Life can change in an instant. One moment you’re going about your day, and the next, you’re sidelined by an accident you didn’t cause. From car crashes and workplace injuries to slips in public spaces, victims often find themselves facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term physical pain. When someone else is responsible for your injury, a skilled personal accident attorney can be the voice you need fighting for the compensation you deserve.
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we understand how devastating a personal injury can be. Our legal team is committed to holding negligent individuals, companies, and insurers accountable. We help injury victims take back control with aggressive, experienced representation designed to get results.
What Is a Personal Accident Attorney?
A personal accident attorney is a legal professional who represents people who have suffered harm due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of others. These lawyers specialize in civil claims and lawsuits aimed at recovering compensation—commonly referred to as damages—for the losses their clients have experienced.
Personal accident attorneys handle a broad spectrum of incidents, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Product liability claims
- Construction and workplace injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
In each case, the goal is the same: to prove that the defendant is legally liable and that the victim deserves financial recovery for their physical, emotional, and financial hardships.
When Do You Need a Personal Accident Attorney?
While some minor accidents may be resolved with a quick insurance settlement, most injury claims are far more complex. If any of the following apply, you should consult a personal accident attorney immediately:
- You sustained serious injuries, especially involving surgery or long-term treatment
- The other party denies fault or blames you for the accident
- The insurance company is lowballing your claim
- There are multiple parties involved, such as in multi-vehicle accidents or commercial incidents
- You’ve experienced lost income, diminished earning capacity, or permanent disability
- A loved one died as a result of the incident
Without legal counsel, you risk being taken advantage of by insurers and losing out on thousands—or even millions—of dollars in compensation.
Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
Car Accidents
Auto collisions remain the most frequent type of personal injury case. Whether caused by speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or failure to yield, car accidents can result in everything from whiplash and broken bones to life-altering spinal injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents
A wet floor, cracked sidewalk, or poorly lit stairwell can cause serious harm. Property owners and businesses have a duty to maintain safe conditions. If they fail, and someone is injured as a result, they may be held liable under premises liability law.
Workplace Injuries
Workers in construction, manufacturing, and logistics are at elevated risk of injury. While workers’ compensation may cover medical bills and partial wages, many claims involve third-party liability, such as defective machinery or outside contractors who created unsafe conditions.
Dog Bites
Dog owners are responsible for keeping their animals under control. If you’re attacked by a dog and suffer injuries, you may be able to seek compensation—especially if the dog has a known history of aggression.
Medical Malpractice
Doctors, nurses, and hospitals are expected to follow accepted standards of care. When they make preventable mistakes—such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or medication mishaps—they can be held accountable through a malpractice claim.
Product Liability
When a defective product injures a consumer, the manufacturer, distributor, or seller may be liable. Product liability claims can involve dangerous drugs, faulty electronics, auto defects, and more.
Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, and amputations often require lifelong care. These cases demand maximum compensation to cover ongoing medical costs and loss of future income.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
A personal accident attorney fights to recover full compensation for your losses, which can include:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Surgeries and hospitalization
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Property damage (e.g., vehicle repair or replacement)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
What to Do After a Personal Accident
The actions you take immediately after an accident can dramatically impact your case. Follow these critical steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Delayed care can hurt both your recovery and your claim.
- Report the Incident: Notify the police, your employer, or the property owner as appropriate.
- Document Everything: Take photos, save receipts, and preserve physical evidence.
- Gather Witness Information: Eyewitness statements can strengthen your case.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: They may use your words against you.
- Call a Personal Accident Attorney: The sooner you involve legal counsel, the stronger your position.
The Legal Process for a Personal Injury Claim
A qualified personal accident attorney will guide you through every stage of your claim, including:
1. Case Investigation
Collecting evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage, medical records, and expert opinions to establish liability.
2. Demand Letter
Your attorney sends a detailed demand to the at-fault party’s insurer outlining the facts of the case and the compensation sought.
3. Settlement Negotiations
Most claims are resolved through negotiation. Your lawyer works to secure a fair settlement without the need for a trial.
4. Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary)
If settlement fails, your attorney can file a lawsuit and present your case before a judge or jury.
5. Trial and Verdict
If your case goes to trial, your attorney will argue the facts and fight for full and fair compensation.
Time Limits: Texas Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain exceptions can shorten or extend this window, including:
- Claims against government entities may require notice within 6 months.
- Injuries to minors may extend the filing deadline.
- Delayed discovery (e.g., in medical malpractice) may pause the statute until the injury is discovered.
Failing to file within the required timeframe can permanently bar your right to compensation.
How a Personal Accident Attorney Strengthens Your Case
Hiring an experienced personal accident attorney can:
- Level the playing field with powerful insurance companies
- Maximize your compensation by identifying all liable parties and all sources of damages
- Handle legal complexities including evidence rules, expert witnesses, and court procedures
- Prevent costly mistakes, such as accepting an unfair settlement or missing critical deadlines
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial—ensuring we’re always ready to fight.
U.S. Personal Injury Case Trends by Category
Injury Type | % of Civil Claims Filed | Avg. Settlement Value |
---|---|---|
Auto Accidents | 52% | $15,000 – $200,000+ |
Premises Liability | 17% | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
Product Liability | 6% | $50,000 – $1M+ |
Medical Malpractice | 12% | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
Wrongful Death | 7% | $250,000 – $1M+ |
Dog Bites & Animal Attacks | 6% | $10,000 – $75,000+ |
Signs of a Strong Personal Injury Case
Your case may be particularly strong if:
- There is clear evidence of negligence, such as video footage or eyewitnesses
- You received prompt medical care, documenting the injury
- Liability is uncontested or police reports cite the other party
- You’ve experienced significant financial losses
- There is expert testimony supporting the cause and severity of your injury
Even if your case has complications, a skilled personal accident attorney can often find legal strategies to pursue recovery.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Accident Attorney?
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we represent injury clients on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We only get paid if we win your case
- Consultations are 100% free
This makes high-quality legal representation accessible, no matter your financial situation.
Why Choose Loncar Lyon Jenkins?
For over 30 years, Loncar Lyon Jenkins has built a reputation for fierce advocacy, responsive service, and exceptional results. We’ve recovered millions for injury victims across Texas by treating every case with the urgency and care it deserves.
Our Promise to Clients:
- Aggressive representation
- Personalized support
- Transparent communication
- Trial-readiness from day one
- Access to medical and financial recovery resources
Whether your case settles or goes to court, you’ll have a trusted legal partner by your side at every step.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
You didn’t ask to be injured. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake. A personal accident attorney from Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help you reclaim your peace of mind, and your future.
Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to listen, evaluate your case, and take immediate action to protect your rights.