mops up a spill, or a dog owner who allows their dangerous dog to roam free and unleashed in a public park.

You likely have a personal injury case if you were injured and suffered measurable damages—such as medical bills or pain and suffering—due to the careless, reckless, negligent, or wrongful conduct of another person or party. In other words, if someone else is to blame for your injuries, you could have grounds for a personal injury claim. The best way to know whether you have a case is to contact an attorney at our firm for a free consultation. During this initial meeting, we can go over the details of your situation and provide personalized counsel tailored to your circumstances.

The exact value of your personal injury case depends on a variety of factors. Some of these factors include the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, whether you had to take time off work to recover, how much time you had to take off work, whether your injuries resulted in a disability, and your degree of fault (if any) in causing the event that led to your injuries. It is not possible for any attorney to estimate the value of your claim without first reviewing the specific details involved. We encourage you to reach out to our Houston personal injury attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group to request a complimentary case review.

Not all personal injury cases go to court. In fact, many settle in pre-trial litigation or as a result of your attorney’s negotiations with the insurance company. However, if the liable party refuses to play fair, you want an attorney who is not only willing but also has the experience needed to aggressively represent you at trial. At Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, we will prepare you for what to expect with your case, including whether or not you may need to go to court.

In most cases, there is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in Texas (surrounding states may have different laws). This means that you typically have just two years from the date of injury to bring your claim in court. Sometimes, when an injury is not discovered right away, the statute of limitations will be deferred to two years from the date on which the injury was discovered or reasonably could have been discovered. There are some exceptions to this two-year deadline, but they are rare. We encourage you to act quickly after an accident or injury to avoid losing your right to seek compensation for your damages. If the statute of limitations expires, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. Even if you think it might be too late, reach out to Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC to discuss your legal options.

Generally speaking, personal injury attorneys, including ours at Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, provide their legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that clients do not pay upfront or out-of-pocket fees. Instead, attorneys’ fees are paid via a percentage of the plaintiff’s recovery. Typically, this percentage is about 33 1/3%, though it can vary. For more information on our fees and pay structures, contact Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC and request a complimentary consultation.

Texas uses what is known as a modified comparative fault system for car accident claims. With modified comparative fault, a person could seek compensation for damages caused by the car accident even if he or she was partly at fault. However, the amount of compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the victim. In Texas, you are eligible for compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the car accident. However, if you shared part of the blame, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if your damages totaled $100,000 but you were found to be 40% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 40%, or $40,000. Thus, you would be entitled to $60,000.

Like most personal injury cases, in car accident cases, lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney recovers no fees if you do not obtain a favorable settlement or verdict. You owe nothing upfront. The car accident lawyer will get a percentage of your settlement or award as the attorney fee.

Texas uses what is known as a modified comparative fault system for car accident claims. With modified comparative fault, a person could seek compensation for damages caused by the car accident even if they were partly at fault. However, the amount of compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the victim. In Texas, you are eligible for compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the car accident. However, if you shared part of the blame, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if your damages totaled $100,000, but you were found to be 40% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 40%, or $40,000. Thus, you would be entitled to $60,000.

If an uninsured driver crashes into you, you won’t be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, you may have other options for recovery. You may be able to hold the at-fault driver responsible for your damages without insurance. Your attorney can investigate the at-fault driver and see if any outlets for recovery exist. For instance, the driver’s employer could be liable for your accident if the driver was on-duty at the time of the crash. An experienced lawyer will also review your own insurance policy to see whether you may be entitled to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.

Like most personal injury cases, in car accident cases, lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney recovers no fees if you do not obtain a favorable settlement or verdict. You owe nothing upfront. The car accident lawyer will get a percentage of your settlement or award as the attorney fee.

The length of time that any car accident claim will take depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your losses, and whether liability for the accident is being contested. If the other driver doesn’t challenge their liability for the crash, and if your losses can be calculated at an early stage, it can take as little as a few weeks to settle your car insurance claim. However, if you will need long-term treatment and recovery, or if the other driver contests liability or argues for your partial or total fault for the accident, it can take many more months to reach a mutually acceptable settlement of your claim. This is especially true if your claim ends up in court or eventually goes all the way to trial.

The size of a car accident settlement will depend on the severity of your injuries and the policy limits of insurance, among other factors. When you’ve suffered more serious injuries, you will likely require more extensive—and, therefore, more expensive—medical treatment. You may also miss time from work, missing out on income and facing lost earning capacity for the future. A car accident settlement should compensate you for these losses. In addition, when you’ve suffered more serious injuries, you have a stronger claim to compensation for personal losses, such as pain and suffering or lost quality of life. All of this can greatly increase the size of a settlement.

A “no-fault” state refers to those states where drivers are required to have “personal injury protection” (PIP) or medical payment (MedPay) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. When drivers get into an accident, they are expected to first look to their own policy’s PIP or MedPay coverage. These policy benefits cover compensation for medical expenses or lost wages even before a claim is filed with the driver at fault for the accident. In addition, in many no-fault states, an accident victim’s ability to pursue compensation for pain and suffering may be limited. However, Texas is considered an at-fault state, meaning that car accident victims may look to the at-fault party to pay for the full extent of financial and personal losses, including pain and suffering.

Texas’s statute of limitations on car accident claims typically requires you to file suit within two years of the date of the accident. This can be stretched in certain circumstances, such as for minor children injured in car accidents, or if the at-fault driver commits a hit-and-run or leaves the state of Texas during the two-year limitations period.

Comparative negligence is a legal concept that states that an injured accident victim is not prevented from claiming compensation just because they bear a portion of the fault for the accident. However, a partially at-fault injured accident victim will have their compensation reduced in proportion to their share of fault. Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule, which only bars an injured accident victim from pursuing a legal claim if the victim bears more than 50 percent of the fault for his or her injuries.

If you were hurt in a crash that someone else caused, you should definitely speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly after a car accident. Insurance adjusters will also swoop in to begin their work of minimizing the value of your claim. An attorney can review the details of your accident, launch an investigation, help you find medical providers, and manage all communication with insurers and the at-fault party. You can bet that the insurance companies will have attorneys looking out for their best interests from the start. You need a lawyer on your side to pursue the fair compensation you deserve.

Texas requires all drivers to carry, at a minimum, bodily injury liability coverage of $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident and property damage liability coverage of $25,000 per accident. Auto insurers in Texas are also required to include personal injury protection coverage in every policy, although policyholders may decline such coverage in writing.