Waco Personal Injury Lawyer

Helping Injured Victims in McLennan County Pursue Fair Compensation

A personal injury accident or wrongful death can turn lives upside down. While nothing can be done to undo an accident or the damage it causes, things can be done now to make life easier in the future.

Chris Harris has handled personal injury cases since he was licensed in 1998. For the first few years of his career, Chris worked as an insurance defense lawyer, meaning that insurance companies were paying him to defend cases where somebody was hurt due to the alleged negligence of another.

As a result of his experience, Chris has fantastic insight into how an insurance company evaluates and values personal injury cases. He knows how they think. There is much more to a personal injury case than “whose fault was it.”

Many factors are evaluated that most people would never even consider, such as:

• The legal venue
• The track record of the Plaintiff’s attorney (i.e., will he go to court or not, and what are his results)
• The lifestyle of the parties
• Social media, etc.

Having worked on the defense side of these cases makes Chris an excellent judge of the value of your case, and he will be very honest and upfront with you immediately.

Are you looking to financially recover for an injury caused by someone else's negligence? Call Hutson & Harris today at (254) 735-1933 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our personal injury attorney in Waco!

Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Chris wants to meet personally with every injured client during their first visit to assess the facts and the client. While Chris has been trying cases for 20 years, the truth is that upwards of 90% of all personal injury cases never go to trial, so it is crucial to have an attorney that knows how to negotiate effectively.

It is easier to negotiate against an insurance company when it knows that you WILL go to trial, if necessary, and Hutson & Harris will take a case to trial.

We have experience developing cases in a variety of areas, including those that involve:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Construction accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Dangerous and defective consumer products
• Premises Defect Cases – (“Slip ‘n’ Falls / Trip ‘n’ Falls”)

Steps to Take After an Accident

If you are involved in an accident, here are some steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure your safety:

• Seek Medical Attention: The first and most important step is to seek medical attention, especially if you or someone else is injured. Even if you feel fine, you must get checked out by a medical professional if you have any internal injuries.
• Contact the Authorities: If the accident involves a car, truck, or other vehicle, you should contact the police immediately. They can document the accident and file a report that may be useful later on.
• Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any injuries, and any property damage. You can also write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Don't Admit Fault: Don't admit fault even if you think you may have caused the accident. There may be factors you are not aware of, and admitting fault can harm your ability to seek compensation later on.
• Contact an Attorney: Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company immediately to report the accident. Be truthful and accurate in describing the accident, but do not admit fault.
• Follow Up on Medical Treatment: Follow all medical advice and attend all necessary appointments. This can help ensure you receive the appropriate treatment for your injuries and can also help document the extent of your injuries for use in a potential lawsuit.

What Damages are Available in a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, damages in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit may vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Some of the damages that may be available in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas include:

• Economic damages: These damages are meant to compensate the injured party or their family for financial losses resulting from the injury or death. Economic damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and funeral expenses.
• Non-economic damages: These damages are intended to compensate for non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages: These damages are intended to punish the defendant for their wrongful conduct and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Punitive damages are only available when the defendant's conduct is particularly egregious, such as intentional or reckless.

It's important to note that Texas has a modified comparative fault rule, which means that the damages an injured party can recover may be reduced if they were partially at fault for the accident that caused their injury or death.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Texas?

The statute of limitations on personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Texas is generally two years from the incident that caused the injury or death. This means that the injured party or their family must file a lawsuit within two years of the incident, or they may lose their right to seek compensation for their losses.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injured party did not discover their injury or the cause of their injury until a later date, the statute of limitations may be extended. Additionally, suppose the injured party is a minor or has a mental disability. In that case, the statute of limitations may be extended until they reach the age of majority or regain their mental capacity.

It's essential to consult with a Waco personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you believe you have a personal injury or wrongful death claim in Texas. Fulfilling a lawsuit within the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to seek compensation for your losses.

Contact Our Waco Personal Injury Attorney Today

A personal injury accident or wrongful death can turn lives upside down, and you need guidance and support to get the best result possible. While nothing can be done to undo an accident or the damage it causes, things can be done now to make life easier in the future. Contact our Waco personal injury lawyer today to get started!

Contact Hutson & Harris today to schedule a FREE consultation with our personal injury lawyer in Waco!