Accidents are much more commonplace in Texas than we care to consider, and in 2022, we had 15,299 serious injury crashes, which had a staggering reported injuries of various types, surpassing 19,000 people with life-altering accidents or other severe injuries reported by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) statewide during 2022.
If you’ve recently been hurt in Luling, you need to know your legal rights. Between adjusting your life to live with an injury, accounting for your medical expenses, it is not uncommon to feel confused and overwhelmed with the phone calls from your adjuster or insurance company about what to do next.
The good news is that Texas law plainly grants you legal rights and benefits you are entitled to receive for your personal injury. The tougher part is figuring out your rights while an adjuster and/or insurance agent is calling you, trying to diminish your recovery and limit your rights.
Settling Luling personal injury cases is what professional and trained personal injury attorneys will take to help provide legal representation to you, will find, explore, and help you understand your and your family’s legal rights.
This guide is meant to cut through legal jargon, clarify legal options, and detail specific information so that you know your legal rights and can pursue, obtain, and receive fair compensation for your injuries and get back to living your life.
Why Knowing Your Rights Matters
Stress can quickly take over after an accident. The worry of medical bills, time off work, and endless calls from insurance companies is often too much. If the injuries or damages occurred as a result of another person’s negligence, then you can pursue damages related to all bases of damages, and a hope of being compensated for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages or a decrease in income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
In Texas, we are governed by a rule of modified comparative negligence. If you are found more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover damages from the negligent party. Even if you are less at fault, your compensation will be deducted based on your percentage of fault.
Situations That Often Lead to Injuries
The Texas Department of Transportation reports that in 2022, over 15,000 serious injuries due to crashes occurred statewide, with a good number of those happening in rural counties, including Caldwell County. Common situations are:
-Car and truck collisions: Highway speed collisions are common on highways, especially around Luling.
-Job injuries: Due to the high-risk nature of oilfield and construction jobs.
-Slip and fall cases: That is due to property owners failing to keep their store, gas station, or public area safe.
-Wrongful deaths: Heart-breaking cases that leave families dealing with loss and financial burdens.
By being aware of these situations, you will have a better understanding of when you may look to the law to protect you.
What to Do Right After You’re Injured
The immediate hours following an accident are vital. Here’s what legal professionals recommend:
– Get medical attention as soon as you can. Your health is of the utmost importance, and your medical records can significantly support your case.
– Report the incident. Call the police and/or, in the case of a workplace accident, your employer.
– Document everything! Take pictures, get names of witnesses, and keep receipts for your expenses.
– Don’t accept a quick settlement. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle with a low offer.
– Speak to a personal injury attorney. Getting advice from a professional will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you.
Even minor things – like posting about the accident on social media – can affect your injury claim. Until you have spoken with a respected attorney, it is advisable to keep all communications clear, factual, and concise.
Facts vs. Misconceptions
Many Texans think personal injury claims are just about “suing someone.” In reality, most claims do not end up in court, but rather are negotiated through insurance. Texans also think that they cannot claim unless the injury was catastrophic. The fact is that moderate injuries can suddenly disrupt your life and cause unexpected expenses.
Finally, you don’t have unlimited time. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for almost all personal injury cases. If you wait too long, you might lose the right to seek recovery.
FAQs People Often Ask
1. Do I really need a lawyer if I’m injured in Luling?
Not necessarily. For very small accidents, perhaps not. However, even minor injuries can worsen over time. Talking with a personal injury lawyer will allow you to understand your options before making decisions.
2. What is the cost to hire a lawyer in Texas?
Most personal injury lawyers, including those representing individuals hurt, work on a contingency fee. This means you will not need to pay any fees upfront. They are only paid if you win your case.
3. How long do I have to file my claim?
Texas law provides you with two years from the date of the accident to file most personal injury claims. If you miss that, you generally lose the ability to recover compensation.
4. How long will my case take?
Some claims resolve in months, while others can take a year or longer, especially if litigation is needed. Each case is different, and timelines depend on the complexity of the accident and the insurance company’s willingness to make a fair settlement.
Protecting Yourself Before Problems Arise
Nobody plans to be injured in Luling, but you can take steps today:
- Keep adequate auto insurance coverage.
- Learn your workplace safety rights.
- Save emergency contact numbers in your phone.
- Stay informed about Texas personal injury laws.
Preparation won’t prevent every accident, but it helps you respond with confidence.
Trusted Legal Support for Luling Residents
Families in Luling find comfort in the fact that there is a law firm nearby that will treat them with respect.
The Salazar Law Firm, known by the name Hurt In Houston, has established its reputation on a foundation of respect, caring, and perseverance. The attorney, David Salazar, and his team understand that behind each file is an individual who has had their life interrupted.
The difference between Salazar Law Firm and other law firms is the deliberate balance of client relations and skillful representation. Clients are never left uncertain about their case. From documenting evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, everything is explained simply and in language that residents in Luling and the surrounding areas can understand.
Moving Forward With Confidence
When you are hurt in Luling, you probably feel overwhelmed and unsure, but you don’t need to walk this road alone. Understanding your rights, acting quickly, and contacting a trusted resource can put you in a position to obtain a just outcome.
If you want local, compassionate support, Salazar Law Firm has developed a reputation for helping Texans rebuild their lives after accidents. The firm focuses on people, families, and futures, not just cases. A good resource knows you, a local lawyer who has helped your community and is seeking a just outcome after an accident.
If you are not sure what to do after an accident whose fault was not yours, remember, Knowledge is power. With a good resource, everything is different!
