10+
YEARS OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
5-Star
RATING ON GOOGLE REVIEWS
1,000+
CASES AND CLIENTS
$20 M
IN SETTLEMENTS & VERDICTS
10+
YEARS OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
5-Star
RATING ON
GOOGLE REVIEWS
1,000+
CASES AND
CLIENTS
$20 M
IN SETTLEMENTS & VERDICTS
Unexpected injuries can upset your life in several ways. However, when a negligent or reckless party caused the accident, this experience can seem all the more senseless and devastating. As you face a long and complex physical recovery, you will likely encounter other challenges, like repaying the medical bills, lost wages, and other unanticipated costs associated with your injuries. Accident victims in Texas may seek compensation from the at-fault party by filing a personal injury claim. Although some accident victims elect to move through this process without enlisting legal representation, working with an experienced and caring Houston personal injury attorney is the best way to maximize your settlement and secure the compensation you need to support all aspects of your recovery. Let’s take a look at some of the main components of Texas personal injury claims and what steps you can take to secure the compensation you deserve.
The Three Elements of a Personal Injury Claim in Texas
Personal injury claims allow an injured accident victim to hold the at-fault party legally and financially accountable for their negligence, carelessness, or recklessness. In order to recover economic damages from the responsible party, you must establish and prove three essential elements: (1) The at-fault party owed you a duty of care; (2) The at-fault party breached this duty of care; and (3) You suffered an injury or experienced harm as a direct result of the at-fault party’s reckless or negligent actions. As you put together your personal injury claim, your lawyer will help you locate and compile evidence in support of these three components. Ultimately, your goal is to show that the careless or reckless actions of the at-fault party were directly responsible for your injuries or losses.
Understanding Common Personal Injury Accidents in Texas
It can be helpful to recognize some of the most common causes of personal injury accidents. Reckless or distracted driving, unmarked hazards, poor lighting, unsafe flooring, defective products, insufficiently tested products, and lack of sufficient security are some of the top reasons why individuals sustain injuries at the hands of another party. Essentially, you may file a personal injury claim against any negligent, reckless, or malicious act that results in injury. Your attorney can help you establish that the at-fault party failed to uphold their duty of care and that this failure directly caused you harm.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover?
Every accident is different, meaning that the amount of compensation each victim recovers varies from case to case. Texas allows accident victims to pursue compensation that assists with several costs, such as hospital visits, medical treatment, surgery, physical therapy, lost income, loss of future income, in-home medical care, and pain and suffering. Some of these damages are easily calculated, as you can use medical bills and other receipts to quantify the amount of compensation you’re owed. Other damages are less straightforward to calculate, such as the anxiety, insomnia, or other psychological symptoms you developed as a result of the accident. Your lawyer will assess the details of your case to determine a reasonable estimate of your claim’s worth.
Strengthening Your Personal Injury Claim
As an injured accident victim, your recovery is your priority. However, it’s essential that you take certain steps to strengthen your personal injury claim and maximize the amount of compensation you can recover. Below are a few actions you should take to make your personal injury suit as solid and compelling as possible.
Seek Medical Treatment Right Away
The aftermath of an accident can be chaotic and confusing. As soon as you realize you are injured, seek medical treatment immediately. Even if you do not think your injury is severe enough to warrant a trip to the hospital, visit your doctor within the next day or so to receive a medical evaluation. The doctor can identify any harder-to-detect injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, and the documentation of your injuries can be used to support your personal injury claim.
Refrain From Discussing the Accident on Social Media
In today’s increasingly online world, many people share major life events or minor updates on social media platforms. However, avoid posting about the accident on these platforms. As you move forward with your personal injury claim, the opposing party (or their legal counsel) may use such posts to discredit or undermine the strength of your case. It’s best to say as little as possible about the accident, keeping the details between you and your lawyer.
Contact an Empathetic Texas Personal Injury Lawyer
Coping with a significant injury can be an isolating experience. As you move through your recovery, it’s essential to recognize that you do not have to complete each step on your own. Enlisting the guidance of a trusted and caring personal injury lawyer can give you the clarity and confidence you need during this difficult time. Your attorney will work hard to protect your best interests and maximize your personal injury settlement, allowing you to secure the compensation you need to support your recovery.
If you or a loved one needs help collecting compensation following an accident, call DeHoyos Law Firm, PLLC, today at (832) 745-4878 to speak with a dedicated and caring Houston personal injury lawyer.