After a car accident, there is a series of cascading events that take place to ensure both your health and well-being, as well as get you back up and running with a fully functional vehicle. The first stop on this road to recovery is filing an insurance claim. In most instances, the process should move relatively smoothly, and you will be fully compensated for your claim. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

When the other driver’s insurer delays, denies or lowballs your claim, filing a lawsuit may be your next step. But how do you know when it’s time to stop negotiating and start taking legal action? Here are some indicators.

When the Insurance Company Won’t Play Fair

If you've been injured and the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or denies liability altogether, a lawsuit puts legal pressure on them to take your case seriously.

You might consider filing a lawsuit if any of the following scenarios sound familiar:

• You’re being blamed for an accident that wasn’t your fault
• The insurer is offering far less than your damages
• Medical bills are piling up with no resolution in sight

Before the Statute of Limitations Runs Out

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your legal right to seek compensation, regardless of how strong your case is.

If you’ve been in a car accident, seek advice from a personal injury attorney right away. Car accident claims can take a while to settle, and lawsuits take even more time to prepare.

If Your Injuries Are Serious or Long-Term

If you’ve suffered serious injuries like a concussion, back injury or broken bones, a lawsuit may be necessary to cover long-term costs like ongoing medical treatment, lost future income, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.

Bottom Line: Talk to a Lawyer Early

You don’t have to file a lawsuit right away, but you should speak with an experienced Texas car accident lawyer as soon as possible. They’ll evaluate your case, help you avoid mistakes, and guide you in deciding whether filing a lawsuit is necessary. Sometimes, strong negotiations are enough to get you the settlement you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas car accident, don’t leave your settlement to chance. Contact a trusted personal injury attorney today. Our team at McKinney Vos offers free, no-commitment consultations to discuss your case and see how we can help. Call our Austin office at 512-457-8991 to learn more and ask your questions.