What Is a Personal Injury Settlement Timeline in TX?

If you were injured in Texas, it’s important to seek legal advice to determine if you’re entitled to compensation. This can help pay for any property damage, lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses. To get started, you should set up a consultation with a personal injury lawyer from our Texas firm. As you await your appointment, you should learn the basics of the personal injury settlement timeline. 

How Will a Lawyer Begin Your Case?

When you meet with a lawyer, you’ll discuss details that include how the accident occurred, who is liable, and what expenses you have. If the lawyer agrees to handle your case, the next step is to gather supporting documents, such as the police report, medical records, etc. If you don’t have this paperwork, your attorney will collect it. 

Once your attorney has reviewed the information, the next step is to send a demand letter to the at-fault party, which is usually the insurance company of the person who injured you. The letter will state what compensation you’re requesting and why. You and your lawyer will await the insurance company’s response, which can take a couple of weeks.

What Happens After the Demand Letter?

If the insurance company agrees to pay the requested compensation, you can usually expect to get paid within days of the claim being accepted. In some cases, the insurance company will accept liability but will negotiate on compensation, offering less than you requested. You and your lawyer can choose to accept the amount or make a counteroffer. This part of your claim can take a few months. 

If the insurance company refuses to accept liability, they will deny the claim. At this point, you’ll need to file a personal injury lawsuit to get the money you’re entitled to. In some cases, the insurance company will decide to settle before going to trial, so it’s possible you’ll get a settlement even after filing a lawsuit. If they don’t, the case will go to trial.

What Happens at Trial?

If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will spend months in the discovery phase. This will involve gathering evidence, taking statements from witnesses, and preparing you for a deposition. This can take anywhere from several months to a year, though both parties can choose to settle at any point. 

If the case makes it to trial, you will usually spend a few days in the courtroom, though complicated personal injury cases can last weeks. At the end of the trial, the jury will decide if you should be awarded compensation. If the answer is yes, they will then calculate how much. You should get paid within a few weeks. If you don’t, your lawyer can help pursue the compensation you’re owed.

Now that you’re familiar with the personal injury settlement timeline, it’s time to hire a lawyer who can provide legal guidance. Contact our Texas law firm at (972) 573-4532 to get started on your case.