Do I Have a Case?
If you or a family member have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to financial compensation.
Determining whether or not someone has a strong personal injury lawsuit is a complex process. You must be able to prove that:
- The other party was negligent
- Their negligence is what lead to you being injured
- You have suffered physically, emotionally, and financially as a result of their negligence
If you have been seriously injured, it can be very difficult to prepare all this evidence yourself. That’s why it’s important to consult experienced personal injury lawyers in Kyle, Texas.
The law is complicated. Personal injury lawyers can negotiate on your behalf so that you can concentrate on what’s important — recovering. It’s very easy for someone who is inexperienced with the law to make a mistake that could cost them a lot of money. Legal negotiations are best left to professionals.
Why Should I Hire a Kyle Personal Injury Attorney?
After you have suffered an accident your first priority should be your health. Don’t try to take on the legal aspect of your personal injury while you are trying to recuperate. That being said, when you are able to, contact the personal injury attorneys at Pastrana & Garcia to get the ball rolling on your case.
It’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Don’t make any statements to insurance companies without having legal counsel. Remember, they are doing everything they can to pay you as little money as possible. There is always the chance that you accidentally say something that could hurt your case.
The longer you wait to file a claim, the more likely it is that evidence can be lost or tampered with. There is also the statute of limitations. If you exceed the statute of limitations, you might not be able to file a claim at all.
Pastrana & Garcia will negotiate on your behalf so that you can spend your time restoring your health.
What Types of Financial Damages Can I Pursue After Being Injured in Kyle, Texas?
There are two main types of damages you can pursue after being the victim of personal injury.
- Compensatory damages
- Punitive damages
Compensatory damages are meant to compensate victims for their losses as a result of a personal injury. Reduced income, physical therapy, damaged or destroyed property, increased cost of living, and transportation costs are all examples of what could be covered under compensatory damages.
Punitive damages, on the other hand, are meant as a punishment for the offending party. All personal injury awards will likely contain compensatory damages, but not necessarily punitive. Punitive damages are awarded much more rarely than compensatory damages and are usually a result of gross negligence.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Actually Do?
Personal injury lawyers are the ones who represent personal injury victims after an incident has occurred. But what does that mean? Here are some examples of what Pastrana & Garcia do for their clients:
- Investigate claims
- Gather evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent clients at trial
Personal injury lawyers carefully investigate claims to make sure that you have a winnable case. Some cases are obvious winners and some are more complex. It takes an experienced attorney to be able to determine the best course of action.
Plaintiffs need evidence to support their claims. The more evidence there is, the stronger the case will be. Lawyers may talk to eye witnesses, view surveillance footage, or take photos of the accident scene to determine the facts of the case. This is why it’s important to get moving on a claim as soon as possible. Footage can be deleted and witnesses can change their stories.
Personal injury lawyers spend a lot of their time negotiating with insurance companies. They know all of the ins and outs of reading policies and what they should and should not say to insurance company representatives. They will present the insurance company with the evidence that they have gathered to show that you are owed the damages that you claim are owed to you.
Should the insurance company decide that they don’t want to settle, your case might go to trial. An experienced lawyer will be knowledgeable about courtroom procedure and customs. It’s easier to let them lead the way than try to navigate a trial by yourself.
What Is the Statute of Limitation on a Personal Injury Case?
In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the time of the accident. There are some exceptions, however.
- Claims involving minors
- Sex crimes against adults
- Asbestos and silica-related claims
- Certain maritime claims
With some exceptions, most personal injury cases will have a two-year window to file a claim. After that time you will no longer be able to seek compensation for your personal injury.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover from a Personal Injury Claim?
While it’s impossible to determine an exact amount without reviewing the details specific to your case, many people have received very large sums from their personal injury cases.
Consulting an experienced attorney will give you a much better idea of what to expect when you move forward with your claim.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Personal injury lawyers operate on what is called a contingency fee. In simple terms, this means that if a positive outcome isn’t reached for your claim, you don’t pay money.
If there is a positive outcome, the fee will typically be ⅓ of the final settlement. It could be more if the attorneys have to sue on your behalf.
Contact Pastrana & Garcia
We have been helping the victims of personal injury in Kyle and Central Texas for many years. We empathize with the stressful situations that our clients in the Kyle community and surrounding areas are faced with. By winning the highest settlement possible for our clients, we truly demonstrate our commitment.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a personal injury or wrongful death contact Pastrana & Garcia today for your free consultation.