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Waco Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve suffered a personal injury as a result of an accident, you know how life-changing it can be. In addition to the physical pain you may be suffering, your life as you knew it before the accident may never be the same again. You may never be able to return to your job, you may never be able to carry on activities that you used to enjoy before the accident, and your financial needs to maintain a comfortable existence may increase dramatically. You deserve monetary compensation for your pain and suffering, and a Waco personal injury lawyer from Craft Law Firm can help you.

  • We have helped many clients who have suffered a personal injury to get compensation for their injuries and navigate what has become the new normal in their lives.
  • We believe each case is the most important event in each of our clients’ lives. We understand that. We live it with the client, and we treat it accordingly.

Call our law firm today at 254-212-4107 for a free and confidential case evaluation with one of our experienced Waco personal injury attorneys.

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What is Personal Injury?

Personal injury generally refers to any injury that is sustained as a result of the negligence or misconduct of another person. Personal injuries may arise from truck accidents, motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, slip and fall accidents, defective products, and more. These injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and more. When these accidents are caused by the negligence or misconduct of another person, you may be able to get monetary compensation from them.

What is Negligence?

To get compensation for a personal injury caused by the actions of another person, you will have to prove that their negligence caused your injury. To prove negligence, you have to show that the person owed you a duty of care, they breached their duty of care, the breach caused the accident, the accident was the legal cause of your injury, and you suffered actual damages because of the accident.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our Waco personal injury lawyers represent victims of all types of personal injury accidents, including: 

This is not an exhaustive list. After any injury caused by another party’s negligence, contact our firm for a free consultation so we may discuss your legal options. 

What Kind of Damages Can You Be Compensated For?

Compensation for personal injury falls into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. The damages you receive are not meant to punish the person responsible for your personal injury, but to compensate you and make you “whole.” Even if they have to face criminal prosecution for their actions, they could still be liable to you for the damages that you suffered.

Economic damages are quantifiable damages that can be established with evidence such as invoices and receipts. The value of economic damages does not change because it is linked to tangible damages. Medical bills, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, replacement of damaged property, and lost earning capacity are all economic damages that you may be entitled to.

Non-economic damages are different because their value is subjective. How do you quantify a person’s pain and emotional anguish, or their loss of enjoyment of activities, for instance? In situations where you can make a claim for non-economic damages, the value of what you can receive is arbitrary because of the difficulty in putting a value to such subjective losses. Some people have argued that the award of non-economic damages is excessive and that they are based on emotions rather than factual evidence. Such arguments have been successful in states that have put a cap on the amount of non-economic damages that an injured person can be awarded.

How Much Compensation Can I Get?

How much you can get as compensation for your injury will depend on a number of factors including the nature of the injuries that you suffered, whether you had a pre-existing condition, or whether you were partly at fault for the accident. While a lawyer can give you a rough estimate based on similar cases that they have handled, it is impossible to give a fair estimate until your case and all the circumstances have been thoroughly investigated.

If you had a pre-existing condition, you can still get damages from the person who caused your injury. However, your pre-existing condition does not excuse the person responsible for your injury from being held accountable for aggravating your condition. In law, there is something called the eggshell skull rule, which provides that a wrongdoer must take their victim as they find them. This means that in a situation where a person without your condition would not have been injured, it doesn’t matter because the person responsible for your injury must take you as they find you. These cases can be very complex, so working with a personal injury lawyer who has access to experts can be very helpful in establishing your case and to what degree your pre-existing condition should be considered, if at all.

If it is found that you or multiple parties were partly at fault for the accident that caused your injury, the damages you can recover will depend on which state you live in. If multiple parties are found to be at fault for your injury, then all the parties will share responsibility for your damages. How they share the responsibility will depend on which state you live in. In some states, they will share the burden equally. In other states, the parties will share the responsibility according to the degree to which they contributed to the accident.

If, on the other hand, it is found that you were partly responsible for the accident, the amount of damages you are entitled to may be affected by that fact. The amount you can get may be reduced by the percentage that you are found to be at fault for the accident, and in some cases, you may be unable to recover anything. Texas follows a rule known as “modified comparative negligence” where you will be unable to recover any damages if it is found that you are 51 percent or more responsible for the accident. After evaluating your injury and the circumstances surrounding it, your Waco personal injury lawyer will be able to advise you on whether or not you will be able to recover any damages.

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What Should I Do After a Personal Injury Accident? 

The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming and stressful, but it is important to try and remain calm. There are essential steps to take, which include the following:

Call 911

If you or anyone else requires immediate medical attention, call 911. If injuries seem minor, still notify the police. They will send an officer to the scene to create an accident report. The report will contain critical details on the accident, including how they believe it occurred, who was at fault, and statements from the parties involved and any witnesses. All of which can be crucial when filing a personal injury claim. 

Document the Scene 

If you are not transported to the hospital and can remain at the scene, take photos or videos of the area, any property damage, and your injuries. If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their name and contact information. 

Seek Medical Treatment

See a doctor as soon as possible after leaving the accident scene. Medical documentation must link all injuries, and potential injuries to the accident; plus some severe injuries can have delayed symptoms. If you wait too long to seek medical help, the insurance company can argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or are not as severe as you claim.

Speak To a Waco Personal Injury Lawyer

It can be challenging to obtain the compensation you are entitled to on your own. An experienced Waco injury lawyer can help you with every aspect of your case, including dealing and negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement. 

How Much Does a Waco Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Most personal injury lawyers in Waco, including those at Craft Law Firm, accept cases on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee agreement means your personal injury attorney will advance all costs to prepare and litigate your claim, so you do not have to pay out-of-pocket. If you do not recover compensation, you do not owe legal fees. If you do recover a settlement or award, a personal injury lawyer will generally take between 25 to 40 percent, as well as court costs. 

Some personal injury lawyers may reduce or increase their contingency fee based on the complexity of your case or how much compensation you recover. For example, 25 percent if your case settles fairly quickly, 33 percent if you must file a lawsuit, 40 percent if your case goes to trial, etc. Others may adjust their fee based on your settlement or award. For instance, 33 percent of any recovery up to $50,000; 25 percent of a recovery between $50,000 to $100,000, etc. As a result, it is important to discuss the terms of your arrangement before hiring a personal injury attorney. 

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When to Contact a Waco Personal Injury Lawyer

The best time to contact a lawyer about your personal injury is as soon as possible after you have been injured. Understandably, you may be physically or mentally unable to function, but time is of the essence. The sooner you speak with a personal injury lawyer, the better for the assessment of your case and the collection and preservation of supporting evidence for your case.

Craft Law Firm lawyers are available to meet you anytime, anywhere. We have litigated on behalf of clients in more than 30 states and have lawyers, investigators, and aircraft ready to transport us at a moment’s notice. Call 713-225-0500 for a free consultation with one of our Waco personal injury attorneys today.

Areas We Serve:

Alta Vista | Austin Ave | Beverly Hills | Brook Oaks | Brookview | Dean Highland | Downtown Waco | Heart of Texas | Kendrick | Landon Branch | Mountainview | North Lake Waco | North Waco | Oakwood | Parkdale Viking Hills | Richland Hills | Sanger Heights | Timbercrest | University | West Waco

Personal Injury Claim FAQs:

Do I Need a Lawyer For My Personal Injury Claim?

Whether or not you need a lawyer for your personal injury claim depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of damages you are seeking, and the strength of your case.

In general, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney if you have been injured in an accident. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, navigate the claims process, and get the compensation you deserve.

Here are some of the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer:

  • Experience and expertise. Personal injury lawyers have years of experience handling these types of cases. They know the law and the process, and they can help you get the best possible outcome.
  • Negotiation skills. Personal injury lawyers have the skills and experience to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They can get you a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Trial experience. If your case does not settle, your lawyer will be able to represent you in court. They will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
  • Peace of mind. Hiring a lawyer can give you peace of mind knowing that you have someone who is fighting for you. You can focus on your recovery while your lawyer takes care of the legal details.

Of course, there are also some costs associated with hiring a personal injury lawyer. However, these costs are usually outweighed by the benefits of having an experienced attorney on your side.

If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case and get their advice on whether or not you should hire a lawyer.

How Do I Know If My Personal Injury Case Will Go To Trial?

Whether your personal injury case will go to trial depends on various factors, and it’s not always easy to predict with certainty. However, there are certain indicators that might suggest a higher likelihood of your case going to trial:

  • Disagreement on Liability or Compensation: If there is a significant dispute between you and the opposing party regarding who is at fault for the injury or the appropriate amount of compensation, it might increase the chances of going to trial.
  • Unresolved Negotiations: If attempts at settlement negotiations, mediation, or arbitration are unsuccessful in reaching a resolution that both parties agree upon, the case might proceed to trial.
  • Complex Legal or Factual Issues: Cases that involve complex legal issues, multiple parties, intricate factual scenarios, or unclear liability can be more likely to go to trial as it might be difficult to reach a consensus out of court.
  • High Stakes: If the potential compensation is substantial or if there’s a significant public interest or principle at stake, either side might be less willing to compromise, leading to a trial.
  • Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies might refuse to offer a fair settlement, hoping to pressure you into accepting a lower amount. In such cases, your attorney might recommend going to trial to secure a better outcome.
  • Strong Evidence: If you have strong evidence that supports your claim and demonstrates the other party’s liability, it might encourage the opposing party to settle. However, if they believe they have strong evidence in their favor, they might push for a trial.
  • Attitude of the Opposing Party: If the opposing party is unwilling to cooperate, negotiate in good faith, or take responsibility, a trial might be necessary to obtain a resolution.
  • Desire for Precedent: Sometimes, parties might choose to go to trial in order to establish a legal precedent that could influence similar cases in the future.
  • Personal Values or Principles: If you strongly believe in the principle of seeking justice, even at the risk of a trial, you might opt for that route despite potential challenges.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to go to trial is a strategic one, and it should be made in consultation with your attorney. Your attorney will assess the specific circumstances of your case, the strength of your evidence, the legal landscape, and your desired outcome before advising you on the best course of action. Keep in mind that most personal injury cases do settle out of court, but being prepared for the possibility of a trial is important.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?

No. There are a few reasons why it’s recommended that you do not accept the insurance company’s settlement offer.

  • The insurance company’s offer may be too low. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they will often try to lowball you on your settlement offer. They may offer you a fraction of what your case is worth, and they may try to convince you that it is the best offer you are going to get.
  • You may not be aware of all of your damages. When you are injured in an accident, you may not be aware of all of the damages you have suffered. The insurance company may only offer to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages, but you may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses.
  • You may not be able to get more money later. Once you accept a settlement offer, you cannot go back and ask for more money. If your injuries are more serious than you thought, or if your medical expenses are higher than you expected, you will be stuck with the settlement offer you accepted.
  • You may lose your right to sue. When you accept a settlement offer, you may also sign a release. This release means that you are giving up your right to sue the person who caused your injuries. If you later discover that you have more serious injuries than you thought, or if you develop new medical problems, you will not be able to sue the person who caused your injuries.

If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before you accept any settlement offers. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.

Client Testimonial: 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I recently used The Craft Law Firm, and I cannot say enough positive things! They are one of the best Attorneys you will ever find. Everything was clearly communicated and explained. They were always prompt with a response and my end result was the best outcome imaginable! I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for legal help! Thanks again.” – I.H.