Personal Injury Attorney in McAllen, Texas

Yes, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000. These calculations can become complex, especially when insurance companies try to shift more blame onto you to reduce their payout. Our team at Hollingsworth Law Firm can help protect your rights and ensure fault is accurately assessed.

Personal injury compensation typically covers economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future medical care costs. You may also recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement or disability. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be available. The specific damages you can pursue depend on the unique circumstances of your accident and injuries. Contact our McAllen personal injury lawyers to discuss what compensation you may be entitled to in your situation.

The timeline for resolving a personal injury case varies significantly based on factors like the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some straightforward cases with clear fault and willing insurance companies may settle within a few months, while complex cases involving disputed liability or catastrophic injuries can take a year or longer. It’s important not to rush into a settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and future medical needs. We work efficiently while ensuring you receive fair compensation for all your losses.

Be cautious about accepting a quick settlement offer from an insurance company, as initial offers are often far lower than what your claim is actually worth. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle before you’ve had time to fully assess your injuries or consult with an attorney. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation later, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought. Before accepting any offer, it’s wise to have an experienced personal injury attorney review the settlement to ensure it adequately covers your current and future needs.

Most personal injury cases in McAllen are resolved through settlement negotiations without ever going to trial. Insurance companies often prefer to settle rather than face the uncertainty and expense of a courtroom battle. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation or disputes liability, filing a lawsuit and potentially going to trial may be necessary to protect your interests. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often motivates insurance companies to make reasonable settlement offers. Either way, we’ll be with you every step of the process.

While you have the legal right to represent yourself, insurance companies typically take unrepresented claimants less seriously and may offer lower settlements knowing you’re unfamiliar with the true value of your claim. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators working to protect their company’s bottom line, not your best interests. An attorney understands how to properly value your claim, gather compelling evidence, negotiate effectively, and litigate if necessary. Studies consistently show that injured individuals who hire attorneys recover significantly more compensation than those who don’t, even after legal fees are paid.

Delayed injury symptoms are common, particularly with conditions like whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, or internal organ damage. It’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear and inform your doctor that they’re related to your accident. Document everything carefully, as insurance companies may try to claim your injuries resulted from something other than the accident. Even if you didn’t think you were seriously hurt initially, you should still see a doctor promptly after any accident for a thorough evaluation. If you experience delayed symptoms, reach out to us at Hollingsworth Law Firm to discuss how this affects your claim.

Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life you experience due to your injuries. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, these damages don’t have a fixed dollar amount, which makes them more subjective. Insurance companies and courts may use various methods to calculate these damages, considering factors like the severity and permanence of your injuries, the impact on your daily activities, the length of your recovery, and supporting documentation from medical providers and mental health professionals. Our attorneys know how to effectively demonstrate the full extent of your pain and suffering to maximize your recovery.

If the responsible party is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Your own auto insurance policy may include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage that can step in to cover your damages up to your policy limits. You might also be able to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault party’s personal assets, though this can be challenging if they have limited resources. Some cases may involve multiple liable parties who can contribute to your settlement. These situations require careful legal strategy to identify all available sources of compensation.

Like most personal injury attorneys, Hollingsworth Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured individuals to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. There are no upfront costs, retainer fees, or hourly charges, our fee is a percentage of your final settlement or court award. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us attorney fees. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.