This is the next post in my series on handling Laredo, Texas car accident cases. My last article discussed how not wearing a seatbelt impacts auto wreck cases. It is important to understand that Texas is different from other states in that it allows the admission of evidence as to whether one was wearing a seatbelt. This means that such evidence can potentially reduce a victim’s damages. It is important that you retain an attorney who is experienced in arguing such issues before a jury. I will use this article to address the commonly asked question of “how long does it take to settle a car accident case?” No two cases are the same and the answer to this question can vary from situation to situation. If you or a loved one have been in an accident then contact my office today to speak with a personal injury lawyer. We also serve other south Texas areas.
Laredo car accident cases can take significant time to settle if the victim was seriously injured
The first step in a car accident case is for your lawyer to contact the insurance company and inform them of the representation. Counsel will then deal with the insurer directly. Once your future medical situation and economic losses can be reasonably ascertained, then your lawyer will send a demand for payment to the insurance company. It is important that the demand not be sent before your long-term prognosis is known; this includes the extent to which you will make a full recovery, the amount of expected future medical expenses, how the injury impacts your earning potential, etc. If you settle immediately then you have no ability to seek more compensation in the future. This means, therefore, that if you settle before knowing your full future losses then you may wind up accepting less than your actual losses amount to.
The need to know your future prognosis and losses means that a Laredo area car accident may take significant time to settle. If a victim is seriously injured in a crash then they may require multiple surgeries and/or longer-term treatment. This means that a) their long-term prognosis and future medical costs will not be known for some time and b) the extent to which they will be able to return to work will also not be known for some time. Once these facts are known then your counsel will be able to send a demand to the insurer. In cases involving serious injuries, it is not uncommon for this process to take more than a year.
Your attorney may file a lawsuit with the Court to preserve your statute of limitations in a car accident case
Lawsuits for car accident cases must be filed within two years of a Texas car accident. This means, for obvious reasons, that it is problematic if one is injured to a point that it takes more than two years to ascertain the full extent of their damages. Fortunately, in such a situation, your attorney may file a lawsuit with the Court so that your statute of limitations does not run. This will allow you to finish treating for your injuries and for your counsel to continue negotiations. In the event that a settlement cannot be reached, your representative will then proceed with litigation.
If you have been injured in a wreck then contact my office today to speak with a Laredo car accident lawyer. I understand that this is a serious time in your life and my office will give your case the attention it deserves. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.