Personal Injury FAQs
Get answers you can trust from experienced Houston personal injury attorneys
Texas personal injury accidents often raise a lot of important legal questions but finding accurate answers to these questions can often be challenging. Even knowing where to look for information might not be clear. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable source for information if you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior.
Our experienced Houston personal injury lawyers at Smith & Hassler can answer your questions and help you every step of the way. We know what to do, since our attorneys have more than 30 years of experience fighting for people’s rights in Houston and throughout Texas. This knowledge can be critical and help you decide what to do next.
What is your personal injury question?
Below, you will find some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury accidents. This information is provided for your convenience. If you have a specific question about your personal injury accident, contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation. One of our experienced Houston lawyers can review your case and offer specific advice, based on your unique circumstances.
- What is a personal injury accident?
- What are common causes of personal injury accidents?
- Why is it important to see a doctor soon after my personal injury accident?
- Can I choose my own doctor if I’m injured in a personal injury accident?
- What if I have a pre-existing condition and I’m hurt in a personal injury accident?
- What should I do if an insurance adjuster calls me about my personal injury accident?
- Should I accept a settlement claim for my personal injury accident?
- How much is my personal injury case worth?
- What can I get for money for my personal injury accident?
- Can I file a lawsuit for my personal injury accident?
- How long do I have to file a personal injury case in Texas?
- How do I know if I have a personal injury accident case?
- How can a Houston personal injury lawyer help me?
What is a personal injury accident?
A personal injury accident can be any accident caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior. These accidents can cover a wide range, from a slip and fall accident to a medical malpractice case to a product liability injury or work injuries.
What are common causes of personal injury accidents?
Personal injury accidents happen for many different reasons. Often, it’s because someone did something reckless or failed to take the necessary precautions to protect the safety and well-being of others. Some of the most common causes of personal injury accidents include:
- Unmarked hazards
- Water left on the floor
- Defective products
- Dangerous products
- Products not tested properly
- Poor lighting
- Lack of security
Why is it important to see a doctor soon after my personal injury accident?
There are several reasons why you should have a doctor examine you right away after your personal injury accident. First, you need to protect your health and well-being. This is especially important if you have a life-threatening internal injury. Without being examined by a doctor, your medical condition could get worse.
It’s also important to be examined by a doctor so you have an official record of your injury. Otherwise, you could have a hard time obtaining the financial compensation you need and deserve for your injury-related expenses.
"I had a personal injury case handled by this firm. My attorney was Mr. Brian Stansell. I am very thankful for the hard work. Very impressed. The attention to detail and the updates as the case moved along was non stop. I even received on Sunday. From beginning to end, this was as professional as it gets. I recommend this firm and this attorney to anyone." — Russell
Can I choose my own doctor if I’m injured in a personal injury accident?
In most cases, yes, you can choose your own doctor to treat your personal injury accident injuries. There are certain circumstances, however, where an insurance company may try to dictate which doctor treats your injuries. That’s why it’s always wise to check first with a personal injury attorney. We may be able to help you choose your own doctor so you can get the medical care you deserve on your terms.
What if I have a pre-existing condition and I’m hurt in a personal injury accident?
It shouldn’t matter if you already have existing health problems and you sustain an injury in an accident. Your accident-related injury can and should be covered by your personal injury claim. That’s often easier said than done. That’s because many insurance companies do everything they can to reduce or deny accident claims. That’s because most of those companies only care about their bottom line. That’s not right. That’s why we’re eager to meet with you and to fight for the money you deserve.
What should I do if an insurance adjuster calls me about my personal injury accident?
Don’t be surprised if someone from an insurance company contacts you soon after your personal injury accident. They’ll be very friendly and ask what seem like very innocent questions. Don’t fall for their tricks. The reality is they’re only fishing for information they can use to deny your claim. You don’t have to talk to them. You can say no. Tell them to contact our law firm. We can deal directly with them on your behalf. We know the games they play and how to negotiate effectively with them.
Should I accept a settlement claim for my personal injury accident?
You should be suspicious if an insurance company wants to settle your personal injury case soon after your accident. Many insurance companies make settlement offers, since they know many people will gladly accept the money.
What many people don’t realize is these settlements often don’t come close to covering all their accident-related expenses. Since most people forfeit the right to request additional money in the future once they accept a settlement offer, there’s nothing they can do to get extra money for future accident-related expenses.
Our law firm can review your settlement offer and advise you on whether we think you should accept their offer or not. That’s our job and we’re proud to help you.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
You would be surprised by how much some personal injury accidents are worth. Sometimes, an accident is worth a few thousand dollars, but, in many cases, some personal injury accidents may be worth millions of dollars. That’s why it’s important for you to talk with one of our Houston personal injury lawyers as soon as possible.
What can I get for money for my personal injury accident?
All accident-related expenses can and should be covered by your personal injury claim. The insurance company for the person or company who caused your injuries normally pays these expenses, which can include:
- Emergency medical care or surgery right after your accident
- Follow-up medical care
- Physical therapy
- Lost income during your recovery
- Lost future income if you cannot return to work
- In-home medical care, if necessary
- Modifications to your home if you sustain a permanent disability
- Pain and suffering, in certain circumstances
Can I file a lawsuit for my personal injury accident?
Yes. Many times, filing a personal injury lawsuit is the best way to get the money you deserve. It isn’t the only way. That’s why you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. That way, you can have all the facts and decide what the best approach is in your specific case.
How long do I have to file a personal injury case in Texas?
In Texas, you have two years from the date of your accident, in most cases, to take legal action. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Two years might seem like a long time. The reality is, the longer you wait, the more difficult it often becomes to find the facts you need to build a strong legal case.
How do I know if I have a personal injury accident case?
A good way to know if you have a personal injury case is to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer. One of our Houston personal injury attorneys can review the details of your case. We know how the system works. We know what evidence matters. We can be honest and upfront with you about your specific case. Helping people injured in personal injury accidents is what we do best. That’s why we want to meet with you right away.
How can a Houston personal injury lawyer help me?
There are so many ways that a Houston personal injury attorney can help you. In general, we believe the most important way we can help you is to make sure you and your accident gets the attention you deserve. From helping you to fill out forms to investigating your accident, we will work hard to find the facts you need to get the money you deserve. If the insurance company for the people who caused your injury refuses to cooperate, we will not hesitate to file a personal injury lawsuit against them on your behalf. That’s what a Houston lawyer should do, and you can count on us to be there for you when it matters most.