Our Plano Catastrophic Personal Injury Lawyers Guide Texas Vehicle Accident Victims Through the Maze of the Compensation Process
Never did you think someone else’s negligence would cause you to be in such a devastating crash. Now, you’re unable to work, struggling with daily tasks, and worried about mounting medical costs. There was only so much you could do to protect your rights in the initial moments after the collision. However, now it’s time to take action, and quickly, before the statute of limitations runs out on your ability to file a claim.
At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, our Plano-based nationwide team of catastrophic personal injury lawyers understands the challenges you face, and why we need to get to work right away. Our goal is to build a solid case to pursue the resources you need for quality medical care, rehabilitation, and financial stability. Here’s how to get started.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries
These are defined as long-term or even permanent disabilities that affect vital areas of your body. Our Plano catastrophic injury lawyers regularly help people who’ve experienced many different medical conditions that changed their lives in an instant, such as the following.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs affect cognitive function, memory, and emotional regulation. Recovery often requires extensive rehabilitation and ongoing care, with some victims needing lifetime assistance.
Spinal Cord Damage
These injuries frequently result in partial or complete paralysis. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, vehicular accidents account for nearly 40% of traumatic spinal cord injuries and rank first in causes of spinal cord injury.
Multiple Fractures and Crush Injuries
Severe breaks and crush injuries may require multiple surgeries and lead to permanent mobility issues or limb loss. Many people need ongoing physical therapy and adaptive equipment.
Internal Organ Damage
Some injuries aren't immediately apparent but lead to lifelong complications requiring continuous medical monitoring and care.
Severe Burns
Beyond initial treatment and skin grafts, burn victims often face permanent scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. Every day you spend in recovery brings new challenges and mounting concerns. Your medical team discusses lengthy rehabilitation plans while insurance adjusters pressure you for statements about your Texas car or truck accident. Let’s review the steps you need to take to start a compensation claim.
Follow These 5 Steps to Immediately Protect Your Right to Injury Compensation
As former insurance defense attorneys, the professionals at Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group fully understand how insurers evaluate and try to reduce damages in catastrophic injury claims—or attempt to deny them altogether.
We use our insight to anticipate these tactics and build a stronger case for you. Here are five key actions you can take right now to help the process.
1. Understand the Texas Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a law that determines the amount of time you have to take legal action. You have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. While this timeline might seem long, establishing the facts as to who or what caused the incident and holding parties responsible for your compensation requires gathering:
- Extensive medical documentation.
- Considerable evidence.
- Eyewitness and expert testimony supporting your case.
We recommend scheduling a free consultation with us so we can assess different aspects of your case and determine the full extent of your personal injury claim. Starting early ensures nothing is overlooked.
2. Keep a Daily Journal
Document how your injuries affect your daily life, including pain levels, mobility challenges, emotional struggles, missed work, and other issues. This personal record helps demonstrate the full impact of your injuries and supports claims for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
3. Get Copies of Your Medical Records
Request complete copies of all medical records related to your injury, including emergency room visits, surgical reports, therapy sessions, and specialist consultations. When insurers for the negligent party evaluate your catastrophic injury claim, these records establish the severity of your injuries and link them directly to the accident.
4. Track All Expenses
Save receipts for all costs related to your injury, from hospital bills and medications to transportation fees for medical appointments and help with household tasks. Many accident victims are surprised to learn how many injury-related expenses qualify for compensation.
5. Be Cautious With Insurance Representatives
If insurance adjusters contact you, politely decline to provide recorded statements or sign any documents without legal review. Their job is to minimize the company's payout, not to guarantee you receive fair injury compensation.
Your future health and abilities shouldn't be compromised. At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, our track record of success in Texas truck and car accident cases speaks to our commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for your catastrophic injuries.
