FAQ
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FAQ
Get answers to the legal questions that matter most when navigating accidents, claims, and charges in Houston, TX.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Houston, and do I pay if we lose?
We work exclusively on contingency, which means you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees at all if we don’t recover compensation for you. You only pay when we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict. We also cover all out-of-pocket costs, court fees, expert witness charges, and investigation expenses from the start, so you never pay anything out of pocket regardless of the outcome. This arrangement removes financial risk entirely from your end and aligns our success directly with yours.
For a clear understanding of how this works with your specific case, reach out to us for a free consultation where we can discuss the details.
How long do I have to file a truck accident or personal injury lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, called the statute of limitations, applies to car accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, and most other injury claims. If you fail to file within this window, the court will dismiss your case and you lose the right to recover compensation, so timing is critical. However, there are rare exceptions to this two-year rule depending on the circumstances, such as cases involving minors or undiscovered injuries.
Given how quickly this deadline arrives, don’t wait to speak with us. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible after your injury so we can file your claim in time and protect your rights.
What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement right after my car accident?
Do not accept or sign any settlement offer without speaking to us first. Insurance adjusters often approach injury victims within days of an accident with low settlement offers designed to close cases quickly before you understand the true value of your injuries. Early settlements typically undervalue your claim because your full medical picture hasn’t emerged yet, and long-term effects like ongoing pain, lost wages, or permanent disability may not be apparent immediately.
We evaluate settlement offers against the actual costs of your recovery, medical care, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In many cases, we can negotiate significantly higher settlements than initial offers, or take your case to trial if the insurer refuses to pay fairly. Before responding to any offer, call us for a free review of what they’re proposing and what your case may actually be worth.
Can I still recover compensation under the Jones Act if I was partially at fault for my offshore injury?
Yes, you can recover compensation under the Jones Act even if you bear some responsibility for your injury, because Texas applies comparative negligence rules. This means your recovery is reduced only by your percentage of fault, not eliminated entirely. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. The Jones Act is designed to protect maritime workers and seafarers, and courts recognize that accidents often involve multiple contributing factors.
What matters most is proving that your employer or a third party’s negligence was a substantial factor in your injury. We focus on building a strong case that minimizes your share of liability while documenting the defendant’s role clearly. If you work offshore in the Gulf or maritime industries around Houston, contact us to discuss whether the Jones Act applies to your situation and how your percentage of fault might affect your recovery.
What is the difference between a DUI charge and a DWI charge in Texas?
In Texas, DUI and DWI are not the same charge, and the distinction matters significantly for your defense strategy. DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is the primary charge for adults and applies when you operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, or when impaired by drugs or alcohol. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is typically charged only to minors under 21 and carries lower penalties but still serious consequences for driving privileges and a young person’s future.
Both carry fines, license suspension, possible jail time, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, education, and housing opportunities. The evidence used against you, the field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and police procedures are all subject to challenge, and we identify weaknesses in how law enforcement conducted your stop and testing. We’ve helped many Houston-area drivers beat or reduce DWI charges by questioning the validity of traffic stops, equipment calibration, and testing accuracy. Contact us immediately if you’ve been arrested for either charge so we can protect your rights from the outset.
Will applying for a family visa or green card put me at risk for deportation proceedings?
Applying for a family visa or green card does not automatically trigger deportation, but it can expose certain immigration issues if you have prior violations or undisclosed legal problems in your immigration history. The application process requires transparency, and immigration officials conduct background checks that may uncover previous infractions, false statements on prior applications, or other factors that could complicate or derail your case. The key to protecting yourself is addressing these issues strategically before submitting an application, not after.
We identify potential red flags in your background and work with you to develop the safest path forward, whether that means resolving certain issues first or structuring your application to present the strongest possible case to immigration authorities. Houston’s diverse community means we work with families navigating complex immigration situations regularly. If you’re concerned about deportation risk or have prior legal issues and want to apply for a visa or green card, we strongly encourage you to consult with us before taking any steps toward an application.
How do you calculate pain and suffering damages for an 18-wheeler crash claim?
Pain and suffering damages in an 18-wheeler crash are calculated using several methods that go far beyond medical bills. We document the severity and duration of your physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and any lifestyle changes resulting from your injuries. Some cases use a multiplier method, applying a factor (typically 1.5 to 5 times) to your medical expenses based on injury severity; others use a per diem approach, assigning a daily dollar value to your suffering across recovery and ongoing effects.
The specific calculation depends on your injury type, whether damage is permanent, your age and life expectancy, your pre-injury quality of life, and expert testimony about long-term impact. Large truck collisions often cause catastrophic injuries, and juries in Houston recognize the profound suffering these victims endure. We work with medical experts and vocational specialists to quantify these damages comprehensively and present them persuasively to insurance companies and, if necessary, to a jury. To understand what your specific pain and suffering might be worth, call us for a free case evaluation where we can assess your injuries and the full scope of your losses.