Odessa Personal Injury Lawyer
When an accident turns your life upside down, you need more than a lawyer—you need a neighbor who understands Odessa and the people who call it home. At Braker White, we’re not an out-of-town firm. We live here, we work here, and with over 60 years of combined experience, we’ve been proud to stand up for the people of Odessa and the Permian Basin.
Choosing a local personal injury law firm means choosing attorneys who know the community, the courts, and the challenges our neighbors face every day. We’ve earned the trust of Odessa families by treating every client with compassion and fighting relentlessly to hold negligent parties accountable. From serious car accidents on I-20 to workplace injuries in the oilfields, we know what it takes to build strong cases that get real results for our fellow West Texans.
At Braker White, you’ll never feel like just another case number. You’ll have a team that’s right here in Odessa, ready to answer your questions, guide you through every step of the process, and fight for the justice you deserve and the compensation you could be owed. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay us a dime unless we win for you.
Reach out today for a free consultation with a local Odessa personal injury lawyer, and let us put our experience and community commitment to work for you.
You Can Get Started Today
To begin the process of pursuing compensation after an accident, contact us today for a free consultation. It only takes a call or a click, so you don’t have to leave the house!
You Deserve Compensation
If you’ve been hurt because someone else was irresponsible or reckless, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and suffering. We’re here to be the tough, West Texas attorney who fights for you.
No Fees Unless We Win
By working on contingency, we can offer compassionate and competent legal representation to our Texas neighbors without charging any upfront fees. You only pay if we win!
Table of Contents
Why Braker White Is the Personal Injury Law Firm Odessa Counts On
When you’ve been injured, the lawyer you choose matters. At Braker White, we combine deep Odessa roots, decades of experience, and proven results to deliver the best possible outcome for our clients. Unlike out-of-town firms that advertise aggressively but don’t truly know our community, we’ve spent our careers standing up for West Texans right here in Odessa and Ector County.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Local Firm, Local Advantage: Our team lives and works in Odessa. Our injury attorneys understand the community and will always be accessible when you need us.
- 60+ Years of Combined Experience: Our attorneys bring more than 6 decades of combined experience in personal injury law. We have handled thousands of cases and know what it takes to win against insurance companies and corporations.
- Proven Results for Our Clients: We’ve recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injury victims across Odessa and West Texas. Our reputation is built on fighting hard to secure the compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives.
- Compassionate, Client-First Representation: We treat every client like family. That means clear communication, regular updates, and guidance every step of the way. When you choose Braker White, you’re never just a case number—you’re our neighbor, and your success is our priority.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis: you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Trust Braker White to deliver the justice you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation and let us start building the strongest claim possible for you.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Odessa
If your case type is not listed here, we still may be able to help. Contact us to find out at no cost to you.
How to Know If You Have a Personal Injury Case
A personal injury case arises when someone suffers harm because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These claims allow injured individuals to pursue compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll an accident can cause.
Determining if you have a valid case can be challenging, but knowing what to look for can simplify the process. If you’re unsure if you have a claim, the best step is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Odessa for a free case evaluation.
Here are the key factors that determine if you may have a valid personal injury claim:
- It Was Someone Else’s Fault: Your injury must have been caused by another party’s careless or wrongful actions.
- Proof of Injury: You must show that you were harmed, whether through physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses such as medical expenses and lost income.
- Timely Action: In Texas, most personal injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the injury. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.
- Demonstrable Damages: You’ll need to show that your injury resulted in real damages, which can be economic (like medical bills or lost wages) and non-economic (such as pain and suffering).
Compensation Available in Odessa Personal Injury Cases
If you’ve been injured in Odessa because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation designed to cover both the financial costs of your accident and the personal impact it has on your life.
The types of damages that may be available in your case include:
Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses tied directly to the injury. These include:
- Medical expenses (past and future): Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Income you lost while unable to work.
- Loss of earning capacity: Reduced ability to earn in the future if your injuries affect your career long-term.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of damaged property, such as your vehicle.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Costs for childcare, household help, transportation, or assistive devices related to your recovery.
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible effects of your injury that don’t come with receipts but can profoundly change your life. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and chronic pain caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychological effects of the trauma.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in hobbies, activities, or experiences you once enjoyed.
- Loss of consortium: The negative impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Compensation for permanent physical changes that affect your quality of life.
In rare but serious cases, Texas courts may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you but to punish the wrongdoer for especially reckless, malicious, or egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future.
Factors That Affect the Value of Your Injury Claim
Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation you may recover depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries: Serious or permanent injuries usually result in higher compensation.
- Your recovery timeline: Longer recovery periods often increase both economic and non-economic damages.
- Impact on your ability to work: Whether your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your earning potential.
- Medical costs and future care needs: The total of past, current, and anticipated medical expenses.
- Insurance coverage: The at-fault party’s policy limits and any additional sources of compensation.
- Clarity of liability: Strong evidence of fault can make it easier to secure a fair settlement.
- Long-term effects: Disabilities, chronic pain, or lasting emotional trauma can increase the potential value of your case.
Our Odessa injury attorneys can calculate what you may be owed and pursue the maximum compensation available to help ensure your claim reflects both your immediate losses and your long-term needs.
If you’ve been injured, don’t leave money on the table. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Important Legal Rules in Texas Injury Cases
After a serious accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your rights. Understanding a few key legal principles can make a big difference in your recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation.
What Is Negligence & How Do I Prove It?
Negligence (the backbone of personal injury claims) means someone failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused your injury. To prove negligence, 4 elements must be established:
- Duty of Care: The other party had a responsibility to act safely.
- Breach of Duty: They failed to uphold that duty.
- Causation: Their careless action directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm as a result, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Proving negligence requires strong evidence. Our Odessa attorneys gather and present proof such as police reports, medical records, accident reconstructions, expert testimony, and more. We know what it takes to build a strong case under Texas law.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partly at Fault?
Accidents aren’t always clear-cut and sometimes multiple people share responsibility. In Texas, the rule of modified comparative negligence applies. This means:
- You can still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault.
- Your compensation will be reduced by your share of responsibility.
Example: If you are found 30% responsible for an accident with $100,000 in damages, your recovery would be reduced to $70,000.
Insurance companies often use this law to shift blame onto you and reduce what they pay. Our injury lawyers in Odessa know these tactics, push back against unjust claims, and fight to make sure you aren’t unfairly blamed.
How Much Time Do I Have to File an Injury Claim in Texas?
Texas law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits, known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, you have just 2 years from the date of your accident to file suit.
Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to compensation. That’s why it’s so important to speak with an attorney right away. Acting quickly not only preserves your claim but also protects critical evidence. Our team moves fast to secure evidence before it disappears, giving your case the strongest possible foundation.
At Braker White, we don’t just explain the law—we put it to work for you. From protecting you against unfair blame to making sure your claim is filed on time, we use our local knowledge and decades of experience to give you the best chance at maximum compensation.
What to Do After an Accident in Odessa
An accident can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. But the steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days after the incident can have a major impact on both your recovery and your ability to secure compensation.
- Put Safety First and Get Medical Care: Your health is the top priority. If you or anyone else is seriously injured, call 911 right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to be examined by a doctor. Medical records serve as essential evidence when pursuing a claim.
- Report the Accident: Notify the proper authority about your accident. Depending on your case, this could be law enforcement, your employer, or a property owner or manager. Make sure the incident is documented in writing and request a copy for your records.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you’re able, collect as much evidence as possible before the scene changes, such as photos, videos, and contact information for witnesses who saw what happened. This evidence can help prove negligence and prevent disputes later.
- Watch What You Say: Avoid apologizing or making comments that could sound like an admission of fault. Stick to the facts when speaking to police officers, employers, or property owners. Insurance companies may twist your words to reduce or deny your claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Cautious): Provide only the basic facts at this stage. Avoid giving recorded statements, speculating about fault, or accepting early settlement offers without first talking to a lawyer.
- Contact an Odessa Personal Injury Lawyer: The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be. Our Odessa injury lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process.
- Follow Medical Advice and Track Your Recovery: Stick to your doctor’s treatment plan and keep records of every appointment, prescription, and therapy session. Also, note how your injuries affect daily life (missed workdays, lost activities, or ongoing pain). This documentation helps us build a claim that reflects the true impact of your injury.
- Keep Financial Records Organized: From medical bills and repair estimates to receipts for out-of-pocket costs, keep everything in one place. Your lawyer will use these records to pursue fair compensation.
After an accident in Odessa, your actions matter. Prioritize your health, protect your rights, and let Braker White handle the legal fight so you can focus on recovery.
The Legal Process in Personal Injury Cases–What to Expect
The legal process of navigating a personal injury case in Odessa can be complex. But understanding the basic steps can help you be more prepared. Here’s a general overview of what to expect when navigating your personal injury case in Odessa:
1. Initial Consultation with a Lawyer
While it is not required for you to hire a lawyer, an experienced injury lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success. At Braker White, your initial case review is free. We’ll discuss your case details and advise you on your legal options and potential compensation.
2. Investigation
If you choose to hire our Odessa personal injury law firm, your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony, to build a strong case.
3. Filing the Claim
If there’s sufficient evidence, your lawyer will file a complaint in the appropriate Texas court, outlining your allegations and the compensation sought.
4. Discovery & Pre-Trial Procedures
Both sides exchange information during discovery. This includes written questions, document requests, and depositions. Pre-trial motions may be filed to resolve issues before trial.
5. Settlement Negotiations
Most cases settle out of court. Your lawyer will negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If both parties agree, the case ends there.
6. Trial (If Needed)
Most personal injury cases never go to trial. However, if a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the case goes to trial. Both sides will present their evidence and arguments to a judge or jury. After hearing both sides, the judge or jury will make a decision (verdict) on whether you should receive compensation and how much.
7. Post-Trial
If you win, the defendant must pay the awarded amount. Additional legal steps may be necessary if the defendant contests the payment. Either party can appeal the decision, potentially extending the case duration.
Put An Award Winning Lawyer On Your Side!
How an Odessa Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You
After an accident, having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference. At Braker White, our Odessa personal injury attorneys combine over 60 years of experience with a deep commitment to protecting our neighbors in Ector County. Here’s how we help:
- Level the Playing Field Against Insurance Companies: Insurance companies have teams of lawyers trained to minimize payouts. Without representation, you risk settling for far less than you may deserve. Our attorneys handle all communication, negotiations, and strategy so that you don’t have to face powerful insurers alone.
- Investigate and Build a Strong Case: We gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos, videos, and expert analysis to prove what happened and who was at fault. Our local knowledge of Odessa courts and resources helps ensure your case is built on solid ground.
- Calculate the Full Value of Your Claim: Many victims underestimate the long-term costs of an accident. We carefully calculate your economic damages, non-economic damages, and future needs to make sure your recovery is fully covered.
- Protect You From Blame-Shifting: Your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partly at fault for your accident. Insurance adjusters often try to pin blame on victims. We push back against these tactics, making sure liability is accurately assessed so your recovery isn’t unfairly reduced.
- Represent You in Court if Needed: While most cases settle, some may require trial. Our Odessa injury lawyers are seasoned litigators who aren’t afraid to take your case before a jury.
- Give You Peace of Mind While You Heal: We take on the legal burdens so you can focus on recovery and your family. From day one, we’ll keep you informed, answer your questions, and treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve.
With Braker White, you gain a team of local advocates dedicated to protecting your future. Let us help you secure the stability, justice, and confidence you need to move forward.
Odessa Personal Injury FAQs
After an accident:
- Contact a Lawyer: Consult an Odessa personal injury lawyer for guidance.
- Seek Medical Help: Get immediate medical attention.
- Report the Accident: Notify the police or relevant authorities.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos, collect witness info, and document the scene.
Avoid making statements to insurance companies without a lawyer, posting about the accident on social media, or delaying medical treatment.
In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a claim.
Fault is established by evaluating evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or malicious conduct.
The value of your personal injury case depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other case-specific factors. An attorney can estimate the potential compensation based on the unique details of your case.
Timelines vary; some cases settle quickly, others can take months or years, especially if they go to trial. Our Odessa personal injury attorneys work diligently to expedite the process while working to achieve maximum compensation for your injuries, keeping you informed every step of the way
If the insurance company offers you a settlement, do not accept it without close examination. It’s highly advisable to consult with a lawyer before accepting any settlement to ensure it adequately covers your damages.
Remember: Insurance companies are for-profit businesses and their goal is to pay out as little as they can. Most initial settlement offers are low-ball offers intended to get you to settle quickly for less than you may be entitled to.
In Texas, you can still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial.
Provide medical records, accident reports, expert testimony, and other evidence linking your injuries to the accident.
While not mandatory, a personal injury lawyer can help maximize your compensation and navigate legal complexities.
Our Odessa personal injury lawyers don’t charge anything upfront. You only pay if we win your case, with the fee coming out of the settlement or verdict.
Speak With an Odessa Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Every injury case is more than just paperwork and legal arguments—it’s about protecting your health, your future, and your peace of mind. At Braker White, our attorneys have spent decades fighting for families across Odessa and the Permian Basin, holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring our neighbors aren’t left to struggle alone.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, now is the time to take the next step. Contact a trusted Odessa personal injury lawyer at Braker White for a free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with strength and confidence.