Houston is a developed city with highways, businesses, and homes. The city has many people who commute to work on the highways. About 80.89 percent of people in Houston drive to work in their car every day, most often alone.
If you have been physically injured in an accident, you may be considering filing a personal injury lawsuit. It is a big decision, and there are several things you need to consider before moving forward. A Houston personal injury lawyer can be of great help in this situation.
This article will mainly discuss some of the most important factors to consider when handling a personal injury case.
1) The Severity Of Your Injuries
There were over 64,000 car accidents in Houston alone in 2019. Among them, 189 were considered fatal, and 1,175 were suspected of having caused serious injuries.
Thus, the first crucial factor to consider is the severity of your injuries. If you have suffered severe, life-altering injuries, you will likely want to file a lawsuit.
A lawsuit involves the following:
a) Medical expenses: You will have to provide a detailed list of all medical expenses and bills related to the accident.
b) Medical records: Your medical records will be required as evidence while hearing the case. It includes the notes from your doctor, any recommendations they have made, and what treatment you are currently undergoing.
c) Lost wages: If you have had to take time off work due to your injuries, you will need to provide proof of this. It can include payslips, letters from your employer, and other documentation.
d) Pain and suffering: If you have suffered physical and emotional pain and anguish, you can include this in your lawsuit. It is usually calculated based on the severity of your injuries.
Your Houston personal injury lawyer will be able to help you assess the severity of your injuries and advise you on whether or not to file a lawsuit.
2) The At-Fault Party’s Insurance Policy
Reports state that around 74.8 percent of Houston, TX has health coverage.
If the other driver is at fault for the accident, their insurance company would be responsible for damages. The amount you could claim from their insurance company would depend on the policy limits.
As a result, it is essential to find out as much information as possible about the other driver’s insurance policy. It includes the insurer’s name, the policy limits, and whether or not they have personal injury protection (PIP).
Your expert lawyer will be able to help you gather this information and file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company.
3) The Statute Of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. It is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after an accident.
In Houston, TX, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of your injury. However, this can vary depending on the circumstances of your accident. For example, if you are injured in an auto accident with a government vehicle, the statute of limitations is six months.
You can choose to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations, or you can wait and see if your condition improves.
Your lawyer will be able to explain the statute of limitations in more detail and advise you on whether or not it would benefit your case.
Conclusion
Filing an injury lawsuit can be a daunting task. However, it is essential to consider all of your options before deciding. A good lawyer can guide you in this matter.