📘 Personal Injury Glossary – Georgetown, Texas

A Helpful Guide for Georgetown Residents Navigating Car Accidents and Injury Claims

Accident Report

A formal document created by law enforcement (e.g., Georgetown Police or Williamson County Sheriff) detailing the facts of a collision. Essential for insurance claims and injury cases.

Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)

Coverage on an auto policy that pays for injuries the policyholder causes to others. Important in car accidents on I-35, Highway 29, or within Georgetown city limits.

Comparative Fault (Texas)

Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you're 50% or less at fault for a crash, you may still recover damages, reduced by your fault percentage.

Contingency Fee

A payment structure where your attorney only gets paid if you win or settle. Most personal injury lawyers in Georgetown use this model.

Damages

Monetary compensation for losses suffered in an accident. Includes:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Emotional distress

Demand Letter

A formal letter sent to the at-fault party’s insurer, outlining your claim and demanding fair compensation. Often the first step in resolving a Georgetown injury claim.

Insurance Adjuster

A representative of the insurance company who evaluates your claim. Their goal is to minimize payouts—your lawyer’s job is to make sure you get full compensation.

Liability

Legal responsibility for causing an accident or injury. Establishing liability is essential in Georgetown personal injury cases.

Medical Records

Documentation of your injuries and treatments. Crucial evidence in proving damages after an accident in Georgetown or greater Williamson County.

Negligence

Failure to act with reasonable care. Common in distracted driving, drunk driving (DWI), or reckless driving injury cases in Georgetown.

Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages that reflect physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life due to injury.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Optional no-fault insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. May be included in your Texas auto policy.

Police Report Number

The unique identifier for your accident report. Needed when requesting a copy from the Georgetown Police Department or Texas Department of Transportation.

Property Damage

Refers to vehicle repairs or replacement after a crash. If your vehicle is a total loss, you may be entitled to fair market value.

Settlement

An agreement between you and the insurance company to resolve your claim for a specified amount, without going to trial.

Soft Tissue Injury

Common in car accidents. Includes whiplash, strains, and sprains—injuries that may not show up on imaging but still cause significant pain and treatment needs.

Statute of Limitations

Texas law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long could forfeit your right to compensation.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A serious condition caused by blunt trauma to the head, often in high-speed Georgetown collisions or commercial truck accidents.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Covers you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. Especially important in hit-and-runs or when dealing with low-coverage drivers in Georgetown.

Wrongful Death

When an accident results in fatal injuries, family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and more.

💬 Need Help Understanding Your Case?

If you're dealing with an accident or injury in Georgetown or Williamson County, we’re here to guide you through every step—whether it’s a rear-end crash on I-35, a distracted driver on Williams Drive, or a major injury from a truck collision.

📞 Reach out today for a free consultation.