Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Odessa

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Odessa, Texas?

  You may call the Odessa police at 432-335-4961 for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Odessa, Texas?

  You may go to the lobby of the police station, which is located at 205 N Grant Ave in Odessa, to secure a copy of a police report related to your case. It is open during regular business hours. Car accident reports may also be obtained at the Lexis Nexis website. For inquiries, call 432-335-3306.

• Can you still file a personal injury claim in Odessa even if you have a pre-existing medical condition?

  Yes. Unless your pre-existing medical condition impairs your driving, it will not affect your personal injury claim in Odessa. This is because the basis of a personal injury claim depends on the negligence of the other party. You may also be able to seek additional damages if the injury aggravated your pre-existing medical condition.

• What compensation can an injured worker recover after an oil field accident in Odessa?

  An injured worker in an oil field accident in Odessa is entitled to recover benefits under workers' compensation. He or she may be able to obtain compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and therapy. Additionally, if the injuries were caused by the negligence of a third party, plaintiffs may be able to file a third-party injury claim. An example of a third party would be an equipment manufacturer whose faulty equipment caused the accident.

• Will you be able to choose your doctor after an accident in Odessa?

  Usually, you should be able to choose the doctor to treat you after sustaining injuries in an accident in Odessa. There are some cases, however, when an insurance company may impose the doctor who will treat you. In cases like this, a personal injury lawyer can guide you in the process of choosing your preferred doctor.

• What are some of the things you should look out for when retaining a personal injury lawyer in Odessa?

  When retaining a personal injury lawyer in Odessa, watch out for red flags such as being a 'jack-of-all-trades' lawyer, handling too many cases, and lacking consistent communication. Be careful when a lawyer pressures you to take a settlement because it could mean they have issues with finances, are avoiding litigation, and cannot hold up to a contentious insurance adjuster. Lastly, pay attention to what your instinct tells you--if something does not seem well with your lawyer, try to find another one.

• How does a contingency fee basis work in a personal injury case in Odessa?

  When working with a personal injury lawyer on a contingency fee basis, clients will pay the lawyer a percentage of what they recover in their case in Odessa. Depending on the arrangement, the lawyer may also shoulder the court costs first and have them reimbursed later. If the client will not recover any compensation, the lawyer may not receive any professional fees but may still require the client to pay for the court expenses.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.