Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience that causes tremendous pain and frustration, especially when it results in significant property damage and permanent injuries requiring months or years of medical treatment. In some cases, the injuries sustained may even permanently limit a person’s abilities for years to come. While it may not feel like the right time to start the legal process, as you are focused on your injuries, it is important to keep in mind that there are time limits on how long you have to file a lawsuit.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years, which means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a petition in court. However, it is highly recommended that you begin the legal claim process much earlier, which is why consulting with a car accident attorney about your case as soon as possible is crucial.
It’s important to understand that just because you can sue, it does not necessarily mean that all accident cases need to become lawsuits. Every injury case is reviewed based on two central aspects: the existence of damages and liability. To successfully pursue legal action, you must be able to prove that another person was negligent in causing your injury. In some cases, this can be easy to prove. For example, if the other driver ran a red light, was distracted, or followed too closely behind you, they are often considered negligent. You can check the police report to see who the officer cited as responsible for the accident.
In addition to proving liability, you must also demonstrate your injury. This is best accomplished through hard evidence such as medical bills and records. With this evidence, you can bring your case forward. However, even if you have evidence showing that the other person is responsible, you may not necessarily need to file a lawsuit.
In many cases, the insurance company of the negligent driver will recognize that their insured was at fault. They will evaluate your injury claim by reviewing the police report and medical bills. However, they may not value the damages as highly as the injured party and may refuse to pay for some treatment.
Having a car accident lawyer is helpful in such situations. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They will explain the evidence that will be presented to the jury and why a jury is likely to award a certain amount for your claim. Your attorney will also reference the police report and parts of the medical records to strengthen your case. If you can reach an agreement with the insurance company, then there will be no need for court intervention. However, if negotiations fail, then it may be necessary to file a lawsuit.
The legal claims process can take over a year, so it is important to give yourself enough time to try to resolve your claim amicably without filing a lawsuit. However, regardless of how long the claims process takes, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If the two-year deadline is approaching, many lawyers may not be willing to take your case. That’s why it is highly advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
When it comes to car accident claims, the involvement of a qualified attorney can significantly impact both the outcome of the case and the amount of time it takes to settle. One of the key roles that experienced car accident attorneys play is in the collection, review, and preparation of evidence, information, and other necessary documentation needed in the settlement process.
Thanks to their knowledge and expertise, car accident attorneys already have a solid understanding of what’s expected of them. This means they can jump right in and start working on your case, without wasting any time. Without the support of a skilled legal team, navigating the complex legal system can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to consider working with a Sugar Land car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At our firm, we don’t collect a fee unless your case is settled. So you can rest assured that our team of auto wreck attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you’re unsure of how to proceed with suing for damages, don’t hesitate to call our offices and schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We understand that auto wrecks can be complex, and determining liability and damages is not always straightforward.
Our team is well-equipped to guide you in the right direction, even if you don’t require legal representation. So if you need help with your car accident case, please contact us right away. We’re committed to helping you resolve your case as quickly as possible.
