After an accident, you’re left with injuries, bills, and one big question: what now? The path to recovery hinges on the decisions you make next. This article provides a clear roadmap for Houston victims, from immediate actions to why your first call should be to a top-rated Houston personal injury attorney.
If you need to get help from a top-rated Houston personal injury attorney, Brann Sullivan Trial Lawyers are ready to protect your rights and guide you every step of the way.
How Texas Personal Injury Law Works
Texas law sets the rules of the game for personal injury claims. It’s not enough to be injured; you must prove the other party’s legal responsibility. Your entire claim depends on navigating a few critical concepts correctly.
Proving Fault: The Rule of Negligence
Most claims hinge on negligence. Think of it as a four-part checklist your lawyer must prove.
- Duty: The other party owed you a basic duty of care (ex., drive safely)
- Breach: They failed in that duty through their actions or inaction.
- Causation: Their failure directly caused your accident and injuries.
- Damages: You suffered verifiable losses because of it.
The Texas Two-Year Deadline
You cannot wait forever to file a lawsuit. Texas has a strict statute of limitations. Generally, two years from the accident date. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to sue permanently. There are very few exceptions, so time is of the essence.
The 51% Bar Rule
Texas uses a “modified comparative fault” system. This means your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. But here’s the critical part: if you are found 51% or more responsible for the accident, you are barred from collecting any money at all. This rule makes fighting allegations of shared fault absolutely essential.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident
The steps you take following an accident are crucial. This guide provides a straightforward protocol to ensure you build a solid foundation for your claim.
- Prioritize Your Health
See a doctor right away, even if you feel “okay.” Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries (like whiplash or internal bleeding) have delayed symptoms. A medical record created immediately after the event is your best evidence linking the accident to your injuries.
- Document Everything You Can
If you are able, be your own investigator at the scene.
- Document the scene thoroughly with photos. Capture vehicle damage, the overall location, any visible injuries, and potential causes like a spill or debris.
- Get names and contact information from any witnesses.
- Write down your own memory of events as soon as possible.
- Report the Incident
Create an official record. For car accidents, call the police. For slips and falls, report it to the store manager or property owner and insist on a written incident report. Avoid giving detailed statements to anyone else, especially insurance adjusters, until you have legal counsel.
Why Going It Alone Is a Risk
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Handling them without an attorney is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.
They Handle the Insurance Bullies
Handling an insurance adjuster alone is a disadvantage. Your lawyer takes this off your plate, fielding all calls and letters. They recognize the standard tactics to minimize your payout and know exactly how to counter them. This professional barrier stops the insurance company from using your words against you.
They Uncover the Evidence You Can’t
A successful claim depends on evidence that isn’t always accessible to the public. Lawyers use professional channels to obtain security camera recordings, enlist expert witnesses to analyze the crash, and commission medical reports that directly connect your condition to the incident.
They Calculate What Your Claim Is Really Worth
It’s not just about today’s medical bills. What about physical therapy six months from now? Or your lost earning potential if you can’t return to your old job? Lawyers account for all of it—future medical costs, lost wages, and the very real pain and suffering you’ve endured.
They Are Ready to Go to Court
A settlement is the goal, but the threat of a trial is what often makes it fair. The attorneys at Brann Sullivan are known as seasoned litigators. This reputation for being prepared to argue your case before a judge and jury provides crucial leverage during settlement talks.
Why Houston Trusts Brann Sullivan Trial Lawyers
Choosing a lawyer is about more than just hiring a legal expert; it’s about finding a partner who will stand with you. Brann Sullivan Trial Lawyers has built its reputation in Houston on exactly that principle.
They Fight for Maximum Compensation
The goal is not just a settlement, but a result that fully covers your losses. Brann Sullivan has a proven history of securing such outcomes, even when facing well-funded corporations, because they prepare every case with the determination to win at trial.
Their Focus is Entirely on You
Brann Sullivan’s contingency fee agreement means you pay nothing unless they win your case. This eliminates financial risk for you and directly aligns their success with yours. Their priority is your recovery, both in health and in securing the compensation you deserve.
Your Next Step is a Free, No-Obligation Conversation
Navigating a claim after an injury is difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Take the first step by speaking with Brann Sullivan. Their free consultation provides a risk-free opportunity to understand your rights and the strength of your case from an experienced professional.
Get help from a top-rated Houston personal injury attorney at Brann Sullivan Trial Lawyers today to protect your rights and start building your path to recovery.
