Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Wichita Falls

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Wichita Falls is 940-720-5000.

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

  You can get a copy of a police report for incidents related to your case in Wichita Falls at the records clerk section of the police department. Police reports are available to the public for a fee: $6 for crash reports and $.10 per printed page for offense reports. You can go to the police records section at 610 Holliday Street from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• When is a business owner in Wichita Falls liable for accidents that happen on their property?

  Business owners have a legal duty to maintain the safety of their premises. If someone gets injured on a commercial property in Wichita Falls, the business owner may be held liable if he/she knew of a dangerous condition and did not do something about it to prevent the accident. The victim can also file a premises liability claim by proving that the accident happened due to the business owner's negligence regarding the property's condition. Additionally, the victim must prove that the damages he/she sustained are connected to the breach of duty of care by the business owner.

• Is there anyone else you can sue in a drunk driving accident in Wichita Falls aside from the at-fault driver?

  If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident in Wichita Falls, you can file two claims: one against the at-fault drunk driver and the other against the party responsible for the drunkenness of the driver. This means that aside from the at-fault driver, you can also sue a bar or a restaurant for overserving the driver with alcohol. Under the Texas Dram Shop Act, a seller of alcohol may be held liable if the provider already knew that the customer was intoxicated, yet they still served them alcohol, and an accident occurred due to this.

• Who is liable if you were injured as a passenger in a Wichita Falls car accident?

  If you were injured as a passenger in a Wichita Falls car accident, the negligent driver will be liable for the damages. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the responsible party may be the driver of the car in which you were a passenger or the driver/s of the other vehicle/s that caused the accident. Also, whoever contributed to the accident will also be liable, whether it was a defect in the car itself or something else on the road.

• Who is liable if a jaywalker is hit in Wichita Falls?

  If a pedestrian was jaywalking and was hit by a car in Wichita Falls, he/she may be held liable. However, if it is proven that the driver shares a portion of responsibility for the accident, liability would be split. Texas follows the modified comparative negligence law when determining liability in personal injury claims. Whichever party is found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident may not be able to recover compensation.

• What happens if you were partially at fault for an accident in Wichita Falls?

  The modified comparative fault rule says that even if someone was partly to blame for an accident, they can still get compensation in some situations. You can file a personal injury claim if it can be shown that you were 50% or less to blame for an accident in Wichita Falls. But if you were mostly at fault for the accident, your compensation will be barred.

• 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.