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

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 case. When you contact Cofer & Connelly, 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.

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 case 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 case 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 lawyer is ready to take your call today!

Why Choose Cofer & Connelly for Your Austin Injury Case

There are several compelling reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer if you've been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, including:

• Legal expertise: Personal injury lawyers have specialized knowledge and experience in personal injury law. They understand the legal complexities of your case, including statutes of limitations, liability laws, and procedural rules, and can navigate the legal process on your behalf.
• Case evaluation: A personal injury lawyer can assess the merits of your case during an initial consultation. They can review the circumstances surrounding your injury, determine liability, and advise you on the potential value of your claim.
• Negotiation skills: Personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators who can advocate for your rights and negotiate with insurance companies or opposing parties on your behalf. They will work to secure a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses.
• Evidence gathering: Personal injury attorneys have the resources and expertise to gather evidence to support your claim. This may include obtaining medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to strengthen your case.
• Legal representation: If your case goes to trial, a personal injury lawyer will provide experienced legal representation in court. They will present your case to a judge and jury, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf to seek maximum compensation.
• Maximizing compensation: Personal injury lawyers understand the types of damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. They will work diligently to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and losses.
• Peace of mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury can be overwhelming and stressful. By hiring a personal injury attorney, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case, providing you with peace of mind during a difficult time.

Overall, hiring a personal injury attorney in Austin can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case and receiving the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. If you've been hurt, don't wait to reach out to our team at Cofer & Connelly for help.

Cofer & Connelly: Your Advocates for Fair Compensation in Austin

In personal injury law, no two cases are the same. Countless factors come into play regarding the type of accident, nature and extent of the injuries, percentage of liability, and types of losses incurred. With so much to take into consideration, it is important to have a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side who can help you sift through all the legal jargon and develop a strong case for compensation.

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, our personal injury lawyers take the time to evaluate all the nuances of your case. We make sure all liable parties are held responsible and every loss you incur is accounted for. This includes making accurate calculations for the compensation you deserve based on medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and more. Once we determine how much you are owed, we can negotiate with the insurance company for rightful compensation. 

If they refuse a fair settlement, we can take your case to court to fight for every dime you deserve.

If you have been injured in an accident, call Cofer & Connelly, PLLC at (512) 991-0576 or contact us online!