You got into an auto accident in Fort Worth, and now you’re wondering how soon you have to file a claim or lawsuit. Do you have an unlimited amount of time or just a few weeks? Is it important to file it as quickly as possible? Do you have to file a lawsuit?
Learn more about the statute of limitations for auto accident claims in Fort Worth and find a personal injury lawyer to assist you to get the largest recovery of money for your injuries.
What’s the Statute of Limitations in Fort Worth?
The statute of limitations for an auto accident claim in Texas is usually two years. This means that you must file a lawsuit before two years have passed.
There are exceptions for children and incapacitated victims, and negligent parties who pass away or leave Texas.
You can attempt to settle your claim directly with the other driver’s liability insurance company (and often your own insurance company) before the two-year deadline.
Why File Sooner?
It is critical to file a claim sooner rather than later for a number of different reasons.
First of all, you will likely remember more of the details of your accident. If you wait to file, you and eyewitnesses will start to forget, which will have a negative impact on your case.
Also, if you don’t file sooner, it may look like your injuries aren’t that serious, even if they are. The insurance company may try to claim that you don’t deserve a settlement because you didn’t get in touch soon enough. The insurance company can also try to say that you made your injury worse because you delayed treatment. They often try to shift the blame to you. Don’t let them do that.
If you wait to file, the evidence you need may go away. For instance, you could lose the pictures you took or not be able to find the video footage from your accident. Let’s say cameras recorded your accident, but they get erased once a month. By the time you ask for the footage, it could be gone. Also, you might not be able to find witnesses.
Keep in mind that if you got into an accident with a government vehicle, the statute of limitations is going to be shorter, often six months. When it comes to these types of accidents, you have to act even faster and give written notice.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
As soon as your accident happens and you get home from the hospital, contact a personal injury lawyer. Don’t wait for the insurance company to call you – they will try to get you to make a recorded statement, then use it against you to offer you a low settlement or no settlement at all.
Your lawyer will get started right away to help you collect evidence to prove your case. They will work on contingency, which means they will only charge you a fee if they can get you a settlement or award from a court. If you need care, you can use their network of providers and pay them from your settlement as well.
Look for an experienced lawyer who has won a number of claims for their clients in Fort Worth. Then, ask them their fee and how they operate, and once you feel comfortable with a lawyer, get started right away.
Contact Berenson Injury Law
If you were injured in a car accident in Fort Worth and need help before the statute of limitations is up, Berenson Injury Law can help.
We have successfully recovered money for several thousand North Texans over the past 42 years.
Contact us today to review your case for free. Call or text 1-888-672-0612 or get in touch here.