Rejecting a settlement offer does not end your Houston personal injury case. It means negotiations continue or your attorney prepares to take the case to trial in Harris County District Court. Insurance companies handling Houston claims routinely make low initial offers, hoping you will accept less than your case is worth. Your lawyer can respond with a counteroffer backed by evidence of your medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If negotiations reach a dead end, your attorney may file a lawsuit and move the case through litigation, including discovery, depositions, and eventually a jury trial before a Harris County judge. Rejecting an offer carries some risk because a jury could award less than what was offered, or even side with the defendant. However, having a Houston trial attorney who is known for going to court often pressures the insurance company to increase their offer. Remember that Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 gives you only two years from the injury date to file suit, so timing is critical when deciding how long to negotiate.