When Is it Time to File a Claim With a Pasadena, TX Car Accident Attorney?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations on car accident personal injury claims. This means that you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim, or you may lose your right to compensation. If you are filing a claim against a government entity or worker, you have just six months from the date of your Pasadena, TX accident to file a claim.

Regardless of the statute of limitations, it's always best to file a car accident claim as soon as possible. Evidence to support your case can become more difficult to locate as time passes.

Partially at Fault Drivers

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. Even if you are partially at fault for the accident that led to your injuries, you are still eligible to pursue compensation, as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.

In this case, your percentage of fault would be determined by the court along with your compensation amount. Once both are decided, your total compensation will be reduced by the same percentage of fault you are deemed responsible for. Pasadena Texas Car Accident Lawyers

Why Else You Should Trust Our Pasadena, TX Car Accident Attorney

  • We have over a decade of legal experience and a nursing background
  • Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • We have advocated for countless clients over the years
  • Our firm takes an aggressive and zealous approach to cases
  • We are not afraid to take on big insurance companies

Depending on the nature of the accident, a victim could suffer anything from minor scrapes and bruises to whiplash, broken bones, or brain injury. 

Common Injuries Caused By Texas Car Wrecks

We have helped clients in the wake of all types of crashes, including head-on collisions, t-bone wrecks, and rear-end accidents. While their accident injuries may differ, one fact remains the same: they deserve justice for the harm that has been inflicted upon them. Some of the more frequent injuries we have encountered include:

These injuries often result in more than just pain and suffering, they can also lead to exorbitant medical bills, lost wages, and expensive future medical treatment.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for My Car Accident Claim?

There are a variety of situations in which an attorney can be a great ally for you. 

  • When the other party is contesting who is at fault. In Texas, both parties can be found to be partially liable for an accident. It is in your interest to make sure that you are assigned the smaller percentage of the fault because that will significantly increase the likelihood that you can collect damages.
  • When you anticipate having future expenses. Costs can continue to add up long after an accident occurs. If you will need ongoing physical therapy, medication, or in-home care, for example, maximizing your compensation can be essential to ensuring you can handle ongoing bills.
  • When you cannot easily pay the out-of-pocket expenses. There may be cases in which covering the portion of your medical bills that is not covered by insurance will be completely manageable. But in many cases, those out-of-pocket expenses can really do a number on your household budget.
  • When you don’t have the time or expertise to learn the ins and outs of the law. Negotiating a settlement on your own is seldom easy and can require hours and hours of research. When you should be recovering from your injuries, it may be impossible for you to devote the time and attention you would need to put in. A personal injury attorney already has the expertise and experience necessary to represent you.

Texas Car Accident Statistics

  1. There are about 17,370,000 licensed drivers in the state of Texas. That's second only to California, which has more than 27 million.
  2. In 2018, Texas drivers traveled a total of 282.037 billion miles. That's a notable increase from the 272.989 billion miles traveled in 2017.
  3. Motor Vehicle Accident Fatalities: 3,639 in 2018 versus 3,727 in 2017. (See more: Wrongful Death)
  4. Serious Injuries: 249,241 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents. An analysis by the Houston Chronicle listed Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston as three of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the United States for drivers. Injuries resulting from car accidents can cause pain and suffering as well as considerable financial burden resulting from medical bills and lost wages. (See more: Car Accident Claims)
  5. Intoxicated Accident Fatalities: On average, there is an alcohol-related death on Texas roadways about every 20 minutes. That's why the penalties for driving under the influence in Texas are so steep and can include a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and/or suspension of your driver's license for up to two years.

Available Compensation

At SJ Injury Attorneys, we believe you shouldn't have to bear the financial burden of another party's negligence. We can help you recover fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as anticipated future costs related to injuries resulting in a permanent disability.

If your loved one died in an auto accident, we might be able to help you pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of claim includes compensation for your loved one's final medical expenses, their pain and suffering, the loss of their wages to support the family, final funeral and burial costs, and your loss of their care and companionship.

Some of the recent cases that we have handled include:

  • $964,000 recovered after a rear-end accident
  • $565,000 recovered after an 18-wheeler ran a stop sign, hitting our client's vehicle
  • $355,000 recovered after a rear-end accident
  • $95,000 recovered for our client who was hit by an 18-wheeler

How Are Pain and Suffering Damages Calculated in Texas After a Wreck?

In Texas, pain and suffering include:

That means that a person who can document pain from physical injuries and/or the development or worsening of mental health disorders can claim compensation for their suffering from the party found to be at fault for causing the pain.

At SJ Injury, we know a number of different factors can figure into the calculation of pain and suffering, including:

  • The immediate pain a person experiences after the injury
  • The pain caused by essential medical treatment for the injury
  • Chronic pain resulting from the injury
  • Emotional and/or mental trauma that results from the injury or incident—including symptoms consistent with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • Reduction in overall quality of life—including the hampering of normal activities—as a result of the injury or incident

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Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Pasadena Car Accident Attorneys 

If you were involved in a Pasadena car accident, consult with an experienced auto accident lawyer at SJ Injury Attorneys in the Houston Metro area to learn how we can handle your case. We are available 24/7 to take your call and we provide personal, one-on-one service throughout your case.

SJ Injury Attorneys serves clients throughout Texas, including those in Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Clear Lake, Webster, Friendswood, Deer Park, LaPorte, Texas City, League City, and Galveston, Pearland, Spring, Katy, Channelview, Jersey Village, and Missouri City. Contact our office online or give us a call at (281) 688-6880 to discuss your options today!