Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Pearland

FAQs

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

  For non-emergencies in the city of Pearland, call the police at 281-997-4100.

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

  Obtain police reports in person at the records division of the Pearland Police Department from Mondays to Fridays 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. The station is situated at 2555 Cullen Parkway in Pearland and the records staff can be reached on the phone at 281-997-4100.

• If the other party's lawyer gives you a call about your personal injury case in Pearland, what should you do?

  Politely decline any call from the other party's lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer yet, you may say that you are in the process of hiring a lawyer who will be the one to call the other party's legal team. Do not discuss your personal injury case in Pearland with a lawyer other than your own as it may compromise your case.

• Would filing a personal injury claim in Pearland be worth the time and effort?

  It depends. A personal injury claim that has a significant value may be worth the time and effort even if the claimant has some degree of fault. Pursuing a personal injury claim that has a less significant value may not be worth the time and effort even if the claimant has no fault. A personal injury lawyer may be able to carefully assess the value of the claim so claimants can make an informed decision about pursuing the case.

• What is an expert witness in a personal injury case in Pearland?

  Expert witnesses are professionals that can provide specialized knowledge as testimony in a personal injury case in Pearland. They can come from fields such as biomechanical engineering, finance, accident reconstruction science, and medicine. These professionals can provide their opinion as to how the accident happened and what are the long-term effects of the injuries. Bringing in these professionals may be costly but their services may be critical in obtaining maximum financial recovery.

• Can you sue the parents of the teen driver who caused the accident in Pearland?

  Yes. You can hold the parents of the teen driver financially liable for your injuries incurred from an accident in Pearland. There are cases in which a car accident claim may be filed using the theory of law called the negligent entrustment of a vehicle. Under this theory, it can be argued that parents or guardians have been negligent in letting an incompetent driver on the road.

• What are some mistakes a personal injury claimant in Pearland may make about their case?

  Failure to get medical care, talking to the insurance adjuster, and posting to social media are some of the mistakes claimants in Pearland make about their personal injury cases. Some of these claimants accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company which is usually lower that the value of their case. Some of them do not consult with a lawyer which leads to errors in the way their cases are handled.

• 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.