Austin Personal Injury Lawyer

When the Unexpected Happens: Why Having the Right Attorney Matters

It’s not every day that you find yourself in a situation where you need the help of an attorney. But when that time comes, it’s often during one of the most stressful and challenging periods of your life. Personal injury accidents are sudden, unexpected events that can turn your world upside down in an instant. One minute, you’re driving to work, enjoying a walk in the park, or spending time with your family, and the next, you’re in an ambulance on your way to the hospital, unsure of what just happened and what the future holds.

The Impact of Personal Injury Accidents

Personal injury accidents are incredibly upsetting, not just because of the physical pain and suffering they cause but also because of the emotional and financial turmoil that follows. Whether you’ve been involved in a car crash, a truck accident, a slip and fall, or any other type of incident caused by someone else’s negligence, the aftermath can be overwhelming. You may find yourself injured, unable to work, and facing a mountain of medical bills, all while trying to recover and regain a sense of normalcy.

These accidents can happen to anyone, at any time, and in the blink of an eye, your life can change dramatically. The injuries sustained in personal injury accidents vary widely, from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and other head trauma can have long-term cognitive and physical effects.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Broken Bones: Fractures can be painful and may require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery time.
• Burns: Severe burns can result in permanent scarring, nerve damage, and emotional trauma.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause lasting discomfort and functional limitations.

The physical injuries are just the beginning. Many accident victims also suffer from emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as they cope with the traumatic event and its aftermath.

The Financial Toll of a Personal Injury

In addition to the physical and emotional impact, personal injury accidents often bring significant financial burdens. Medical expenses can quickly add up, especially if you require emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, or ongoing treatments. If your injuries prevent you from working, the loss of income can make it difficult to cover everyday expenses, let alone the additional costs related to your recovery.

For many families, this sudden financial strain can be overwhelming. Bills pile up while insurance companies delay or deny claims, adding to the stress and uncertainty. You may find yourself wondering how you’ll pay for your medical care, support your family, and maintain your standard of living.

Why You Need an Experienced Legal Team

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury accident, you shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone. This is where Treviño Law comes in. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can be your advocate, guiding you through the legal process, protecting your rights, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Here’s why having a skilled attorney on your side is so important:

• Understanding the Legal Process: Personal injury law is complex, and navigating the legal system can be confusing, especially when you’re focused on recovering from your injuries. An experienced attorney knows the laws, deadlines, and procedures that apply to your case and can handle the legal details on your behalf.
• Investigating Your Case: Building a strong personal injury claim requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering. Your attorney will collect medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other crucial evidence to support your case.
• Maximizing Your Compensation: Personal injury attorneys understand the true value of your claim. They consider not only your current medical expenses and lost wages but also future medical costs, ongoing rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other damages you may be entitled to.
• Providing Peace of Mind: When you have a trusted legal team handling your case, you can focus on what matters most—your recovery. Knowing that someone is fighting for your best interests can provide much-needed peace of mind during a difficult time.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury law covers a wide range of accidents and incidents caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases include:

What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident

If you’ve been injured in an accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health and strengthen your legal case:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
2. Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Gather contact information from witnesses and others involved in the incident.
3. Report the Incident: Depending on the type of accident, you may need to file a police report, notify your employer, or report the incident to a property owner.
4. Keep Detailed Records: Save all medical records, bills, and correspondence related to your accident. Document your symptoms, treatments, and how the injury has affected your daily life.
5. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies may try to get you to settle quickly for less than you deserve. Consult with an attorney before accepting any offers or providing statements.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the better. Early legal intervention can help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and set the stage for a successful claim.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

In a personal injury case, you may be eligible for compensation to cover a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care related to your injury.
• Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income, including future earnings if your ability to work is permanently affected.
• Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving egregious negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

We Know Texas Law: Protecting Your Rights After a Personal Injury Accident

When you suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, Texas law provides you with the right to seek financial compensation. Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, truck crash, workplace injury, or another type of personal injury incident, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial and emotional burden alone. The legal system allows victims to file personal injury claims against the responsible party or parties to recover damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering.

However, navigating a personal injury claim in Texas isn’t always straightforward. State laws impose strict deadlines for filing lawsuits, and not everyone is eligible to bring a claim. Understanding your rights and legal options is crucial in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Rather than trying to handle the legal complexities alone, having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference.

Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Texas

One of the most important aspects of Texas personal injury law is the statute of limitations, which sets strict deadlines for when a claim must be filed. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, personal injury victims typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If a claim isn’t filed within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

Because legal deadlines vary based on the details of each case, speaking with an experienced Texas personal injury attorney as soon as possible is crucial.

Who Can File a Personal Injury Claim?

Texas law allows individuals who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence to file a personal injury claim. In the case of wrongful death, certain family members may pursue compensation, including:

• The deceased’s spouse
• Children (including legally adopted children)
• Parents

If none of these individuals file a wrongful death claim within three months of the person’s passing, the estate’s executor or administrator may have the legal right to do so.

In general, to have a valid personal injury claim, you must be able to demonstrate that:

• The defendant had a duty of care – The at-fault party was responsible for taking reasonable actions to prevent harm (e.g., drivers must follow traffic laws, property owners must maintain safe conditions).
• The duty of care was breached – The defendant acted negligently, recklessly, or unlawfully, creating a dangerous situation.
• The breach directly caused the injury – There must be a direct link between the negligent action and the injury suffered.
• The injury resulted in damages – You suffered financial losses, pain, or other hardships due to the accident.