Austin Personal Injury Attorneys

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our seasoned lawyers represent clients in a wide range of personal injury claims, including:

• Bicycle accidents
• Car accidents
• Crime victim injuries
• Premises liability
• Trucking accidents
• Negligent security
• Rape and sexual assault victims
• Shooting victims
• Slip and fall cases

Assessing Your Personal Injury Claim in Austin

We conduct a careful investigation for each type of personal injury claim we take on. For example, in trucking accidents, we analyze driver logs, maintenance records, and the commercial entity's safety policies to determine liability. Our accident lawyers in Austin work with experts in accident reconstruction and medical fields to support your claim with credible and professional insights.

Our dedication extends beyond simply resolving your immediate concerns. In cases involving crime victim injuries, negligent security, or sexual violence, we understand the broader implications for our clients' safety and well-being. We advocate for our clients with sensitivity and diligence, ensuring your voice is heard and your claim is handled with the utmost care and attention.

Determining whether you have a personal injury case involves assessing several key factors: 

• First, you need to establish whether the person or party responsible for your injury owed you a duty of care, such as a driver obeying traffic laws or a property owner maintaining safe premises. 
• Second, you must determine if there was a breach of this duty, whether through negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. It's crucial to demonstrate that this breach directly caused your injury, establishing a clear link between the responsible party's actions and the harm you suffered. 
• Additionally, you need to have suffered measurable damages as a result of your injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. 

Consideration of the statute of limitations is also essential, ensuring that your claim falls within the allowable timeframe for filing a lawsuit. Consulting with an Austin personal injury attorney is often the most effective way to assess whether you have a viable claim. When you contact Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we can evaluate the specifics of your situation, advise you on the strength of your claim, and guide you through the legal process to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Texas Injury Cases

In Texas, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries if you were partially at fault for the accident. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, specifically known as the "51% bar rule." Under this rule, you can still seek compensation as long as you are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident.

Here's how it works:

• Comparative negligence: If you are partially at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%.
• 51% bar rule: However, if you are determined to be equally or more at fault than the other party (51% or more), you will be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries under Texas law.

It's important to note that Texas follows a modified version of comparative negligence, which means that even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover damages. This is different from states that follow a pure contributory negligence rule, where you are barred from recovery if you are found to be even 1% at fault.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offered By the Insurance Company?

It is important to remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. The way they make money is by collecting premiums from their clients and paying out as little as possible. Therefore, you can expect any offer they make is going to be lower than you actually deserve. Even if the figure sounds appealing, you should always consult with a knowledgeable legal team to see if your claim is worth more. Agreeing to a settlement too early may result in a forfeiture of your rights to fair compensation.

Our injury lawyers in Austin guide you through the nuances of evaluating a settlement offer. We analyze every component of the offer, including potential long-term consequences that may not be immediately apparent. In doing so, we ensure you are empowered to make informed decisions about whether to accept a settlement or pursue further legal action. This strategic counsel is essential in protecting your future interests and ensuring all avenues for compensation are considered before moving forward.

Texas Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury

If you have been the victim of an injury in Texas due to negligence, you may have a claim to acquire financial relief. As with most states, Texas does have a time-period in which you can file a lawsuit. This period is two years from the date the incident took place. If you miss the deadline, a judge may throw out the claim and award no compensation. 

However, there are exceptions to this rule which may extend the time limit. These exceptions include:

• If you have been sexually assaulted and need time to heal emotionally, physically, or mentally
• If you have been exposed to chemicals such as asbestos and need treatment
• Injuries that result in you becoming disabled

Our Texas personal injury lawyers are ready to take your call today!

Local Insights & Resources for Injury Claims in Austin

Texas is known for its specific regulations regarding personal injury claims, and understanding these local nuances can be critical for achieving a successful outcome. At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we leverage our extensive knowledge of the local laws and infrastructure to strategically craft strong arguments in favor of our clients. Austin, with its busy traffic and active lifestyle, is prone to a variety of accidents. Understanding the common causes and types of incidents that occur here helps us prepare more thoroughly for our claims.

For instance, Downtown Austin is a hub for bicycle and pedestrian accidents due to its dense public spaces. We've worked with clients involved in incidents on major routes like I-35 and MoPac Expressway, where congestion often leads to severe vehicle accidents. Familiarity with these common scenarios allows us to anticipate potential defenses posed by opposing parties. Our commitment to community knowledge and localized legal strategies ensures that we are fully equipped to handle any challenges head-on, maintaining our tradition of excellence in client advocacy.