A brain injury is one of the most devastating injuries one can suffer. Depending on the location, severity, and nature of the damage, it can alter the course of the victim’s life forever, leaving them with permanent physical and cognitive impairments.
If you or a loved one sustained a brain injury in a car accident in Texas, it’s only natural to stress about the financial implications. Thankfully, your family may be entitled to compensation. Before you proceed with a claim, however, there are a few things you should know.
You Must Seek Medical Care Right Away
First and foremost, it's imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A brain injury can be difficult to diagnose, and some symptoms may not present until days or weeks later. If left unchecked, however, serious complications could arise.
As such, it's crucial to have a doctor examine you right away. This will also start a paper trail linking the crash to your injury. Such documentation will come in handy later, as your medical records will be the foundation of your claim.
You Will Need to Gather Compelling Evidence
After your condition has stabilized, it's time to start gathering evidence. This may include photographs of the scene of the accident, police reports, black box data, and witness statements. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
Writing about the road to recovery and the daily challenges you face in a journal is also essential. Finally, record any costs you incur due to the accident, such as office copays and the cost of reasonably necessary replacement services.
It May Be Wise to Enlist Legal Help
Next, you should consider hiring a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you investigate the crash, navigate the legal process, negotiate with the insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Make sure to pick an attorney with experience handling brain injury cases. These cases can be complex and require a thorough understanding of the medical and legal aspects involved.
There Is a Filing Deadline That Could Impact the Outcome of Your Case
Before proceeding with a brain injury claim in Texas, it's essential to understand the statute of limitations. In Texas, personal injury plaintiffs typically have two years from the date on which they were hurt to take the liable party to court.
That means if settling proves impossible, you have a limited amount of time to bring a formal lawsuit. If you fail to do so within the associated time frame (and keep in mind there are a few exceptions that can shorten it), you may lose your right to compensation.
Speak with a Houston Brain Injury Attorney
If you or someone in your family sustained a brain injury in a car accident in Texas, you can count on getting compassionate and tenacious legal counsel from Chelsie King Garza, P.C. Attorney Garza is well-versed in personal injury law and has successfully litigated cases in both state and federal courts. Call 713-893-8808 or fill out this Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a brain injury lawyer in Houston.
