By Tort Law Team 
Getting hurt in an accident changes everything, fast. One moment you’re living your life, and the next you’re dealing with medical bills, missed paychecks, and an insurance adjuster who suddenly isn’t returning your calls the way they did before you mentioned a lawyer.
If you’re searching for Loncar Lyon Jenkins or comparing Texas personal injury firms, you’re probably in exactly that spot. This guide walks through how personal injury claims actually work in Texas, what a firm should be doing for you at each stage, and the questions worth asking before you sign with anyone.
What Loncar Lyon Jenkins Handles
Personal injury firms in Texas generally take on cases involving:
- Car and truck accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Slip and fall / premises liability
- Wrongful death claims
How a Texas Injury Claim Actually Works
Here’s the honest version, not the version that fits on a billboard.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation
Most Texas PI firms, including firms like this one, offer a free consultation. This is where you find out whether you have a viable claim and roughly what it might involve. This step costs you nothing and commits you to nothing.
Step 2: Investigation and Evidence
Your attorney (or their team) will typically gather:
- Police or incident reports
- Medical records tied to the injury
- Witness statements
- Photos or video, if available
- Insurance policy details for all parties involved
Step 3: Medical Treatment and Documentation
This part matters more than most people expect. Medical bill recovery depends heavily on having a clear, documented treatment history connecting your injuries to the accident. Gaps in treatment are one of the first things insurance adjusters look for to devalue a claim.
Step 4: Demand and Negotiation
Once treatment stabilizes (or your condition reaches what’s called maximum medical improvement), your attorney sends a demand package to the insurer and negotiates from there.
Step 5: Settlement or Litigation
Most personal injury settlements resolve without a trial. If the insurer won’t offer a fair number, filing suit becomes the next option.
Texas Law: What You Actually Need to Know
The Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Miss that window, and you typically lose the right to sue entirely, regardless of how strong your case is.
Comparative Negligence
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Texas Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33.001). If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. This is exactly why insurers push hard to shift blame onto you early in a claim.
What Damages Can Cover
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages, where applicable
What to Look for in Legal Representation
A few practical questions worth asking any Texas personal injury attorney before you hire them:
- Do you handle cases like mine regularly, or occasionally?
- Who on your team will actually be working my file day to day?
- How do you communicate case updates, and how often?
- What’s your fee structure? (Almost all Texas PI firms work on contingency, meaning no fee unless you recover compensation.)
- Can you walk me through 2 to 3 past outcomes in cases similar to mine?
If Loncar Lyon Jenkins has a mobile app for claim tracking or case updates, list its actual, verified features here, rather than a generic description. Same goes for any client testimonials: use real ones, with permission, not composites.
Common Mistakes That Hurt a Claim
- Waiting too long to see a doctor. Gaps in treatment get used against you.
- Giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before talking to an attorney.
- Posting about the accident on social media. Insurers do look.
- Signing a settlement offer quickly. Early offers are almost always lower than what a case is actually worth once full treatment costs are known.
- Missing the two-year filing deadline.
FAQs
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Not always. But if you have any injury requiring ongoing treatment, or the other party disputes fault, a free consultation is worth it before you settle anything yourself.
How much does a personal injury attorney cost?
Most Texas PI firms work on contingency: no upfront fee, and the attorney is paid a percentage of your settlement only if you win.
How long do injury claims take to resolve?
Anywhere from a few months for straightforward claims to over a year if litigation becomes necessary.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under Texas’s comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, though your award is reduced accordingly.
What information should I bring to my first consultation?
Police/incident reports, medical records so far, insurance information, and photos of the accident scene or injuries if you have them.
Can I switch attorneys if I’m not happy with my current one?
Yes, generally. Most contingency agreements allow for this, though there may be fee-sharing arrangements between the old and new firm.
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