Find Help For Auto Accident Claims From A San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer
Texas follows a fault-based insurance system, which means the person who caused the accident must pay for the resulting damages. This sounds straightforward, but the reality is much more complicated. While you focus on healing from injuries, you must also deal with insurers who work to protect their profits and not your interests. Having an auto accident attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the compensation you deserve.
Since our founding in 2016, we at Garza & Associates, PLLC, have stood up to insurance companies that try to take advantage of accident victims in San Antonio. We have seen firsthand the physical, emotional and financial toll a car accident can take on individuals and their families. This is what drives our lead counsel, attorney Mae Garza, and the rest of our firm to ease the burden of accident victims through dedicated legal representation.
Types Of Compensation Available In Texas
After an auto accident in Texas, you may qualify for compensation depending on your specific situation and the severity of your injuries. These include:
- Medical treatment costs: These include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications and any future medical care your injuries will require.
- Lost wages: When injuries keep you from working, you deserve payment for all missed paychecks as you recover. This may also include compensation for reduced earning capacity if you must work fewer hours because of your injury.
- Property damage: You deserve compensation for repairs to your vehicle or its replacement value if it was totaled.
- Pain and suffering: This addresses the physical discomfort and pain you endure because of your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Car accidents often cause significant psychological effects, from anxiety to sleep problems and post-traumatic stress. These invisible injuries deserve recognition and compensation.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the other driver showed extreme recklessness, such as drunk driving or excessive speeding, courts may award additional money to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
As your legal allies, our job is to explore all possible forms of compensation available for your case. Insurance companies rarely offer fair settlements that cover all these areas without legal pressure. We aim to secure the full amount you need to rebuild your life after a serious auto accident.
You Just Got Into A Car Accident. What Do You Do?
Your actions immediately following a collision can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. These steps are crucial:
- Call 911: Report the accident to the San Antonio Police Department. Officers will document the scene and create a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3), which serves as critical evidence for your claim.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine: Injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not show symptoms immediately. Local facilities like Methodist Hospital or University Health can provide thorough examinations and create medical records that document your injuries.
Delaying treatment and missing out on evidence gives insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. We recommend you prioritize your health and create a clear medical record from day one.
You Can Still Recover Compensation Even If You Share Some Fault
Many accident victims worry they cannot pursue a claim because they made a mistake that contributed to the crash. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule that allows you to recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
Under this 51% rule, your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If, for example, you were 20% at fault and your damages add up to $100,000, you would receive $80,000. However, if a court determines you were 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover anything.
Insurance adjusters often try to shift more blame onto you to reduce their payout or deny your claim entirely. We at Garza & Associates, PLLC, fight these tactics by gathering evidence that accurately reflects what happened and protects your right to fair compensation.
Act Quickly: Texas Gives You Two Years To File Your Claim
Texas law sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits stemming from car accidents. This deadline starts on the date of the accident. If you miss this period, there is a chance that the court will dismiss your case. No matter how convincing your evidence or how severe your injuries are, it may no longer be possible.
Two years might seem like plenty of time, but building a strong case takes months. We need time to investigate the accident, gather medical records, consult with experts and negotiate with insurance companies. Waiting too long can also mean lost evidence, faded memories and witnesses who become harder to locate.
Contact an attorney you can trust right after your accident. The sooner we start working on your case, the better position we’ll be in to secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
Speak With A San Antonio Auto Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t let insurance companies determine what your case is worth. Contact our office today by calling 210-762-5466 or completing an online form. Attorney Mae will evaluate your claim, explain all your legal options and handle all communications with insurance adjusters.
