As a resident of Longview, Texas, you never expect to suffer a life-changing injury due to the negligence of another person or entity. However, accidents happen every day that result in harm to innocent victims. If you have been injured in a car accident, truck accident, workplace accident or due to medical malpractice, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer advocating on your behalf. The attorneys at Fletcher Law have years of combined experience helping injured victims in Longview recover damages for their harm.
With a team of skilled litigators, Fletcher Law has the resources to handle even the most complex personal injury claims in Longview. They understand how devastating an accident can be to victims and their loved ones. The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront and only pay legal fees if they recover compensation for you. Don't delay - call today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. Justice and fair compensation are within your reach. Put a dedicated team of Longview personal injury lawyers on your side.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Longview, Texas?
If you have been injured in an accident in Longview, Texas, you may be entitled to compensation. However, the legal process can be complicated. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is often your best option to pursue the maximum settlement for your claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
In most cases, the answer is yes. Personal injury law is complex, and insurance companies are primarily concerned with their bottom line, not your wellbeing. A skilled lawyer can evaluate your claim, advise you on your legal rights, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and take your case to court if necessary.
Some of the types of personal injury cases a Longview lawyer may handle include:
- Car accidents: If you have been injured in an auto collision due to another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Slip and fall accidents: Property owners are required to maintain reasonably safe conditions. If poor maintenance led to your fall and injuries, the property owner may be liable.
- Workplace injuries: Your employer is obligated to provide a safe work environment. If unsafe conditions or negligence led to your on-the-job injury, you may have a valid workers’ compensation or personal injury claim.
- Defective products: If a defective product caused your injury, you may have a claim against the manufacturer or seller. Product liability laws aim to hold companies accountable for marketing unsafe goods.
A reputable law firm will offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case. They work on contingency, so you typically do not pay upfront legal fees. Their experienced attorneys can determine fault, deal with insurance providers, and fight for full compensation so you can focus on recovery. If injured in Longview, get the help you need and contact a personal injury lawyer.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
If you have suffered injuries in an accident that was not your fault in Longview, Texas, the personal injury attorneys at Fletcher Law can help. We have experience handling a variety of personal injury claims, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injury claims in Texas. If you have been injured in a car crash due to another driver's negligence, we can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
- Slip and fall accidents: Property owners in Texas have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident due to unsafe conditions on someone else's property, you may have grounds for a claim. We can help determine who is liable and the appropriate compensation.
- Workplace accidents: Employers are required to provide a safe work environment under Texas law. If you have been injured on the job due to your employer's negligence or unsafe work conditions, you could be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. We can help you file a workers' comp claim or pursue further legal action against negligent parties.
- Defective products: If you have been injured by a dangerous or defective product, you could have a claim against the manufacturer or seller. Product liability claims can be complex, but we have experience holding companies accountable for placing unsafe goods on the market.
Don't delay - the sooner you consult with a Longview personal injury lawyer, the better. Call Fletcher Law today for a free consultation. We will review the details of your case, determine the viability of your claim, and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Justice and accountability are our top priorities.
How to Know if You Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim
To determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim, there are several factors to consider.
First, you must have suffered injuries as the result of an accident caused by another person or entity’s negligence. Negligence refers to a failure to exercise a reasonable level of care that results in harm to another person. For example, if you were injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, or you slipped and fell in a store due to a wet, unmarked spill, the at-fault parties may be considered negligent.
Second, your injuries must be substantiated by a medical professional. You will need documentation from physicians, therapists, or other healthcare providers confirming your injuries, diagnosis, and recommended treatment plan. Soft tissue injuries like whiplash or back strains, as well as broken bones, head injuries, and other physical harm can form the basis of a personal injury claim.
Third, you must have incurred financial losses and damages due to your injuries. This includes medical bills, lost wages from time off work, reduced earning capacity, and other accident-related expenses. You are entitled to recover compensation for all reasonable and necessary costs resulting from another party’s negligence.
Finally, you must report the accident details to the proper parties in a timely manner. This includes alerting any liable third parties to preserve evidence, contacting the police to file an official report, and seeking medical attention right away. The more details and documentation you can provide regarding the circumstances of your accident, the stronger your injury claim will be.
If you meet these criteria, you likely have grounds to pursue just compensation for your injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate your claim, determine fault, and fight to recover damages for your financial losses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other harm resulting from your accident. Don’t delay—contact a Longview personal injury attorney today to discuss your legal options.
How Witnesses Can Support Your Personal Injury Case
Witness testimony and statements can be crucial pieces of evidence in a personal injury case. Witnesses to the accident or injury event may be able to provide key details to help prove liability and substantiate your damages claims.
Interviewing Witnesses
As soon as possible after the accident, you or your Longview personal injury lawyer should try to identify and interview any witnesses. Get their full contact information and written or recorded statements about what they observed. Ask open-ended questions to get the witness talking and capture as many details as possible about events leading up to, during, and after the incident.
Even witnesses who do not seem immediately relevant could provide useful information. For example, a witness who heard the accident but did not see it could testify to sounds that indicate high speed or other reckless behavior.
Using Witness Statements
Witness statements and testimony are powerful forms of evidence in several ways:
•They can corroborate your account of events and help prove the other party’s fault or negligence. Multiple witnesses telling the same sequence of events strengthens your case.
•They may provide details you did not observe or do not fully recall due to injuries. Witnesses looking on from the outside often have a more comprehensive view of what transpired.
•They add credibility to your claims. Jurors and insurance adjusters will find your account more believable if backed up by neutral third-party witnesses.
•They can help establish the severity of injuries and damages. Witnesses may have observed indicators of pain, distress, and disability that would otherwise be difficult to demonstrate.
Using the statements and testimony of witnesses, a Longview personal injury lawyer can build a solid case to prove liability, substantiate your injuries, and maximize the compensation you receive. Tracking down and interviewing witnesses should be a top priority in any personal injury claim.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to quantifiable losses, such as:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription drugs.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover the wages and benefits you lost during your recovery.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries permanently impact your ability to earn an income, you may recover compensation for your decreased earning potential.
Non-economic damages refer to subjective losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as:
- Pain and suffering: You may recover compensation for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional trauma caused by your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, activities, and other pleasures you previously enjoyed, you may recover damages for your decreased quality of life.
- Loss of companionship: In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may recover damages for the loss of care, comfort, and society they would have received from the deceased.
The precise damages awarded in your case will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life and livelihood, and your ability to prove your losses with evidence like medical records, pay stubs, tax returns or testimony from friends and family. An experienced Longview personal injury lawyer can help you determine which damages may apply in your unique situation and build a strong case to maximize your compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer does not have to be expensive. In fact, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and the lawyer only gets paid if they recover compensation for you.
The typical contingency fee for a personal injury case is 33% to 40% of the total compensation. The final percentage depends on the complexity of your case. The fee is deducted from your settlement or court award. If no compensation is recovered, you owe the lawyer nothing.
Some costs, known as case expenses, may need to be paid upfront, but these typically amount to no more than a few hundred dollars. Case expenses cover things like court filing fees, medical record retrieval fees, and expert witness fees. Your lawyer will discuss all potential costs with you before moving forward with your case.
It’s important to understand that just because a lawyer charges a standard contingency fee, it does not mean the lawyer is right for your case. Look for a lawyer with experience handling the specific type of injury claim you have. An experienced lawyer will be able to properly value your claim and has a better chance of obtaining fair compensation on your behalf.
While the contingency fee may seem high, a skilled personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. On average, people who hire a personal injury lawyer recover 3.5 times more in compensation than people who handle the claim themselves. With the right lawyer by your side, you have the best chance of recovering maximum compensation for your injuries.
In summary, the costs to hire a personal injury lawyer are typically:
- Contingency fee of 33% to 40% of your final compensation
- Possible upfront case expenses of a few hundred dollars or less
- Free initial consultation to review your case
If no compensation is obtained, you owe nothing. The potential benefits of hiring an experience lawyer far outweigh the costs.
What to Expect When Filing a Personal Injury Claim
When pursuing a personal injury claim, it is important to understand the legal process and what to expect. The steps below outline what typically happens when filing a personal injury lawsuit in Longview, Texas:
Consult with a Longview Personal Injury Attorney
The first step is to meet with a qualified personal injury attorney in Longview to discuss the details of your accident and injuries. They can evaluate your case, determine who is at fault, and advise you on the merits of pursuing legal action. If you have a valid claim, they will represent you on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and they receive a percentage of the settlement only if you win.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Your attorney will then conduct a thorough investigation into the accident by collecting evidence like photos, video footage, police and medical reports, eyewitness statements, expert testimony, and more. They use this to establish liability and the severity of your injuries.
Demand Letter and Settlement Negotiations
With a strong case, your lawyer will send a demand letter to the at-fault party (defendant), detailing the accident and injuries and demanding compensation. The defendant may make a settlement offer to avoid litigation. Your attorney will negotiate to maximize the amount, and you can choose to settle or proceed to filing a lawsuit.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If negotiations fail, your lawyer will file a complaint in court to initiate a lawsuit. The defendant must respond within a certain timeframe. Both parties engage in discovery, exchanging evidence and documents. Depositions are also common, requiring witnesses and parties to provide sworn testimony.
Trial
If settlements are still not reached, the case proceeds to trial. A judge or jury hears arguments from both sides and determines if the defendant is liable. If found liable, they also decide how much compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Appeals
Either party can file post-trial motions or appeals to dispute the outcome. Your lawyer can argue to uphold the verdict in your favor or try to get an unfavorable decision overturned. The process can add significant time before you actually receive compensation.
With the help of an experienced Longview personal injury lawyer, you can pursue fair compensation for your accident and injuries. But you must go into the legal process with realistic expectations about the time, complexity, and uncertainty involved in resolving a personal injury claim.
Tips for Maximizing Your Personal Injury Settlement
As an injured victim in Longview, maximizing your personal injury settlement should be a top priority. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best possible outcome:
Consult with a Longview personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can advise you on the merits of your case, help determine appropriate compensation, and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. Do not accept a settlement offer from an insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
Document the details of your accident and injuries. Keep records of medical bills, lost wages, and the impact on your daily activities. Photograph any visible injuries or property damage. All of this evidence will strengthen your claim.
Follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan. Failing to get necessary medical care or follow medical advice could hurt your chances of recovering full compensation. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments as directed.
Do not post about your accident on social media. Anything you post can potentially be used against you to reduce the value of your claim. Remain silent on social media regarding your accident and injuries.
Consider negotiating a settlement. While litigation may be necessary in some cases, negotiating a fair settlement will likely be faster and less stressful. Your attorney can determine if the insurance company's offer is reasonable based on the specifics of your claim. If not, they will build a strong case to take to trial.
Be patient through the process. Personal injury cases can sometimes take months or even years to resolve. Continue with medical treatment and try to be patient while your attorney works to secure you fair compensation for your injuries. Rushing the process could result in accepting an unfair settlement.
With the help of an experienced Longview personal injury lawyer, following these tips will put you in the best position to maximize your settlement and recover damages for your injuries. The attorneys at Fletcher Law have successfully represented injury victims in Texas for years. Contact us today for a free consultation for your Longview personal injury case
FAQs About Personal Injury Lawsuits in Longview, Texas
As an injured victim in Longview, Texas, you likely have many questions about personal injury lawsuits and the legal process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about pursuing a personal injury claim in Longview.
How much time do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
In Texas, you have two years from the date of your accident or injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. It's important to act quickly to preserve your right to recover compensation. An experienced Longview personal injury lawyer can evaluate your claim and ensure that the proper parties are named in your lawsuit before the deadline passes.
How will my lawsuit be paid for?
Most personal injury lawyers in Longview work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and they receive a percentage of your settlement or judgment. The standard contingency fee in Texas for personal injury cases is 33-40% of the total recovery. Your lawyer will deduct the fees from your final settlement amount, so you pay nothing out of pocket.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury lawsuits in Longview are resolved through settlement before going to trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the defendant's insurance company to reach a fair settlement offer. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit to put pressure on the insurance company. Even after filing suit, the majority of cases still settle before trial. However, your lawyer will be fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to maximize your compensation.
How is fault determined in an accident?
To recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove that the defendant was at fault for your injuries, either fully or partially. Your lawyer will investigate the details of your accident to determine who was negligent and caused the collision or incident. Things like witness statements, police reports, medical records, and expert testimony can all be used to establish fault. In some cases, shared fault may apply, reducing your recovery by your own percentage of fault. Your lawyer can advise you on the strength of evidence regarding liability in your specific case.
The attorneys at Fletcher Law have decades of combined experience helping accident victims in Longview fight for maximum compensation. We will walk you through every step of the legal process and help get your life back on track. Call today for a free review of your personal injury claim.
Best Evidence To Use In Your Personal Injury Case
To build a strong personal injury case, you need to gather solid evidence to support your claim. The following types of evidence can help prove liability and damages:
Photographs. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, damaged property, etc. Photographs provide visual evidence to show the severity of the incident.
Medical records. Obtain records from doctors, hospitals and emergency responders regarding diagnosis and treatment. These records demonstrate the extent of your injuries and help calculate damages.
Police or accident reports. Official reports from responding officers contain key details about the accident such as time, location and events. Reports can help establish liability and fault.
Eyewitness accounts. Written or recorded statements from people who saw the accident happen are valuable for determining liability and providing a first-hand description of events. Get contact information for any witnesses.
Video or audio evidence. Footage from security cameras, cell phones or other recording devices that captured the accident provides indisputable visual evidence. Obtain copies of any footage that exists.
Property damage estimates. Written estimates from auto repair shops, contractors, etc. for damage to your vehicle or other property. Estimates help quantify the costs related to your claim.
Lost wage statements. If injuries from the accident caused you to miss work, obtain records from your employer(s) showing wages lost during that time. These statements demonstrate how the accident impacted your ability to earn an income.
Correspondence. Keep copies of all letters, emails or other communications with insurance companies regarding your claim. Correspondence can be used to show how the claim has been handled and provide a timeline of key events.
While evidence will not guarantee you will receive compensation, failing to gather evidence severely limits the strength of your personal injury claim. Work with your Longview personal injury lawyer to collect and organize as much evidence as possible to build the strongest case possible. Proving liability, damages and the full impact of the accident on your life can make the difference in achieving a fair settlement.
Conclusion
As a resident of Longview, you never expect to suffer injuries due to the negligence of another person or entity. However, accidents happen, and when they do, it's important to know your rights and options for pursuing compensation. The attorneys at Fletcher Law have dedicated their careers to helping injured victims in Longview and the surrounding areas. With years of combined experience, they have the knowledge and skills to thoroughly investigate your unique case and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. If you've been injured in Longview due to another's negligence, don't delay in consulting with the experienced personal injury lawyers at Fletcher Law. They are committed to providing high-quality legal services and helping their clients find justice and closure after suffering harm through no fault of their own. Together, you can build a strong case and work toward a settlement that provides for your financial and medical needs so you can get back to living life.