Best Personal Injury Lawyers in The Woodlands

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency matters in The Woodlands, call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936-442-7797 or the Harris County Constable - Precinct 4 at 281-376-3472.

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

  If the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident in The Woodlands, requests can be sent by email to mcsoopenrecords@mctx.org, faxed to (936) 760-5826, and mailed to or picked up in person at #1 Criminal Justice Drive Conroe, Texas 77301. If the responding agency is Harris County Constable - Precinct 4, reports can be obtained by sending mail or personally going to: Harris County Precinct 4 Records Division 6831 Cypresswood Dr. ​Spring, TX 77379

• Should you just accept the settlement offer given by an insurance company after getting hurt in an accident in The Woodlands?

  If you got injured in an accident in The Woodlands due to someone else’s negligence, do not accept any settlement offers from the insurance adjuster without seeking guidance and advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. This is because insurance companies just want to settle your claim as quickly and as cheaply as possible. If you accept the initial settlement, likely it will not be enough to cover the damages you incurred as a result of the accident.

• Is there any way you can resolve your personal injury case in The Woodlands without going to court?

  In reality, the vast majority of personal injury cases in The Woodlands get resolved out-of-court through settlement negotiations between the victim’s legal team and the other party’s insurance company. That said, there is a high chance that your personal injury claim will settle before it even goes to trial. However, if your lawyer believes that it is in your best interest to bring a lawsuit and take your case to court, that could be a direction you might consider taking to secure maximum compensation.

• Will you be awarded punitive damages if you were injured by a drunk driver in The Woodlands?

  Possibly. Punitive damages or exemplary damages are rarely awarded in personal injury cases in The Woodlands. These are only given in cases involving gross negligence that disregards the safety of others. Drunk driving may be considered as gross negligence. Ultimately, punitive damages are not meant to compensate you for your losses but it is awarded to penalize the at-fault party for their malicious, fraudulent, or grossly negligent conduct.

• How much will a personal injury lawyer in The Woodlands charge you?

  Personal injury lawyers in The Woodlands do not have a fixed rate for their services. Instead, most of them accept cases on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you would not have to pay anything upfront and your attorney will only get paid if they successfully secure compensation on your behalf. Their payment will then be deducted from your settlement or award money based on an agreed-upon percentage. Usually, the percentage that the lawyer takes ranges from 33 to 40 percent.

• Is there a deadline for filing a personal injury claim in The Woodlands?

  Yes. The deadline for filing personal injury claims or lawsuits in The Woodlands is governed by Texas’ statute of limitations. According to state laws, an injury victim typically has two years from the date their injury occurred to file a claim or bring a lawsuit. Once the two-year window passes and the victim failed to take legal action, they may lose their opportunity to recover any damages.

• 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.