Someone can cause an accident in Carrollton that changes your life forever. When this occurs, you have the right to seek compensation, but you need a Carrollton personal injury lawyer to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Bailey & Galyen understands that the physical pain, stress, and financial impact of an accident can be hard to bear. Our Carrollton personal injury attorneys are here to help you navigate the complex legalities and protect your rights and interests so you can focus on healing.
If you’ve suffered an injury or lost a loved one in Carrollton, TX, because of someone else’s actions or negligence, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen and discuss how we can help you hold the at-fault party accountable and obtain fair compensation.
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Table of Contents
- Understanding Personal Injury
- We Handle Many Types of Personal Injury Claims in Carrollton
- How Do I Seek Compensation for a Personal Injury in Carrollton?
- How Our Attorneys Can Help
- What Should I Do After Sustaining Injuries or Losses Due to Someone’s Negligence?
- Why Bailey & Galyen Is the Right Choice to Handle Your Carrollton Personal Injury Claim
- Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injuries in Carrollton
- Let Our Carrollton Personal Injury Attorneys Help
Understanding Personal Injury
Personal injury law addresses harm suffered due to another person’s wrongful or careless actions. When one person’s negligence causes another’s injuries, a personal injury claim seeks to hold the responsible party accountable, allowing the injured person to receive compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. A successful claim requires proving the other party’s fault and connecting their actions directly to your injuries and losses.
Elements of a Personal Injury Claim
For a personal injury claim to succeed, it must include evidence of these key elements:
- Duty of Care: The other party had a duty to act reasonably to avoid causing harm.
- Breach of Duty: The other party failed to uphold their duty of care, through either action or inaction.
- Causation: The failure to uphold the duty of care directly led to your injury or loss.
- Damages: Your injury or loss resulted in financial costs and other impact on your life, such as medical expenses or missed work.
We Handle Many Types of Personal Injury Claims in Carrollton
Our team at Bailey & Galyen has experience with a wide range of personal injury cases in Carrollton, including:
- Car Accidents: Common injuries from car accidents include broken bones, whiplash, and other trauma.
- Truck Accidents: Due to the size of commercial trucks, accidents can cause severe injuries, making these cases more complex.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle riders often suffer serious injuries due to their limited protection on the road.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents: Negligent drivers pose serious risks to cyclists and pedestrians, often resulting in catastrophic injuries.
- Construction Accidents: We help injured construction workers pursue compensation, especially if third parties contributed to the accident.
- Workers’ Compensation: Injuries on the job can qualify for workers’ compensation, though some cases may also involve third-party claims.
- Dog Bite Injuries: Dog owners have a responsibility to prevent their pets from injuring others, and we assist victims in holding them accountable.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Property owners who fail to address hazards may be liable when slip and fall accidents occur.
- Premises Liability: Injuries that happen on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions may lead to a premises liability claim.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These serious injuries can have life-altering consequences, often requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
- Medical Malpractice: When medical professionals fail to uphold the standard of care, patients may suffer severe harm or even death.
- Nursing Home Injuries: We work to protect elderly residents who have been harmed by neglect or abuse in nursing homes.
How Do I Seek Compensation for a Personal Injury in Carrollton?
After an accident, compensation may be available to cover your losses. This usually involves dealing with insurance companies who often aim to minimize payouts. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the compensation you’re entitled to pursue. Your lawyer will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and calculate your damages to build a strong claim. If insurers offer less than what’s fair, your lawyer can pursue a fair settlement, holding the liable parties accountable for the harm they caused.
Here’s an outline of the process:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Medical documentation serves as crucial evidence in a personal injury case. It establishes the nature and extent of your injuries and connects them to the incident. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries might not show symptoms immediately. Get checked by a doctor and follow any recommended treatment plans.
Document the Incident and Gather Evidence
Document the scene of the accident. Take photos of any visible injuries and damages and gather contact information for any witnesses. If you were in a motor vehicle accident, you must also report the crash to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report.
Save copies of medical records, bills, treatment summaries, and any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury, such as prescription medications or transportation costs for doctor visits.
Notify the Insurance Company
If an insurance company is involved, notify them promptly. This could be your own insurer or the other party’s, depending on the type of incident. Stick to the facts, though, when speaking to insurance representatives, as any statements could impact your claim. Consider consulting an attorney before making any official statements.
Calculate Your Damages
In a personal injury claim, your lawyer could help you recover various damages, including:
- Economic Damages: These include medical expenses, lost wages, and other tangible losses. Keep a detailed record of all expenses and receipts.
- Non-Economic Damages: These cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-tangible impacts. Document how the injury has affected your daily life to strengthen this part of your claim.
Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury lawyers can guide you through complex legal processes, handle communications with insurers, and help maximize your compensation. They can also help gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
Look for a lawyer with experience in cases similar to yours and check reviews or ask for referrals. Many personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations to assess your case.
File a Personal Injury Claim
Claims are often handled out of court through settlements with insurance companies. Once your lawyer files your claim, they will often enter negotiations with the other party or their insurer. Your lawyer will present evidence, documentation, and arguments to seek a fair settlement. However, if the at-fault party or their insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, your attorney may need to file a lawsuit in a Carrollton court.
Litigation (If Necessary)
If negotiations don’t yield an adequate settlement, your case might proceed to court. Here, a judge or jury will hear the evidence and decide on compensation. Your attorney will guide you through trial preparation, including depositions and potentially securing expert witnesses to testify about your injuries and future medical needs.
Receive Compensation
If successful, you’ll receive compensation either through a settlement agreement or a court award. Keep in mind that court cases can take longer and carry additional costs, so many cases settle out of court.
Don’t Accept the First Offer
Insurance companies often start with low settlement offers. A lawyer can help you evaluate whether an offer is fair or if you should negotiate for a higher amount.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Our attorneys provide the guidance and support you need to secure compensation and move forward after an accident. With Bailey & Galyen’s assistance, you can expect:
- Clear Communication: We explain every step of your case and keep you updated so that you understand your options.
- Thorough Case Preparation: We gather all necessary evidence to make your case as strong as possible.
- Negotiation and Advocacy: Our attorneys negotiate directly with insurers to seek a fair outcome and hold them accountable.
- Trial Representation: While many cases settle, we are prepared to take your case to court if needed to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After Sustaining Injuries or Losses Due to Someone’s Negligence?
The steps you take after an accident can have a significant impact on your ability to recover damages.
Immediate Steps After the Accident
If you’re still at the scene of the accident:
- Ensure Your Safety: Move to a safe area if possible and call emergency services.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to show symptoms. Getting prompt medical care can also create important documentation for your claim.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage. Collect contact information from witnesses if possible.
- Report the Incident: File a police report or notify any relevant authorities, such as a manager if the incident occurred at work.
- Contact an Attorney: Reach out to a personal injury lawyer for guidance on the next steps.
Actions to Take If You’re Recovering at Home or in the Hospital
If some time has passed since the accident, you can still take steps to protect your rights:
- Document Your Experience: Keep a record of medical visits, treatments, and any changes in your daily life due to your injuries.
- Avoid Contact With Insurance Adjusters: Insurance representatives may try to get statements from you that could weaken your claim. Let your attorney handle communications with them.
- Speak With a Lawyer: Consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of a successful claim.
Why Bailey & Galyen Is the Right Choice to Handle Your Carrollton Personal Injury Claim
At Bailey & Galyen, we’re committed to fighting for the rights of injury victims in Carrollton. Our firm brings more than 40 years of experience and a track record of successful case resolutions. Several of our attorneys hold board certification in personal injury law, and every member of our team handles each case with the utmost professionalism. We’ve earned top marks from various legal organizations, such as Martindale-Hubbell, Lead Counsel, and Super Lawyers.
Over the years, our attorneys have helped numerous clients secure the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We believe in building strong client relationships and treating every case with the dedication it deserves. When you choose Bailey & Galyen, you’re choosing a firm that prioritizes your well-being and future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injuries in Carrollton
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas?
In Texas, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Filing after this period can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
How does Texas’s comparative fault law affect my claim?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% responsible.
Will my case go to court?
Many personal injury cases settle without going to trial. However, if the insurance company or at-fault party refuses to offer a fair settlement, taking the case to court may be necessary to seek justice.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t seek medical attention right after the accident?
Yes, but it’s important to get medical care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment may give insurers a reason to question the seriousness of your injuries.
How much compensation can I expect?
The amount depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the costs of your medical treatments. Your attorney can provide a more personalized estimate after reviewing your case.
Let Our Carrollton Personal Injury Attorneys Help
When an accident turns your life upside down, having compassionate and skilled legal representation can make all the difference in your path to recovery. Bailey & Galyen’s Carrollton personal injury lawyers are committed to helping you hold the responsible parties accountable and seeking the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at 972-449-1191 for a free consultation and let us guide you toward justice and recovery.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Carrollton Office
1000 E Belt Line Rd #210,
Carrollton, TX 75006, United Statess
