🔍 Glossary of Personal Injury Terms

For Clients in Round Rock, Texas and Surrounding Areas

Understanding legal language after a car wreck, truck accident, or other injury can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this easy-to-understand glossary of the most important personal injury terms for accident victims in Round Rock and Williamson County.

Accident Report

A formal document created by law enforcement (such as Round Rock Police or Texas DPS) after a traffic accident. It contains crucial details including parties involved, witness statements, and a preliminary finding of fault.

Adjuster

A representative from the insurance company who evaluates your claim. Remember: they work for the insurance company—not you. Always speak with a Round Rock personal injury lawyer before accepting any offer.

Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)

A type of insurance coverage that pays for injuries caused to others in an accident. It’s typically part of the at-fault driver’s auto policy in Texas.

Catastrophic Injury

Severe, life-altering injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury (TBI), paralysis, or loss of a limb. These cases often require long-term care and high-value compensation.

Claim

The formal request made to an insurance company for compensation after an accident in Round Rock. Claims can be for property damage, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re less than 51% at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation—though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Contingency Fee

The arrangement in most personal injury cases where your attorney only gets paid if you recover compensation. You pay nothing upfront for legal representation.

Damages

The compensation you may be entitled to after an accident. In Round Rock personal injury cases, damages include:

• Economic damages (e.g., medical bills, lost income)

• Non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering)

• Punitive damages (in rare cases of gross negligence)

Demand Letter

A written request sent by your attorney to the insurance company outlining your injuries, expenses, and the amount of compensation being requested to settle the claim.

Deposition

A sworn, out-of-court testimony given during the discovery phase of a lawsuit. Your attorney will prepare you if this becomes part of your case.

Discovery

The legal process where both parties gather evidence, interview witnesses, and exchange information. Discovery can include written requests, depositions, and document production.

DWI Accident

An accident caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DWI wrecks are common in Round Rock and can result in criminal charges and civil personal injury claims.

Fault

The legal responsibility for causing an accident. In Texas, the at-fault driver (or party) is financially liable for damages caused by their negligence.

Future Medical Expenses

Estimated costs for ongoing treatment after your injury. This includes physical therapy, surgeries, or long-term care. These are often included in settlement demands for serious injury claims.

Insurance Policy Limits

The maximum amount an insurance company will pay under a policy. Knowing the other driver’s limits (and your own UM/UIM limits) is essential for high-dollar injury cases.

Liability

Legal responsibility for an accident. A driver, company, property owner, or even a manufacturer may be held liable depending on the circumstances of your case.

Lost Wages

Compensation for the income you missed because of the accident. If you’re unable to work for weeks or months due to your injuries, this becomes a significant portion of your damages.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

The point at which your condition is stabilized and not expected to improve further. MMI plays a role in determining final settlement value in many Round Rock injury claims.

Medical Liens

Hospitals or doctors may place a lien on your injury settlement if they provide treatment without immediate payment. Your attorney can help negotiate or manage these liens.

Negligence

The failure to act with reasonable care. In most Round Rock accident cases, proving the other party was negligent is key to winning your claim.

Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages meant to compensate you for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life after a car crash or other injury.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

An optional insurance policy in Texas that covers your own medical expenses and some lost wages—regardless of who was at fault.

Premises Liability

A type of personal injury case involving unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, such as slip and falls or dog bites.

Settlement

An agreement to resolve the injury claim without going to trial. Most Round Rock personal injury cases settle, but a skilled attorney is always prepared for court.

Statute of Limitations

The deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Typically, you have 2 years from the date of the accident. After that, you lose your right to file.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A serious head injury that can result from car accidents, truck crashes, or falls. Symptoms may include memory issues, personality changes, or long-term disability.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Optional coverage on your own policy that protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages.

Need Help Understanding Your Legal Rights After an Accident in Round Rock, Texas?
We’re here to help. Whether you’ve been rear-ended on I-35 or hit by a distracted driver near Gattis School Road, we’ll walk you through the process and fight for every dollar you’re owed.

📞 Call today for a free consultation.