How Our Killeen Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident
If you are injured in a Killeen, Texas accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
The team at The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., knows that post-accident recovery can be a stressful time, and our Killeen personal injury lawyers are here to help.
With over eight decades of combined legal experience, we provide aggressive advocacy on your behalf to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
We handle a range of personal injury matters in central Texas, and have a proven track record of successful outcomes for our clients. When you need a personal injury lawyer in Killeen, Texas, we can assist you.
Contact us online today for a free consultation.
Why Choose The Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C. as Your Killeen Personal Injury Lawyer?
At Zimmerman, we take pride in providing our clients with individual and personal attention.
While we will help you settle your case if that’s right for you, we are not a settlement factory.
Our attorneys prepare every injury and wrongful death claim as if headed for trial, providing clients the best opportunity for obtaining maximum compensation for their injuries.
We will be there for you every step of the way, handling everything so you can focus on your recovery. We offer a no-cost consultation and we never ask for any fees until we recover compensation on your behalf.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Killeen
We assist all types of personal injury victims in Killeen, Texas, and the surrounding communities.
Whether you were injured in a Killeen car accident, truck collision, workplace accident, or some other type of incident, we can help.
We also handle slip and fall injuries, dangerous and defective product injuries, and injuries that befall children.
Whatever your circumstances, our experienced personal injury lawyers in Killeen will fight to recover compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents happen every day, especially on major highways like 35. In fact, the Texas Department of Transportation reports over 57,000 total crashes in McLennan and Bell counties from 2015 to 2019.
Drivers need to keep their heads on a swivel, pay very close attention and exercise caution when they are in Killeen.
A driver is more likely to be involved in a deadly crash in Killeen than most other area cities, according to crash data obtained from the Texas Department of Transportation and compiled by the Killeen Daily Herald.
The information shows that Killeen has a greater number of fatal vehicle crashes and crashes in general on its main roadways and intersections than other neighboring cities, even when taking into account the communities’ population differences.
According to the crash data, the bulk of the collisions are happening on Stan Schlueter Loop and U.S. Highway 190 between Copperas Cove and Belton.
Smaller nearby cities such as Harker Heights, Nolanville and Copperas Cove have less crashes per capita than Killeen, and the total number of crashes in cities surrounding Killeen have declined in the last three years.
Killeen officials blame the higher crash numbers on a number of factors, including construction and speeding motorists.
Worrying about medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages can certainly keep you up at night after a collision.
Whether you are involved in an accident with another individual, a company vehicle, or a commercial truck, the liability issues can quickly become complex.
As experienced personal injury lawyers in Killeen tx, our job is to help gather the right evidence, be your advocate with the insurance companies or responsible party, and work toward a positive outcome to help you and your family heal.
When crashes happen on Texas highways, a Killeen car accident lawyer can help.
Workplace Accidents
A workplace injury can be devastating, particularly if it prevents you from returning to work for an extended period of time.
Texas law does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, so sometimes it’s difficult to know how to pursue your claim.
If your employer does carry workers’ compensation, this insurance should provide you with reimbursement for medical expenses and replacement pay for missed time at work.
If not, you can pursue a personal injury claim and seek compensation for your employer’s negligence.
It is not always easy to get the benefits you deserve after a workplace accident. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer Killeen about your situation and get guidance for the claims process.
Slip and Fall Accidents
When someone falls and injures themselves on another’s property, they may be able to file a negligence claim under the legal theory of premises liability.
Your ability to recover depends on what your visitor status on the property is and what level of care the property owner must provide. For example, say you are a customer and on a business’s property.
The business owner should take great care to make sure their premises are safe for patrons and to quickly remedy any hazardous conditions that arise. If they fail to do so and a customer is injured, they may be liable for their injuries.
Defective Products
Injuries caused by defective consumer products are treated differently than your average personal injury claim.
Under strict liability, negligence is irrelevant. If there is a defect in the product’s manufacture, design, or warning system that causes harm, the company will be liable for it.
Product liability is also unique in that an injured person can seek compensation from anyone in the supply chain, from manufacturer to retailer.
Because these claims are so different from regular negligence lawsuits, it is extra important that you seek advice from experienced counsel before filing any claims.
Elements of a Personal Injury Case
Many personal injury lawsuits are based on the legal theory of negligence.
To succeed in your case, you and your injury attorney must present evidence to support each element of a negligence claim.
Duty
The person owed you a duty of care.
Put another way, they had an obligation to avoid or minimize the risk of foreseeable harm to you.
For example, a driver has the duty to operate their vehicle in a safe manner to avoid injuring others on the road.
Breach of Duty
Once duty is established, the next step is to show that the person or entity breached their duty to you.
A defendant breaches their duty if they fail to exercise the care of a reasonable and prudent person in the same or similar circumstances. A breach can happen in any number of ways, through action or inaction, depending on the situation.
Continuing with the car crash example, one driver may breach their duty by following another vehicle too closely.
Causation
Although it may seem obvious, a plaintiff still needs to prove that the defendant’s actions caused the accident in question.
For example, if a driver rear-ended another because they were following too closely, then their breach of duty caused the accident.
Causation can sometimes get messy, especially if there are multiple plaintiffs or defendants involved.
The question of fault can, at times, be a factual and evidentiary nightmare. If you are in an accident, getting the advice of a personal injury lawyer in Killeen, TX, can be a real benefit.
Damages
Finally, a plaintiff needs to show they suffered real and measurable damages due to the defendant’s actions.
This can be done through presenting medical bills, proof of lost wages, an assessment of personal property damage, etc.
In some cases, you may be able to seek additional compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering, disability, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases in Killeen and Central Texas
How Do I Know If I Should Pursue a Personal Injury Claim or Need a Lawyer?
If you think that your accident meets the elements mentioned above, you should talk to a personal injury attorney in Killeen, TX, about a possible lawsuit.
This is especially true if the other person’s insurance company is putting pressure on you to accept a settlement amount you believe is too low or if you are unsure if the amount is fair compensation for your injuries.
In addition, if your injuries are severe and need long term treatment, you may be eligible for more than you think.
This is when you should contact a Killeen personal injury attorney.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
With a few exceptions, most personal injury lawsuits have a two-year statute of limitations under Texas law.
This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim in a Texas civil court.
What Should I Bring to My Meeting with an Injury Lawyer?
Bring anything and everything you have that is related to the accident to the initial meeting with a lawyer, such as:
- Police reports,
- Insurance information,
- Witness information and statements,
- Pictures of the accident scene,
- Medical reports, and
- Property damage assessments.
Basically, you should bring any documents that might be relevant to your case. The more information you are able to provide the attorney, the easier it will be for them to properly assess your claim.
But at the same time, if you don’t have certain documents, that’s okay.
It’s an attorney’s job to gather that information when they investigate your claim.
What damages can I collect after a Killeen, TX personal injury accident?
After a Killeen, 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 Killeen, TX cost?
When considering hiring Killeen personal injury lawyers, it’s important to understand their fee structure. Typically, personal injury lawyers in Killeen, 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.
How do I choose the right personal injury attorney in Killeen?
Look for a Killeen 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.
How is fault determined in a personal injury case?
Fault is determined based on the evidence collected, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. In some cases, both parties may share fault, which can affect the compensation you receive.
Contact a Killeen Personal Injury Attorney Today
The personal injury lawyers ofThe Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C., aren’t afraid to take on even the biggest corporations and insurance companies.
We will fight to negotiate a fair settlement for your damages, but we are always prepared to take your case to trial, if necessary.
Our team of experienced litigators knows what it takes to get the job done for you.
When you contact us, you will be getting years of experience on your side. When you or a loved one are injured, we are here to help.
Call usat 254-271-1186 or 1-800-INJURIES. You may also fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
Where You Can Find Our Killeen, TX Office