Belton is located in the heart of Texas among rolling plains, wooded hills, rivers, and lakes.
With a rich history that radiates the romance of the Old West, it is a charming community and a great place to raise a family. Unfortunately, even small towns can be home to big accidents.
If you or someone you love has been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Please don’t hesitate to call our experienced team today at (254) 279-5213 or send us a message online for assistance.
Attorney in Belton, Texas
Since 1962, The Zimmerman Law Firm P.C. has represented countless clients who have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence in and around Belton.
We feel that part of a healthy community is ensuring that, even though accidents occur, injured victims can receive the compensation they deserve through compassionate and thoughtful legal representation.
We also offer free case consultations so you can understand whether you have a valid legal case without any obligation.
Types of Belton Personal Injury Law Cases We Handle
If you are injured, you want an experienced Belton, Texas, attorney who understands the complexities of the Texas legal system and personal injury law.
You also want someone who has experience with cases similar to yours. With 85 years of combined legal experience, we have represented all kinds of cases, including:
- Car accidents,
- Truck accidents,
- Slip and fall accidents,
- Catastrophic injury,
- Oilfield accidents,
- Pedestrian accidents,
- Child injury,
- Wrongful death,
- Workplace injuries,
- Bicycle accidents,
- Defective products, and
- Construction accidents.
Each case is unique, and though we have experience in a number of areas, we understand that the circumstances of your case are deserving of individual attention and strategy for the best chance of success.
If you do not see anything on this list that is similar to your experience, please do not let that stop you from reaching out. We can help you determine the strength of your case and what legal rights and options exist for your situation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After Being Injured in Texas?
Under the statute of limitations, you have two years to file a lawsuit after being injured in Texas. The law applies to all types of personal injury cases. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the allotted time, the defendant will likely file a motion to dismiss the case.
Your Belton, Texas, attorney can help you determine the applicable deadlines in your case as well as whether any exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations are applicable based on your circumstances.
Even if your accident just recently occurred, it is always a good idea to start the process as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to gather meaningful evidence.
Over time, memories fade, documents get misplaced, and witnesses can be harder to find. The sooner your attorney in Belton, Texas, can start fact-finding, the better.
When Do You Need a Belton, Texas Personal Injury Lawyer?
There is no definite number, but it is estimated that 95% of personal injury cases settle rather than go to trial. Even those that do go to trial usually start as an insurance claim.
Insurance providers are there to help, but they are also in the business of making money, and not all of them focus on your best interest. It is important that you never accept a settlement for less than what you deserve.
Even if the settlement offer appears to cover your current expenses, it is important to consider future expenses as well. Once you have accepted a settlement, you will not receive additional funds from the insurance company.
If you are unsure whether you need to hire an attorney in Belton, Texas, for your personal injury claim, here are some common situations demonstrating why doing so is in your best interest.
The Accident Involves More Than a Minor Injury
Many accident victims initially fail to realize the severity of their injuries, which can take days, weeks, or even months to be fully realized.
When adrenaline is high, which is the case immediately following many accidents, it can numb or dull your pain response. Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, it is a good idea to be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Your Belton, Texas, attorney can help connect you with the best medical professionals to help you prove the value of your claim, including a long-term prognosis.
There Is a Dispute Over Liability
Texas is a fault-based state when it comes to auto accidents, which are a large majority of personal injury disputes.
There were 15,299 serious injury crashes in Texas in 2022, with 18,880 people sustaining a serious injury. Whoever is found at fault for causing the accident is responsible for paying for the damage.
Sometimes fault is very clear, but if there is a dispute over who caused the accident, parties will be less likely to settle, making a trial more likely to occur.
Your Actions May Have Contributed to the Accident
If you were partially responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you may still be able to file a claim.
Texas follows the doctrine of modified comparative negligence for assessing liability for personal injury cases. Under this rule, the damages you can collect are reduced proportionately to your share of the fault if you are not more than 50% at fault.
For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but deemed 10% at fault for the accident, your actual recovery would be $90,000. It is very likely that the defendant will try and hold you as liable as possible to reduce the amount they have to pay.
The Insurance Company Acts in Bad Faith
An insurance company has the right to scrutinize claims, but if they unjustly refuse compensation or offer an unfair settlement, they may be in bad faith.
In some cases, the insurance company may try to drag out the process long enough for you to miss your opportunity to litigate, or they may try to place an unfair amount of the blame on your actions. An experienced attorney can make a bad faith claim on your behalf.
Multiple Parties Involved in the Claim
When more parties are involved in a case, it often makes the process more complicated. It can also mean that you have the potential for more significant results, especially if one of the defendants is a business entity with more resources and larger insurance policies.
Examples of claims with multiple parties include multi-vehicle accidents, product liability claims, and workplace accidents.
A Government Entity Is Involved
If a government entity is involved in your claim, it is important to know that filing a lawsuit against the government is a more complicated process than filing against other defendants.
In many cases, governments have an additional level of protection from liability claims, and there are additional rules around deadlines and filing requirements. You will likely need an attorney’s help to navigate these additional hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases in Belton
What damages can I collect after a Belton, TX personal injury accident?
After a Belton, TX personal injury accident, you may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, loss of consortium, and potentially punitive damages.
How much do personal injury lawyers in Belton, TX cost?
When considering hiring Belton personal injury lawyers, it’s important to understand their fee structure. Typically, personal injury lawyers in Belton, TX, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, their fee is a percentage of the settlement or award they secure for you.
When do I need to file my personal injury claim?
In Texas, the deadline for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident or injury. However, exceptions exist, so it’s best to consult with an injury lawyer promptly to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines. Waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation.
How do I choose the right Belton personal injury attorney?
Look for a Belton personal injury attorney with experience in personal injury law, a strong track record of successful cases, and positive client reviews. It’s also important to choose someone you feel comfortable with and who communicates clearly.
What can I expect during the personal injury claim process?
The process typically includes an initial consultation, investigation of your claim, negotiation with insurance companies, and potentially a trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
Don’t Wait, Speak With an Attorney in Belton, Texas Today
At The Zimmerman Law Firm, we take pride in the service that we provide to our clients. When you call, you will speak to an actual person, not some machine or recording.
For decades, we have been serving the needs of Belton and the surrounding areas, including San Antonio, Waco, Dallas, Bryan-College, Austin, Killeen, Harker Heights, and Temple.
Get in touch with us today online or call (254) 279-5213 to schedule your free consultation. When you or a loved one are injured, we are here to help.