How your case works
These are the steps a personal injury claim can take with Eden Law Group. Each step shows what the firm does and some Texas rules that may matter.
A claim may pass through the steps below. Some cases skip steps, and some do not end in a settlement. How long each step takes is different in every case.
- 1Intake
- 2Pre-litigation
- 3Medical
- 4Demand and negotiation
- 5Settlement
- 6LitigationOnly in some cases
The Texas law notes on this page are general information, not legal advice. Texas law as of October 27, 2026.
Step 1
Intake
What the firm does
The firm hears how the injury happened and reviews any papers you already have.
Have these ready for your consultation, if you have them
- Your own insurance card or policy information
- The name and insurance information of anyone else involved, if you know it
- Any report number from the police or the property owner
- Photos you took
- Medical bills or hospital papers
- Letters from an insurance company
You do not need every item to talk with the firm.
What happens after you contact the firm
- 1The firm replies during business hours.
- 2The first consultation can be by phone or in person at the Bellaire office. Having a consultation does not mean you have to hire the firm.
- 3If you hire the firm, you and the firm both sign a written contingency fee agreement.
Your first consultation is free. No fee unless we recover money for you.
- Case costs, including a set charge for general case expenses, are your responsibility, and we may advance them.
- If there is a recovery, the attorney fee is figured first. Then case costs are paid from your share.
- If there is no recovery, you still owe the costs we advanced.
- If your case goes to trial, you may need to deposit trial costs before trial.
Texas law notes
- A personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years from when the claim arises. Exceptions may apply (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.003).
- A government body is entitled to notice of a claim within six months after the incident (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 101.101). A city charter can set a shorter deadline. For a claim against the City of Houston, the city charter requires a verified written notice within 90 days after the injury or damage (Houston City Charter, Art. IX, Sec. 11). Exceptions may apply.
Step 2
Pre-litigation
What the firm does
The firm starts the insurance claim and takes over the calls and letters with the insurers.
Texas law notes
- An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company that pays the claim (Texas Department of Insurance).
- In Texas, the at-fault driver's liability insurance is the coverage meant to pay for other people's car repairs and medical bills. The minimum coverage is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per crash for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (Transportation Code 601.072).
- A Texas auto policy includes personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage unless the policyholder turned them down in writing (Insurance Code 1952.152, 1952.101).
Step 3
Medical
What the firm does
The firm keeps track of your care and collects the bills and records from each provider.
If you need a place to be treated, the firm can put you in touch with a medical provider.
Texas law notes
- If the other driver's insurance company denies payment, you can file under your own coverage, such as PIP, UM/UIM, or MedPay (Texas Department of Insurance).
- Hospital lien, a separate rule: if someone else's negligence caused your injury and you were admitted to a hospital within 72 hours after the accident, Texas law gives that hospital a lien on your claim (Property Code 55.002).
Step 4
Demand and negotiation
What the firm does
The firm sends the insurer a written demand, then negotiates with them.
Texas law note
If your share of responsibility for the accident is found to be more than 50%, you cannot recover damages (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 33.001).
Step 5
Settlement
What the firm does
You decide whether to accept an offer. If you accept, the money is paid out as your written fee agreement says.
How fees and costs workTexas law note
When a case handled under the firm's written fee agreement ends, Texas rules require a written closing statement for the client (Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.04(d)). The Fees and costs page explains this agreement.
Step 6 · Only in some cases
Litigation
What the firm does
Only some cases reach this step. If a lawsuit is needed, the firm files one and the case continues in court.
Texas law note
A personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within two years from when the claim arises. For a death, it generally must be filed within two years from the date of death. Exceptions may apply (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 16.003).
Questions about a step?
Call 855-456-6777 during office hours, or send a short request.