In most cases you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim under the Texas personal injury statute of limitations. However, there are some instances where the statute may be longer or shorter. Acting quickly ensures you don’t miss this deadline.
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, you can file a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage, or pursue a lawsuit against the driver directly in small claims court.
Yes, under the Texas modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover personal injury damages if you’re less than 51% at fault. However, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and meet filing deadlines. They will help you understand exactly what to do after a car wreck in Texas.
Move to a safe area, call 911, exchange information with the other driver, document the scene with photos, gather witness details, and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
Most settlements are paid in a lump sum. However, for larger amounts, structured settlements can distribute payments over time for financial stability.
Yes, if your health insurance or another provider covered medical costs related to the accident, they may seek reimbursement from your settlement through subrogation.
The value of auto accident settlements vary widely, but typically range from $15,000 to $75,000 for injury cases. Severe injuries or wrongful death cases may result in significantly higher payouts.
If law enforcement didn’t document the accident, you have 10 days to file a crash report with TxDOT for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. After filing, you can get your police report here.
Failing to report an accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage may result in fines or license suspension. It’s critical to notify the authorities promptly to comply with Texas law.
Fault is established using evidence like police reports, witness statements, and expert accident reconstruction. Austin follows a modified comparative fault rule, allowing compensation if you are less than 51% at fault.
Most car accidents stay on your driving record for three years, although serious violations or at-fault accidents may have longer implications for insurance rates.
The at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages. If the driver is uninsured, the injured party may rely on their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if available.
There’s no cap for economic or non-economic damages in most car accident cases. For punitive damages in extreme negligence cases, Austin caps them at $200,000 or twice the economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000).
The settlement process varies by case. Simple claims may resolve in weeks or months, while complex cases involving disputes or serious injuries can take a year or more.
Drivers must file a crash report with the Austin Department of Transportation (TxDOT) if an accident results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, and if law enforcement did not file a report at the scene.
Austin uses an “at-fault” insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages. Drivers are required to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.
You have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Acting quickly ensures you meet this deadline.
Most claims have no cap, but non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases are capped at $250,000 per defendant, up to $500,000 total.
Settlements range from a few thousand dollars to millions, depending on factors like injury severity and financial losses.
To file, consult an attorney, gather evidence (like medical records and police reports), and submit a complaint to the appropriate Texas court.
Most cases settle within 6–12 months, but timelines vary based on factors like the severity of injuries, length of medical treatment, and the insurance company’s cooperation. If a lawsuit is necessary, it could take 1–2 years to resolve. Contact us to discuss your case and get an estimate for your situation.
Insurance companies typically pay out a lump sum once a settlement is reached, not as expenses arise. Managing medical bills in the meantime can be challenging, but our attorneys can guide you on how to handle immediate expenses and maximize your settlement.
Look for an attorney with excellent client service, advanced technology for case management, and a history of taking cases to trial. At Thompson Law, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch results for cases of all sizes, from minor car wrecks to major workplace accidents or 18-wheeler crashes.
Accidents with commercial vehicles are often more complex. Trucking companies have legal teams working to minimize payouts, so it’s critical to hire an attorney right away. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
In many cases, yes. If a loved one is injured or killed in an accident, certain family members or legal guardians may file a claim on their behalf. This often depends on the relationship and circumstances, so consult an attorney for guidance.
Yes. Pedestrians have the same right to seek compensation as drivers. If you’ve been hit while walking, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure you receive proper care and fair compensation.
UM coverage is optional insurance that protects you if you’re hit by an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run. It covers your medical bills and damages when the at-fault party can’t. Check your policy to see if you have this coverage; if not, consider adding it for peace of mind.
A personal injury lawyer can help you get fair compensation for your losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Insurance companies work to protect their clients, not you, so having an attorney ensures you’re not shortchanged. A lawyer can also identify additional damages you may be entitled to, like future medical costs […]
If you’re injured in an accident, your top priority should be seeking medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Seeing a doctor immediately ensures any injuries are treated and creates a record proving they were caused by the accident. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, so skipping this step could harm your health and […]
If an insurance adjuster contacts you, avoid giving detailed statements or accepting any offers before speaking with a legal representative. Insurance companies aim to reduce payouts, so it’s best to refer them to your injury lawyer. They will handle all communication and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Determining who is liable for your injuries involves identifying the party whose negligence caused the accident. This could be another driver, a property owner, or a company. A local accident lawyer will investigate the details, gather evidence like police reports and witness statements, and determine who is at fault. With legal guidance, you’ll ensure that […]
Hiring a local attorney like Thompson Law means you’ll have someone who understands the specific laws and courts in San Antonio. We handle the entire legal process for you, starting with a thorough investigation of your accident and gathering all the necessary evidence. Our team builds a strong case on your behalf and negotiates with […]
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover several types of damages, including: Medical expenses (both current and future) Lost wages due to time off work Pain and suffering, including emotional distress Property damage, such as vehicle repairs Loss of earning capacity, if your injuries impact your ability to work in the future […]
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. It’s crucial to file your claim within this period, as waiting too long could prevent you from recovering any compensation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, your immediate focus should be on your health and safety. Seek medical care as soon as possible. Once you are stable, document the accident by gathering evidence like photos, witness information, and police reports. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a personal injury attorney. A lawyer will […]
At Thompson Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the compensation recovered, so you won’t have to worry about legal costs while your case is in progress.
Ensure everyone is safe. Call emergency services if necessary. Exchange information with the other driver. Document the accident scene with photos. Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
In Texas, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death suit. This differs from the statute of limitations for typical personal injury claims not involving death, which allows two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Our skilled wrongful death attorneys can help ensure you […]
Knowing the applicable statutes of limitations, understanding the elements of negligence and proximate cause, and gathering evidence to establish liability are all crucial factors that can influence the outcome of a wrongful death case.
Wrongful death cases can be highly emotional and complex, making it crucial to determine who is at fault. In these cases, liability is determined by analyzing the evidence to identify who acted negligently or intentionally caused the death. This often involves investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident, such as whether the victim was […]
The loss of a loved one can be a devastating experience, especially when the death was caused by another person’s negligence or intentional harm. In such situations, the surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible individual or entity. The process for filing a wrongful death lawsuit typically […]
While many wrongful death cases settle out of court, anyone filing a lawsuit should prepare for the possibility of having to go to trial. A skilled wrongful death attorney can litigate on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
In Texas, damages for wrongful death can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of possible inheritance, pain and suffering, and loss of society, companionship, support, and care. In some instances, punitive damages might be sought. These are damages intended to punish the guilty party and deter other parties from engaging in […]
In Texas, the surviving spouse, children, or parents can file a wrongful death claim. If no family members file, an executor of the deceased person’s estate may file. Here is a complete guide to wrongful death claims in Texas.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover damage resulting from busted pipes if the rupture is sudden and could not be predicted. However, homeowners insurance companies may not cover damage that occurs gradually due to a leaky or deteriorating pipe if you do not take reasonable steps to keep the situation from getting worse. Our storm damage […]
A winter storm attorney is a skilled professional who knows the ins and outs of personal injury claims and snowstorm property damage claims. They can help you deal with difficult insurance companies and ensure you get a fair settlement.
If you are injured in any type of accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not certain that you are injured. Seeking immediate medical treatment does two things: 1) it ensures injuries you sustained are diagnosed and treated; and, 2) it helps eliminate any doubt by the insurance […]
A skilled personal injury lawyer is necessary to get full and fair compensation for injuries you sustained in an accident. Most defendants, whether individual drivers or commercial vehicle operators, are covered by liability insurance. Those insurance companies are not obligated to protect or take care of you. Insurance companies exist to protect the defendant (their customer) who […]
The largest factor affecting your claim’s value is the severity or magnitude of your injuries. More severe injuries typically require more medical treatment. So it is essential to have all your injuries documented properly by seeking immediate treatment with doctors or hospitals, and continuing under the care and direction of your doctors as long as necessary to heal. Without prompt […]
In Texas, you usually have two (2) years from the date of incident to file a personal injury claim before it is barred by the statute of limitations. There are exceptions to this 2-year time limit in Texas, for minors and others. Further, other states have different time limits, and the limit that applies is typically […]
If you are injured in a hit-and-run wreck (and are unable to locate the driver) or are hurt in a collision where the other driver does not have insurance, you are not necessarily out of options in terms of financial recovery. You may still be able to recover for your personal injuries if your own policy has Uninsured […]
Typical damages you can recover in a personal injury claim include: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases even punitive damages. In severe injury cases, other damages may be recoverable, such as: future medical bills, future lost income, future pain and suffering, loss of body member or mental function, […]
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage can help save the day if you are hit by an uninsured driver or if you are the victim in a hit-and-run collision. In short, UM coverage is an add-on coverage that drivers can add to their auto insurance policies that will protect them in the event that they are in an auto accident with […]
Knowing how comparative negligence works is vital if you live in a state that uses it. In simple terms, comparative negligence implies both drivers can share fault for an accident, but one driver can be more at fault than the other. For example, you are texting while driving when another driver runs a stop sign […]
Having the police respond to the accident scene is of paramount importance. Make sure that YOU call them and insist that they come and investigate the accident. When the police arrive, they will separate the drivers and witnesses from one another and take statements from everyone involved. Be cooperative, detailed, and firm in describing the accident. […]
Call an attorney. Your first instinct might be to call your insurance company, but it’s best to seek legal council first so you don’t accidentally admit guilt or take responsibility for the accident. In many cases your attorney will call the insurance company for you to prevent that from happening.
Absolutely not. It’s important to leave the investigation to the professionals. They know exactly how to work a case to determine all of the facts and details.
In insurance terms, “totaled” or a “total loss” means that the cost to repair your vehicle to its pre-accident condition is more than the vehicle is worth. Each insurance company has a different threshold for determining if a vehicle is totaled, but generally, if it’s close, you want the insurance company to “total” your car. Following the determination that […]
Some of the most devastating injuries caused by careless driving happen to pedestrians. As a pedestrian, you have the same right to be free from injury and harm caused by the irresponsibility, error, or negligence of others as any motorist on the road. In is important to obtain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you […]
Typically, yes. If a family member is seriously injured or killed in an accident, or if the injured party is a minor child, then it may be appropriate under the law for a parent, spouse, relative, or legal guardian to file a claim or lawsuit on behalf of the injured or deceased party. These types of claims are […]
In Texas, even if you are partially to blame for a car accident, you may be able to recover some of your damages from the other party. Under Texas’s proportionate responsibility system (also known as comparative negligence), unless you as the claimant/plaintiff are determined more than 51% at fault, you may recover legal damages that […]
If the other vehicle involved in your crash was an 18 wheeler or another commercial vehicle, call an attorney immediately. Companies who own commercial vehicles and 18 wheelers often have their own team of investigators who will arrive on the scene immediately working on the driver’s defense case. The sooner you involve an attorney of […]
Drivers of 18 wheelers and other commercial vehicles are held to a higher standard of driving. If they neglect to turn on their flashing lights when they’re on the side of the road, don’t move over far enough onto the shoulder, don’t properly secure their cargo, or don’t leave enough clearance when making a left […]
No. They aren’t trying to help you. They’re trying to protect their drivers and reduce their costs. That’s why they have a team of lawyers ready to flock to the scene of any accident. Don’t accept any form of compensation until you talk to your attorney. Most victims of 18 wheeler crashes sustain more injuries […]
Many times it can be the fault of both the driver and the 18 wheeler company. Truck drivers can be at fault just like any other motorist for failing to follow the rules of the road. However, 18 wheeler companies and their employees have federal laws they are required to follow that govern things like how many consecutive hours of driving are allowable, minimum numbers of resting hours between jobs, when and how to do […]
Unless you ran a red light or were exceeding the speed limit, the driver turning left is responsible.
I’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident. What Should I Do? Sadly, people tend to jump to blame motorcyclists for causing collisions, even though basic motorcycle training helps make motorcyclists among the most conscientious and aware drivers on the road. In fact, more often than not, the other motorist is at-fault in collisions with motorcycles. Remember these 6 steps to make sure you are safe and […]
While Texas law does not legally require you to wear a helmet, basic motorcycle training tells you to wear “All the Gear, All the Time” – and this is just as important for when you are in an accident. Not only will wearing a helmet help reduce the likelihood of serious injury, but refusing to wear a helmet can work against you […]
Check the back of the helmet – there should be a sticker that tells you if the helmet meets one of the three safety standard certifications. There are three major safety standards for motorcycle helmets: DOT (“Department of Transportation”, ECE “Economic Commission for Europe”, and SNELL (“Snell Memorial Foundation”). If a helmet has one of these […]
Helmet laws are valid in many states. By having Helmet laws, states can reduce the risk of injury to the motorcycle driver, and contribute towards lower health care and insurance payouts.
Given the vulnerability of motorcycle riders, even minor, low-speed accidents can result in lifelong injuries, and the severity of your injures might not be apparent right away. Insist on emergency medical attention after any motorcycle accident, as speed of care can make a life changing difference. Additionally, the motorcyclist involved in the accident is usually not the person […]
If you or a family member are injured in an automobile accident, you cannot afford NOT to hire the very best attorney available. Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only pay legal fees IF we win for you and AFTER your case is settled. We understand that legal fees upfront […]
If you were injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, there is a good chance we can help you out. We will look at the facts of your accident, whether a car wreck, truck wreck, motorcycle accident, or on-the-job-injury and examine whatever reports or records are available. If we believe that you were injured and it was […]
Absolutely. Premises liability cases, sometimes called “slip and fall” accidents, can be difficult to prove and require prompt action to preserve the evidence and witness statements you will need to pursue a claim. Additionally, Texas law on premises liability has become extremely difficult to navigate and unfavorable for injured parties. Your chances of receiving fair and just compensation for your injuries from a slip […]
The best personal injury attorney has three major characteristics: Excellent customer service, cutting edge technology, and a willingness to take cases and win at trial. Ask your potential attorney about the client experience they offer, what kind of technology they use to make your life easier, and when was the last time they took a case to jury trial. Asking these […]
Yes! Thompson Law is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free consultations. If you have been injured in a truck wreck or car accident, hurt in a slip and fall incident, or otherwise injured from the negligence of another person or party, give us a call any time at 1-800-LION-LAW. We can speak to […]
Thompson Law is available 24/7 to provide free consultations and to sign up new clients. We can sign you up over the phone or we can send one of our experienced licensed investigators to meet you at the hospital or at your home if you prefer. Whether you live in Arlington, Fort Worth, El Paso, San Antonio, […]
Being in a wreck, especially on the highway, can be a terrifying experience. Remember these 6 steps to make sure you are safe and to help preserve your legal case right from the start: GET SAFE. Stop your vehicle/move it to a safe place if you are able. Stay close to the scene without obstructing traffic. […]
Yes! Passengers in auto accidents are entitled to make claims for their damages and injuries too. As a negligence-free passenger, who you make a claim against (one or both drivers and their insurance companies), and what coverages are available (e.g., third-party and/or first-party coverages, personal injury protection, MedPay), depends on the specific facts and circumstances of […]
Under Texas law, “bicycles are entitled to all rights of the road that apply to a motor vehicle, including access.” Unfortunately, drivers often don’t respect the rights of cyclists, and bike accidents are increasingly common, causing severe injuries to the cyclist. First, stay at the scene. As soon as it is safe, assess the situation and call 9-1-1 to […]
An insurance company will not pay medical expenses or other damages as they come due; rather, after they have accepted liability, the insurance company will make a one-time, lump-sum final payment only at the end of your case. Dealing with medical expenses, and obtaining the proper medical care, after an accident can be tricky. But […]
Let’s be honest: this isn’t a legal show on TV and your case will not settle in the next hour – or even tomorrow. The true answer is: it depends. We find that most cases settle within 6-12 months from date of incident; but the timeline in your case could be shorter or longer depending […]
Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.
