If you've been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, injured on the job, or simply experienced a slip-and-fall at a local business, you may be able to sue for damages. However, to do so, you'll need the help of a Houston personal injury lawyer. Having an attorney at your side is vital. More importantly, you need to make sure you call a lawyer quickly.



I Was Just Hurt in an Accident: How Long Do I Have to Get a Personal Injury Lawyer

Hire a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away

Regardless of the nature of your injury, it's in your best interest to speak to a lawyer immediately. Many people make the mistake of waiting until months after their accident to reach out to an attorney. Many more never call at all! For some, this is because they aren't aware that they could sue for damages. Others may think that while a lawsuit is possible, it's not worth their time. Still others feel that they won't win their case.



Even if you think you may be responsible for the accident, it's a good idea to review the situation with a lawyer. Texas is a “Comparative Fault” state, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, you could still receive compensation. The civil code of Texas sets these rules for all kinds of personal injuries. In addition, there is a limit to how long you can wait to file a claim.



Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Claims in Texas

Your ability to sue someone depends on a legal concept known as the “statute of limitations.” In plain English, this just means how much time you have to file a lawsuit. In the state of Texas, personal injuries have a two-year limit. This means that if you don't file your lawsuit within two years from the date of your injury, you won't be able to sue in the future. Visit this page to meet with a Houston personal injury lawyer.



Certain crimes are given an extension to the statute of limitations. Sexual assault or victims of human trafficking may bring a suit forward as many as 30 years after the fact. However, most personal injury claims will fall under the two-year statute of limitations. Nevertheless, you shouldn't wait two years to file your lawsuit. The faster you act, the easier it will be to get a favorable result from your case.



Why Acting Fast Is Key to Getting a Settlement

From the moment your injury happens, the clock starts ticking. Even though the law may grant you two years to consider filing a lawsuit, acting fast is always the best course of action. For your attorney to build a case in your favor, they need evidence. Evidence is much easier to acquire shortly after the incident. In addition, filing suit quickly sends a clear message to the defendant. They may be more likely to settle out of court.



Should your case go to trial, a jury will be summoned to handle your case. Juries are more likely to take your case seriously if you filed immediately after your injury. Consider each of these points in greater detail, and don't hesitate to call a lawyer.



Getting Evidence Is Easier

Evidence is essential if you want compensation for your injuries. However, each day that passes reduces the amount of evidence you can gather. For instance, you might be able to get CCTV footage of the incident from surrounding businesses. Unfortunately, many of these systems delete data quickly unless it's specifically set aside. By acting right away, a lawyer can request footage for you.



Likewise, eyewitness testimony can bolster your case, but as memories are not ironclad, the defense will question testimony when it comes months after the incident. Conversely, a sworn statement from a bystander right after the accident could prove crucial to securing a settlement.



Defendants Are More Likely to Take You Seriously

If you wait several months to try and sue, the defendant will likely try to ignore you with the hope that you give up on the case. They will perceive you as someone simply out for money when in reality, you have a right to be compensated for your financial losses related to your injury. However, when you file a suit right after an incident, defendants are more willing to negotiate.



When the defendant realizes that you are taking the issue seriously, they will too. They may offer you a settlement out of court to put an end to the issue. Review any offers you receive with an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer, as you may still be able to negotiate for more. Overall, the sooner you act, the better your odds are of receiving proper compensation.