The Nielsen Law Firm, P.C.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay anything upfront. The attorney only gets paid if you win your case, typically taking 33-40% of the settlement or verdict. This arrangement allows anyone to access legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

The timeline varies significantly based on case complexity, injury severity, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take 1-3 years. Your attorney can provide a more specific estimate after reviewing your case.

Case value depends on many factors: the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the other party's liability. There's no simple formula—each case is unique. An experienced attorney can provide an estimated range after reviewing your specific circumstances.

Most personal injury cases (over 95%) settle before going to trial. However, your attorney should be prepared to go to court if necessary to get you fair compensation. Insurance companies often offer better settlements when they know your lawyer is willing to take the case to trial.

First, seek medical attention—your health is the priority. Document everything: take photos, get witness contact information, and file a police report. Don't admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

You generally need to prove that someone else was negligent (at fault) and that their negligence caused your injuries. Most attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate your case. Key factors include: clear liability, documented injuries, available insurance coverage, and the statute of limitations.

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as you're not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 20% at fault and damages are $100,000, you could recover $80,000.

Generally, no. Initial offers are typically much lower than what your case is worth. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. An attorney can evaluate whether an offer is fair and negotiate for better compensation. Studies show that represented claimants typically receive significantly higher settlements.

You may still have options. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help. The at-fault driver could have personal assets. There might be other liable parties (vehicle owner, employer). An attorney can identify all possible sources of compensation.

Communication expectations should be discussed upfront. Most firms provide regular updates at key milestones and are available to answer questions. Ask about their communication policy—how quickly they return calls, whether you'll work with the attorney directly or paralegals, and how often to expect updates.