Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Lubbock, TX for 2024
- In Texas, individuals have two years from the date of injury to file personal injury claims, with specific rules for government agency negligence.
- Car accidents require drivers to have minimum liability insurance, and punitive damages are capped based on economic and noneconomic damages.
- Timely filing and adherence to insurance claim processes are crucial for successful personal injury settlements.
In Texas, individuals have a two-year statute of limitations to file personal injury claims, starting from the date of injury. This period can be extended if the defendant is not present in the state. If injuries arise from a local government agency's negligence, a written notice of the claim is required. It is crucial to adhere to the statute of limitations, as missing the deadline results in case dismissal. For car accidents, Texas mandates minimum liability insurance coverage, including $30,000 for bodily injury per person and $25,000 for property damage. In incidents involving significant property damage or intoxicated drivers, police must be notified. If a driver is found to be over 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages. Punitive damages in Texas are capped at either $200,000 or twice the economic damages plus noneconomic damages, with specific examples illustrating how these caps apply. For instance, if a car accident involves multiple passengers, the total compensation cannot exceed $500,000, affecting individual payouts. When filing a claim with an insurer, they have 35 days to make a decision. Upon receiving a claim, insurers must notify the claimant within 15 days and provide necessary paperwork. The subsequent 15 days are for the insurer to approve or deny the claim, ensuring a structured process for personal injury settlements.