Texas Personal Injury Lawyers

You Deserve Compensation After an Accident — Let Our Texas Injury Attorneys Help You Get It

From Houston to the Rio Grande Valley—We Fight for Justice Wherever You’re Hurt in Texas

Injured in Texas? The Adley Law Firm is here to help, no matter where you are in the Lone Star State. As a leading Texas personal injury lawyer team, we represent clients statewide – from the big cities of Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, to communities in El Paso, the Rio Grande Valley, and everywhere in between. Our mission is to provide compassionate, effective legal representation to injury victims across Texas. With decades of experience in personal injury law, we’ve helped thousands of Texans navigate the aftermath of serious accidents and recover the compensation they deserve. We understand that an injury can turn your life upside down, and we’re committed to guiding you through the legal process with care and expertise.

Texas sees a high number of accidents and injuries each year. For instance, nearly a quarter of a million people were injured in motor vehicle crashes across Texas. When you’re hurt because of someone else’s negligence – whether it’s a car crash on a Texas highway, a slip-and-fall at a store, or any other accident – you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Adley Law Firm’s statewide personal injury practice is built on a simple principle: every victim deserves justice. Our lawyers handle cases throughout the state, and our Houston-based office can manage your case remotely if you’re in another city (many clients never need to come in person). We offer free consultations and 24/7 availability, and you never pay anything unless we win your case. On this page, we’ll explain the types of personal injury cases we handle in Texas, the damages you can recover, how the injury claim process works under Texas law, and more. Use the quick links below to navigate, and remember – help is just a phone call away, wherever you are in Texas.

Read More:

• Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Texas
• Damages You Can Recover in a Texas Injury Case
• The Personal Injury Claim Process in Texas
• Contingency Fees – No Fee Unless We Win
• Texas Personal Injury FAQ
• Free Consultation Statewide – Contact Us

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Texas

Adley Law Firm handles virtually every type of personal injury claim. Our attorneys have extensive experience across many accident and injury scenarios. Here are some of the primary types of personal injury cases we handle throughout Texas:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car crashes are one of the most common causes of injuries in Texas. Whether your accident happened on a busy city street in Dallas or a rural highway in West Texas, we can help. We represent victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and crashes involving rideshare vehicles (Uber/Lyft) or commercial vehicles. From rear-end collisions to serious 18-wheeler wrecks, our firm investigates the cause (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving) and pursues claims against the at-fault drivers and their insurers. We understand Texas traffic laws and have experience obtaining police reports, traffic camera footage, and working with accident reconstruction experts to build strong cases for our clients.
• Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents: Given the volume of commercial trucking on interstates like I-35, I-45, and I-10, Texas unfortunately sees many serious truck accidents. These cases are more complex than a typical car crash – there are often multiple parties involved (truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance crew) and federal trucking regulations at play. Our lawyers are well-versed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Texas laws that govern commercial trucks. We handle cases involving semi-trucks, delivery trucks, oilfield trucks, and other heavy vehicles. If you were hit by a truck, we work to prove negligence (perhaps driver fatigue, improper loading, or lack of maintenance) and hold all responsible parties accountable. Our goal is to secure compensation for the significant damages that often result from truck accidents, including extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and lost earning capacity if you’re unable to return to work for a while.
• Slip and Fall / Premises Liability: We help clients across Texas who have been injured due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. This could be a slip-and-fall on a wet floor, a trip on uneven pavement, an injury from inadequate lighting or security, or any hazardous condition a property owner failed to fix or warn about. Texas premises liability law requires property owners to address known dangers and make their premises reasonably safe for visitors. Our attorneys handle cases against negligent businesses (stores, restaurants, hotels, etc.) and property owners. We gather evidence like incident reports, surveillance video, and expert analysis of building code violations to prove liability. Whether you fell at a supermarket in Houston or were hurt at an apartment complex in San Antonio, we know how to approach these cases to seek compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses.
• Workplace and Construction Accidents: Many Texans are injured on the job each year, especially in industries like construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and transportation. While some workplace injuries are handled solely through workers’ compensation, others involve third-party liability or employers without workers’ comp coverage (Texas is unique in that not all employers subscribe to workers’ comp). Adley Law Firm can evaluate construction site accidents, industrial injuries, and other workplace incidents to determine if there’s a personal injury claim in addition to or instead of a workers’ comp claim. For example, if a subcontractor’s negligence at a construction site in Austin caused your injury, you might sue that subcontractor. Or if a defective machine injured you at a factory, you could have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. We handle crane accidents, falls from heights, electrocutions, oil rig explosions, and more – across Texas from the oilfields near Odessa to construction sites in downtown Dallas.
• Product Liability: When unsafe or defective products cause injuries, we help consumers hold manufacturers and sellers accountable. Texas product liability cases can involve defective auto parts (like a faulty airbag), unsafe pharmaceuticals or medical devices, dangerous appliances, and other consumer products. These claims often require showing that a product had a design defect, manufacturing flaw, or inadequate warnings/instructions. For instance, if a defective tire caused a blowout and crash, or a household appliance had an electrical defect that caused burns, we would pursue a claim against the companies responsible. Our firm has the resources to take on big companies in product liability cases and seek compensation for those harmed by negligent product design or production.
• Wrongful Death: If an accident or act of negligence tragically leads to someone’s death, the surviving family may file a wrongful death claim under Texas law. We extend our deepest sympathies to families who have lost a loved one. While money can’t bring them back, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial support and a sense of justice. Adley Law Firm represents families in wrongful death cases stemming from all kinds of incidents – car and truck accidents, workplace disasters, deadly falls, medical malpractice, and more. Under Texas law, the deceased’s spouse, children, and parents have the right to seek compensation for losses such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of the loved one’s financial support and services, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. We handle these cases with sensitivity and determination, working to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

Damages You Can Recover in a Texas Injury Case

After an injury, victims often face a range of financial and personal losses. In a successful personal injury claim in Texas, you can recover several types of monetary damages. The goal of these damages is to compensate you for what you have lost (and will lose in the future) due to the accident. The main categories of damages in Texas personal injury cases include:

• Economic Damages: These are the tangible financial losses resulting from your injury. Economic damages are typically proven with bills, receipts, and financial records. They include:
  • Medical Expenses: All past and future medical costs related to your injury. This covers hospital bills, ER visits, doctor appointments, surgery, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medical devices (crutches, wheelchairs), and any ongoing care you may need. For example, if you require future surgery or long-term therapy, an estimate of those costs would be included.
  • Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: If your injury caused you to miss work, you can claim the income you lost during recovery. Additionally, if your injuries permanently limit your ability to work or force you to take a lower-paying job, you may claim loss of earning capacity (the income you will lose in the future). For instance, a construction worker who can no longer do heavy labor might recover compensation for the difference in earnings for a lighter-duty job or for full disability if they cannot return to work at all.
  • Property Damage: If any personal property was damaged in the incident, you can recover its value. The most common example is vehicle damage in a car accident – repair costs or the fair market value if the car is totaled. Other examples include a damaged motorcycle, bicycle, phone, or any belongings affected by the accident.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any other expenses you’ve had to pay because of the injury can be claimed. This might include things like the cost of hiring help for household chores you cannot do during recovery, travel expenses for medical appointments, or modifications to your home (e.g., installing a wheelchair ramp). Keep receipts for any such costs, as they can be part of your economic damages.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate you for the intangible, non-monetary impacts of your injury – things that are real but harder to quantify. Non-economic damages in Texas can include:
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you endured (and may continue to endure). This takes into account the severity and duration of your physical pain.
  • Mental Anguish / Emotional Distress: Serious accidents can cause psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). For example, someone might develop a fear of driving after a bad car crash. These mental and emotional struggles are considered in non-economic damages.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, activities, or general day-to-day pleasures you used to have, you may be compensated for this loss. Say you loved running or playing sports before, but now you cannot – that diminished quality of life is a loss worth compensating.
  • Loss of Consortium: In cases of very severe injury, the effect on your personal relationships can be addressed. For instance, a spouse of an injured person might claim loss of consortium, which means loss of companionship, affection, and a sexual relationship due to the injuries. (This is more commonly claimed in catastrophic injury or wrongful death cases by family members.)

  Non-economic damages are subjective and often the biggest point of contention in settlements and trials. Texas law does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases (except certain situations like medical malpractice), so we will fight to ensure you get an amount that truly reflects your suffering.

• Punitive Damages (Exemplary Damages): In Texas, punitive damages are awarded only in rare cases where the defendant’s conduct was more than just negligent – it was grossly negligent or willful/malicious. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter particularly bad conduct, rather than to compensate for a specific loss. For example, if a drunk driver who caused your accident had an extremely high BAC or a history of DUIs, a court might award punitive damages to send a message. Texas law sets limits (caps) on punitive damages – generally, they cannot exceed the greater of (a) two times your economic damages plus an amount equal to your non-economic damages (up to $750,000) or (b) $200,000, whichever is higher. These caps are established by Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §41.008. While punitive damages are not available in most routine cases, we will certainly pursue them if the facts support such an award (for instance, cases of gross negligence or intentional harm)​.

Every case is different – some may involve only medical bills and a bit of pain and suffering, while others (like a severe injury) might involve life-care plans and significant non-economic losses. Our attorneys will thoroughly document all the damages you have suffered. We often work with doctors, economists, or life care planners to demonstrate the full extent of your economic losses and future needs, and we will also gather evidence of your pain, limitations, and how the injury has affected your life to maximize non-economic damages. In short, we leave no stone unturned when it comes to calculating and fighting for the compensation you are entitled to under Texas law.

The Personal Injury Claim Process in Texas

While every personal injury case has unique aspects, the overall process of seeking compensation in Texas follows a general pattern. Understanding this process can help you know what to expect as your case moves forward. Here’s a breakdown of how a typical personal injury claim progresses from start to finish in Texas:

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Your journey usually begins with reaching out to a personal injury lawyer for a consultation. Adley Law Firm offers free case evaluations. During this meeting (which can be done by phone or video if you’re not near Houston), you’ll tell us about your accident, injuries, and any evidence or documentation you have. We’ll assess whether you have a viable case – considering who was at fault, the extent of your damages, and whether it’s within the statute of limitations. We’ll also answer your questions. If you choose to hire us, we’ll sign an agreement and officially become your legal representatives.
2. Investigation and Gathering Evidence: Once we’re on board, our team goes into fact-finding mode. We will gather all relevant evidence about the accident. This can include police or accident reports, medical records and bills, photographs of the scene or your injuries, and eyewitness statements. We may visit the accident scene ourselves or work with professional investigators. In some cases, we will obtain surveillance camera footage (for example, if you fell in a store, there might be video), or black box data from vehicles in a crash. If liability is complex, we might consult experts – such as accident reconstruction experts for a highway collision or safety engineers for a product defect. Texas allows us to subpoena certain evidence if needed once a lawsuit is filed, but even before that, we gather as much as possible to build a strong foundation for your claim.
3. Notifying the Insurance Companies: A crucial early step is notifying any relevant insurance carriers of the claim. If you were in a car accident, for instance, we would contact the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company (and possibly your own insurer if there’s any first-party coverage like Personal Injury Protection or uninsured motorist coverage involved). For a slip-and-fall, we’d notify the property owner’s liability insurance. We typically handle all communications with insurance adjusters from this point forward, so you don’t have to. The insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate from their side. Remember, anything you say to them can be used against you, so once you have an attorney, you can refer insurers to us.
4. Demand Letter and Settlement Negotiations: After we have a clear picture of your injuries and have reached a point in medical treatment where we can reasonably estimate future needs (often once you are nearing recovery or maximum improvement), we will prepare a demand package for the insurance company. This includes a detailed letter explaining how the accident happened, why their insured is liable, and a summary of your damages (medical costs, lost wages, etc.), along with supporting documentation. We’ll state a dollar amount that we believe represents fair compensation for your case. This kicks off negotiations. The insurer may respond with a lower offer, and negotiations will go back and forth. Our attorneys are seasoned negotiators who know the tactics insurers use in Texas. We will advocate firmly on your behalf. If a fair settlement can be reached at this stage, we’ll advise you and, with your agreement, settle the case. Settlement means you sign a release and the insurance company pays the agreed amount. We always seek to maximize your settlement, but the decision to accept or reject an offer is ultimately yours – we’ll give you our professional recommendation based on experience.
5. Filing a Lawsuit (if required): If the insurance company denies the claim or will not offer a fair amount, the next step is to file a lawsuit. This involves preparing a legal document called a “petition” (in Texas state court) or “complaint” (in federal court, if applicable) that lays out your case against the defendant(s). We file the lawsuit in the appropriate court – typically, in the county where the accident happened or where the defendant lives or does business. For example, a lawsuit for an accident in Houston would likely be filed in Harris County. Once filed, the defendant is served with the papers and must respond. Filing a lawsuit starts the formal litigation process. It doesn’t mean the case will absolutely go to trial – many cases still settle during litigation – but it shows the other side we mean business and are ready to take it to court if needed.
6. Discovery Phase: After a lawsuit is filed, both sides engage in “discovery,” where we exchange information and evidence. This can involve written questions (interrogatories), requests for documents, and depositions (interviews under oath). For instance, we might depose the at-fault driver, witnesses, or corporate representatives if you’re suing a company. You might also be deposed by the defense’s attorney – but don’t worry, we prepare you thoroughly for that. Discovery is a critical phase to gather additional evidence, pin down stories, and build the case further. Texas courts have specific timelines for discovery depending on the case schedule, and we ensure all deadlines are met.
7. Pre-Trial Negotiations and Motions: As the case progresses, there may be opportunities to resolve the case before trial. Mediation is common in Texas – a formal settlement conference with a neutral mediator to see if a deal can be reached. We often participate in mediation with the insurance company’s lawyers to see if we can agree on compensation. Meanwhile, both sides might file pre-trial motions. For example, the defense might file a motion for summary judgment (arguing the case should be dismissed on legal grounds), or we might file motions to exclude certain evidence. The court will rule on these as needed. If mediation or other settlement talks result in an acceptable offer, the case can settle at this stage. If not, we move toward trial.
8. Trial: If your case goes to trial, our attorneys will present your case to a jury (or sometimes just a judge, but personal injury cases are usually jury trials if requested). At trial, we make opening statements, present witness testimony, cross-examine the defense’s witnesses, and introduce evidence like medical records, photos, and expert analyses. We explain to the jury how the defendant caused your injury through negligence and demonstrate the extent of your damages. The defense will try to dispute fault or the severity of your injuries. After both sides present their case and make closing arguments, the jury deliberates and returns a verdict. If the verdict is in your favor, they will also decide the amount of damages to award. A trial can be a one-day matter or several days/weeks in complex cases. Rest assured, our trial lawyers are skilled in courtroom advocacy. We prepare meticulously and work to make a compelling case to the jury.
9. Post-Trial and Recovery of Funds: If you win at trial, the defendant (or their insurance) will be ordered to pay the judgment. Sometimes, post-trial motions or appeals can delay this, but many defendants/insurers will pay the judgment rather than appeal if the case was solid. If there is an appeal, we can continue to represent you through the appellate process. In the event of a settlement or once a judgment is final, we will handle the collection and disbursement of funds. We make sure that liens (like health insurance or hospital liens) are resolved and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. At the end of the case, you’ll receive your portion of the recovery, and our attorney’s fee (contingency percentage) and any case costs we advanced will be deducted as per our agreement. We will go over the final settlement statement with you to ensure transparency.

Throughout the entire personal injury claim process, our goal is to alleviate your burden. Dealing with legal procedures, paperwork, and insurance companies can be very stressful – especially when you’re trying to heal from an injury. When you hire Adley Law Firm, you get a dedicated advocate who handles these details for you. We keep you updated on major developments and are always available to answer your questions. While we fight the legal battles, you can focus on your recovery and your family. Our statewide reach means we are familiar with courts across Texas and can file suits in any county from Harris to Travis to Cameron County, wherever needed. No matter where your injury happened, the process is relatively similar thanks to consistent Texas laws – and we have the knowledge to navigate it effectively on your behalf.

Contingency Fee Arrangement – No Win, No Fee

Worried about legal fees? You’re not alone. Many injury victims hesitate to contact an attorney because they fear the cost. Adley Law Firm addresses this concern through our contingency fee arrangement, which applies to all our personal injury cases across Texas. Here’s how it works: You pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees at all unless we win your case. Our payment is “contingent” on recovering money for you. If we obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor, our fee is a percentage of that recovery (usually discussed and agreed upon in advance, often around one-third, but it can vary by case). If we don’t recover anything, you owe us nothing for our work. This model allows anyone, regardless of financial situation, to hire a top-quality personal injury lawyer.

The contingency fee system aligns our interests with yours – our incentive is to maximize your compensation, because that also increases our fee. You can rest assured that we will do everything possible to win your case. Additionally, we advance all necessary case expenses (for example, court filing fees, costs for obtaining records, expert witness fees, etc.), so you are not out-of-pocket for those as the case progresses. At the conclusion, if we win, those case expenses are reimbursed from the settlement or judgment (we’ll itemize all costs for transparency). If we don’t win, we eat those costs; you don’t have to reimburse them.

Bottom line: There is no financial risk for you to pursue a claim with our firm. This is especially important because after an accident, you might be facing medical bills or time off work – the last thing you need is additional expenses. Knowing that you have no upfront costs and will only pay legal fees out of the money we recover for you can provide peace of mind. This also means our firm is confident in the cases we take on – if we accept your case, it’s because we truly believe we can help you win. We also offer completely free consultations to get started, so you can speak with us about your situation without any commitment or cost. During that consultation, we’ll explain our fee agreement clearly and answer any questions you have about it. Many clients across Texas have found that our contingency fee approach allows them to get quality legal representation when they need it most, with no added financial stress.

Texas Personal Injury FAQ

Injured individuals often have many questions. Below we answer some frequently asked questions about personal injury claims in Texas. Remember, we are just a phone call away – if you have specific questions about your case, contact us for a personalized, free consultation.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. This means you generally have a two-year window to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If you try to file a claim after this period has passed, the court will likely refuse to hear your case (barring some very limited exceptions). There are a few scenarios that can affect this timeline. For example, if the injured person is a minor (under 18) at the time of the accident, the two-year clock typically doesn’t start until their 18th birthday. Another example is if the injury wasn’t discovered right away (sometimes called the “discovery rule”), which can occur in cases like medical malpractice – but for most accident injuries, you know right away that you were hurt. Also, if the claim is against a government entity (like a city or the state), you may have to give notice much sooner (often within 6 months) under Texas law, so those cases have additional deadlines. Because of these strict time limits, it’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after an injury. Even though two years might seem like a long time, investigating and building a strong case can take many months, and you don’t want to risk cutting it close. Our firm will ensure that all filings are done timely. The key takeaway: don’t delay – if you’ve been injured, talk to a Texas personal injury lawyer sooner rather than later to protect your right to compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my injury?

Possibly, yes – Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (also known as proportionate responsibility). Under Texas law, each party’s degree of fault for an accident is considered. If you, the plaintiff, are found to be partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault for the accident, your award would be reduced by 20% to $80,000. However, a crucial point is the 51% bar: if you are found to be more than 50% at fault (i.e., 51% or higher), you are barred from recovering anything from the other party. This is codified in Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.001, often referred to as the “51% rule.” In practice, this means as long as you are not the majority at fault, you can still pursue damages – but your share of fault must be 50% or less. During negotiations or a trial, the insurance adjusters, attorneys, or jury will evaluate evidence to assign fault percentages. Our job as your attorneys is to build a case that places as much fault as possible on the other side and minimizes any claim of responsibility against you. Even if you think you might be partly to blame, don’t assume you can’t recover anything. Many accident scenarios have shared fault (for instance, maybe you were going slightly over the speed limit, but the other driver ran a red light – you might bear some minor fault, but the other driver is mostly at fault). We will argue on your behalf to make sure fault is apportioned fairly and that you are not unfairly blamed. As long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover compensation, though it will be adjusted by that percentage. If your case were to go to trial, the judge would instruct the jury on this rule, and the jury would assign percentages if they find both you and the defendant share blame. In summary: being partially at fault does not automatically prevent you from recovering in Texas, unless your share of fault exceeds 50%.

How long does it take to resolve a personal injury case in Texas?

The timeline for a personal injury case can vary widely depending on the specifics. Some cases might settle in a matter of a few months, while others could take a couple of years (or more, if a trial and appeals are involved). Here are some factors that affect the duration:

• Complexity and Investigation: If liability (fault) is clear and the damages are well documented, a case can often be resolved faster. However, if there are disputes about who was at fault or complicated facts to investigate (for example, a multi-vehicle accident or a case needing expert analysis), it will take longer to gather all necessary evidence.
• Medical Recovery Time: It’s usually wise to wait until you are either fully recovered or have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling, so that all your medical costs and any long-term implications of your injuries are known. If you suffered serious injuries, it might take many months or over a year to know your prognosis. We don’t want to settle while you’re still undergoing significant treatment because we need to include future medical expenses in the claim. This waiting for medical stabilization can prolong a case, but it’s in your best interest for getting the right compensation.
• Insurance Company Cooperation: Sometimes the insurance company might acknowledge their insured’s liability and be open to a fair settlement early on – that can lead to a quicker resolution. Other times, they might deny the claim or offer very little, necessitating a lawsuit and prolonged negotiations or a trial, which extends the timeline.
• Court Schedules: If a lawsuit is filed, the schedule of the court can affect timing. Courts in busy counties (like Harris, Dallas, etc.) have many cases, and getting a trial date might take a while. There are also mandatory waiting periods in litigation (for example, in Texas state court, a case usually can’t go to trial until at least a certain number of months after filing, to allow time for discovery). If the case goes to trial, the trial itself could be months or over a year after the lawsuit is filed.

In our experience, a straightforward car accident case with moderate injuries might settle within 6 to 12 months. A more complex case or one with severe injuries might take 12 to 24 months. If a trial is needed, it could be 18 months to 2+ years from the date of injury by the time a verdict is reached (and appeals, if any, could add another year or more). We know clients want closure as soon as possible, and we do everything we can to move cases along efficiently. However, we also caution not to rush into a quick, low settlement just for speed. We balance the need for a timely resolution with the priority of maximizing your recovery. Throughout the process, we keep you informed about the timeline and any factors causing delays. Rest assured, we push the case forward diligently while also ensuring we don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Do I really need a personal injury lawyer, or can I handle the claim myself?

You have the right to pursue a claim on your own, but there are several reasons why hiring a personal injury lawyer – especially for anything beyond a very minor injury – can be highly beneficial. First, keep in mind that insurance companies handle claims every day and have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their bottom line. As a victim, you likely are not familiar with the valuation of injury claims or the tactics insurers use, whereas an experienced attorney is. A lawyer will know how to properly assess your case’s value (including future costs you might overlook) and won’t be fooled by common insurance strategies such as quick low-ball settlement offers or efforts to get you to inadvertently admit fault. Second, an attorney can handle the complex legal procedures and paperwork, from filing court documents to negotiating liens, saving you from a lot of headache and potential mistakes. Third, if liability is contested or the case is complex, an attorney has the resources to investigate and gather expert support that an individual might struggle to obtain. Fourth, studies have shown that, on average, injury victims who are represented by counsel recover more in compensation than those who go it alone – even after accounting for attorney fees. Insurance adjusters may simply take your claim more seriously if you have legal representation, as it signals you are prepared to fight for your rights. Lastly, if your case needs to go to court, you will absolutely want a lawyer; navigating a lawsuit by yourself is extremely challenging if you’re not trained in law. Our Texas personal injury lawyers have the knowledge of state laws, procedural rules, and experience negotiating and litigating with insurance companies. We handle your case while you focus on healing. Given that we work on contingency (no upfront cost), hiring a lawyer comes with little to no financial risk. In summary, while you can try to handle a minor claim on your own, having a skilled attorney significantly increases your chances of obtaining a fair and full recovery, and it relieves you of the burden of dealing with legal details and insurance games.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

In many cases, no. It’s quite common for an insurance company’s initial settlement offer to be much lower than what the claim is actually worth. Insurance adjusters often test the waters to see if you’ll take a quick payout, especially if they know you might be in a tough financial position due to medical bills or lost wages. While it can be tempting to accept fast cash, that first offer may not fully cover all your expenses – and once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot go back and ask for more. We advise clients to consult with an attorney before accepting any insurance settlement. Our team can evaluate whether the offer is fair. We often find that with proper negotiation and pressure (and sometimes filing a lawsuit), we can obtain a significantly higher amount. Of course, there are instances where the first offer might be reasonable (for example, if your damages are clearly documented and the liability is cut-and-dry, some insurers will come in with a fair number to settle quickly), but this is the exception rather than the rule. Remember that the adjuster’s job and incentive is to save the insurance company money, not to pay you every dollar you deserve. They might not account for future medical needs or intangible losses like pain and suffering in an initial offer. By having a lawyer communicate with the insurer, you show that you won’t settle for less than a fair value. We can negotiate using evidence and legal arguments to push the offer higher. If the insurer sees you have representation and are willing to litigate if necessary, they often increase their offer to avoid a lawsuit. In short, be cautious with quick settlement offers. It’s wise to at least get a second opinion on the offer’s adequacy. At Adley Law Firm, we’re happy to review any offer you receive – at no charge – and give our honest assessment. Only when you’re satisfied that an offer fully compensates you should you consider accepting. Until then, we’ll continue fighting for more.

Get a Free Consultation – We Serve All of Texas

No matter where you are located in Texas, Adley Law Firm is ready to help with your personal injury claim. Our office is in Houston, but we successfully represent clients statewide. With modern technology, we can handle your case virtually – via phone, email, and video updates – so you can get excellent legal representation without the need to travel. Many of our clients in cities like Dallas, Austin, or McAllen never meet us in person until their case is resolved, yet they receive the same attentive service and results as our local clients. Distance is not a barrier to getting justice.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 at (713) 999-8669 to take your call. You can also fill out the short contact form on our website and we will reach out to you promptly. Tell us about your accident and injuries, and we will let you know how we can assist. Our team will answer your questions in plain language and explain the next steps. If you decide to hire us, remember that you pay nothing upfront and absolutely no attorney fees unless we win your case. We take pride in fighting for Texans’ rights – whether you’re in a small town or a big city, you will get our full dedication. Let the Adley Law Firm help you navigate the legal system and pursue the compensation you deserve. Se habla español. Call now to ensure your rights are protected and to get started on the path to recovery.