Personal Injury Lawyer in Richmond

Get the Compensation You Deserve After an Accident

Accident injuries often bring a lifetime of medical bills, physical pain and emotional trauma. Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when you are also struggling with an injury. Victims need a skilled Texas attorney who can offer guidance during this difficult time.

At The Law Office of Larry McDougal, our team of personal injury lawyers in Richmond have over 37 years of experience representing personal injury victims in Richmond and throughout Texas. We strive to obtain full compensation for our clients. Though we are tough negotiators who can work to settle your case out of court, we are also experienced trial attorneys who are not afraid to take your case to court.

Our firm handles the following types of personal injury cases in Richmond and Fort Bend County, TX:

• Motor vehicle accidents - Even a seemingly straightforward accident involving a car, SUV or other motor vehicles could benefit from a lawyer’s representation.
• Truck accidents - Truck accidents can involve a tangled web of liability between the truck driver and the trucking company.
• Motorcycle accidents - After a motorcycle accident, many drivers and insurance companies try to shift blame to the rider.
• Wrongful death - When an accident results in the loss of a loved one, families need a strong legal advocate.

Call us today at (281) 823-9377 or contact online and request a free consultation to learn how we can help you. 

Understanding the Timeline for Personal Injury Settlements in Texas

In Texas, personal injury lawsuits take an average of two years to resolve. However, some injury cases can be settled in as little as 6-9 months.

The length of time it takes to resolve a personal injury case depends on many factors, including:

• The type of case
• Whether the case goes to trial
• The complexity of the case
• Whether the liability is clear
• Whether the claim is disputed

Texas law requires insurance companies to pay claims within five business days of agreeing to pay. However, the company can extend the deadline for an acceptable reason.

Key Personal Injury Laws in Texas You Should Know

If you have suffered an injury caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless actions, you could file a personal injury claim against the negligent party in civil court. When it comes to car accidents, Texas is a fault-based state, meaning whoever caused the accident will be responsible for compensating the injured party.

How Personal Injury Settlements Are Disbursed in Texas

In Texas, personal injury settlements can be paid out in two ways:

• Lump-sum payment: The entire settlement is paid out at one time.
• Structured settlement: The settlement is paid out in installments.

You must sometimes complete the paperwork for your settlement within 60 days or 30.

Proving Your Claim for Financial Compensation After an Accident

The following are the legal elements you must prove to recover financial compensation from an accident:

• The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
• The at-fault party breached their duty of care owed to you
• The breach lead to your injury
• You suffered damages from the injury

There are three types of damages available to injured victims: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Economic damages represent financial losses such as medical costs, property damages, and lost wages, while non-economic damages refer to losses that are difficult to calculate like emotional distress, as well as pain and suffering. Punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault for their grossly negligent behavior and deter similar actions from happening.

Accident Reconstruction Services by Attorney Larry McDougal Sr.

Attorney Larry McDougal Sr. is uniquely qualified to investigate and reconstruct motor vehicle accidents. He is certified in accident reconstruction by Texas A&M University and is trained in crime scene investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Because he spent seven years of his career as a police officer doing accident reconstruction, he understands how Richmond police handle car accidents.

Over his career, he has investigated well over 1,000 accidents and has testified as an expert witness in court. When you work with Larry, he will thoroughly investigate the scene of your accident, gather and preserve evidence, and meticulously build your case.