Were you or a family member injured after a car accident in San Antonio, TX? You may have the right to recover compensation for every crash consequence, including your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Our accomplished San Antonio car accident lawyers at George Salinas Injury Lawyers can help you. Contact our law firm at (210) 225-0909 for a free consultation and learn about your legal options.
When you choose George Salinas, you benefit from a team of top-rated Texas trial attorneys with over 110 years of combined experience handling tough car accident cases. We have won hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits, settlements, and jury awards on behalf of our clients.
If you or a loved one need legal help after a car crash, call our San Antonio personal injury attorneys today. We’ll fight for you from start to finish.
Why Choose George Salinas Injury Lawyers To Handle My San Antonio Car Accident Case?
You do not have to deal with the insurance company or navigate this process on your own. That’s where our San Antonio car accident lawyers come in.
You take the time you need to rest and recover. In the meantime, our top-rated Texas litigators can help with every aspect of your auto accident legal claim, including but not limited to the following:
- Coordinate an in-depth investigation into your auto accident and what caused it
- Analyze tire tracks, property damage, photographs, video footage, witness statements, vehicle maintenance records, medical records, accident reports, and other evidence as we build and value your claim to establish liability
- Enlist the help of specialists and experts with specific knowledge and insight into the details of your case
- Handle issues of disputed liability
- File claims and negotiate with the insurance adjuster and other parties
- Go to court, if necessary, to protect your rights
We know that the costs of a car accident can be incredibly high. Between mounting medical bills and a sudden loss of income, it can be tough to make ends meet. That’s why our San Antonio accident lawyers represent accident victims on a contingency fee basis. It costs nothing out-of-pocket to begin working with our accident lawyers. You only pay us attorney’s fees if we win, and our fee comes directly out of your award.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident, experienced San Antonio car accident lawyers can help you hold all parties responsible. Studies have shown victims represented by a San Antonio accident attorney will end their cases with a larger amount of compensation than those who don’t have legal representation — even after paying attorney fees. That’s because a good attorney can be such an effective advocate.
Lawyers who practice personal injury law and who have experience with car accident cases can help you level the playing field with the party who caused your wreck. You don’t want to hire just any lawyer, though. You must make sure your San Antonio car accident lawyer has the knowledge, skill, and ability to fight aggressively for your rights and maximize the chances you’ll prevail in court.
It can be challenging to advocate for yourself while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Hiring experienced car accident lawyers can help you get the fair compensation you need.
We can do the following for you:
- Thoroughly investigate the crash and identify who is responsible for your injuries
- Gather relevant evidence
- Work with experts
- Provide sound legal advice
- Negotiate for a fair amount on your behalf
- Provide courtroom representation when necessary
To make sure you’re finding the right advocate for you
- Review the attorney’s website carefully. Do they provide informative and helpful information written in plain language that you can understand?
- Find out about their past experience. You’ll want an attorney solely focused on car accidents and other personal injury claims. You’ll also want to make sure your lawyer has a track record of successfully winning cases for clients.
- Learn how they charge. Your attorney should offer free consultations and case evaluations. Your lawyer should also charge on a contingent fee basis, which means that they should not collect legal fees from you if you don’t recover compensation.
- Be sure they have trial experience. Just 3% of personal injury claims go to trial according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. You need an attorney who is comfortable in the courtroom in case your claim does not end up settling outside of court.
George Salinas Injury Lawyers meet all of these criteria and more. Members of our team are part of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and we have a combined 110+ years of experience helping injured victims to fight for justice.
We go beyond just providing solid legal credentials, though. We care about every client and we take our responsibilities to fight for you seriously. That’s why we have a 4.9 out of 5 Google Rating and why we’ve recovered millions for our clients.
If you want to find out if we’re the right firm for you, just reach out today to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to help you understand all that we can do for you as we work hard to help you be “made whole” In an accident’s aftermath.
Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers for a no-charge consultation and begin pursuing what you deserve. Keep in mind that with our contingency fee payment structure, you only pay us if we obtain money for you.
Should You Talk to Your Insurance Company in San Antonio?
You should report your auto accident to your insurance company after any collision in San Antonio. Don’t let another driver convince you not to report the crash with promises they’ll pay damages. Sometimes, injury and property loss can be more serious than it initially appears and they may not have the money in the end — in which case your insurance may need to step in.
The other driver’s insurance company may also want to hear your version of events, especially if you are pursuing a claim for compensation from their insured policyholder or if there is controversy over who was at fault for the collision.
While you’ll likely need to talk with the insurer if you want to get paid for your losses, you also need to be cautious about what you say. You don’t want to make statements that the insurance company uses to undermine your claim. For example, you might forget something that happened or misspeak about your injuries and the insurer might try to use that to claim you’re lying or exaggerating about your damages.
Before speaking with any insurance company — and especially before speaking with the other driver’s insurer, you should consider getting legal advice. The legal team at George Salinas Injury Lawyers can work with you to understand your rights and obligations and to help ensure that any conversation with an insurer advances your interests instead of compromising your case.
How Much Is My San Antonio Car Accident Case Worth?
No attorney can tell you the exact amount you will receive. Every case is unique and will result in consequences personal to the victim. Nonetheless, you should expect your auto accident case’s value to hinge on various factors, including:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- The wages you’ve lost
- Whether you’ll earn less money when you return to work because of limitations associated with your injuries
- The pain and suffering you’ve experienced
- Available insurance coverages
To get a better sense of your case’s value, call us to schedule a no-charge consultation.
What To Do After a Car Crash in San Antonio
After a car crash in San Antonio, you should follow some basic instructions from the Texas Department of Transportation. The DOT recommends:
- Checking for injuries and helping those who have been harmed
- Moving your vehicles out of harm’s way and out of the path of traffic when possible
- Calling the police if anyone is hurt, if the vehicles can’t move, if anyone might be drunk, or if anyone tries to leave the crash scene
- Exchanging contact information with the other drivers involved in the accident and with witnesses to the collision
These are the steps the Department of Transportation advises taking right away but there are also some things you should do to protect your health and your legal rights. Specifically, you’ll want to see a doctor immediately so that your doctor can diagnose hidden injuries the crash might have caused and so your doctor can keep careful records of all the harm you endured.
If you want to pursue car accident compensation, you’ll have to show how badly you were hurt and prove that your injuries were directly caused by the collision. It is easier to do that if you have medical records in the immediate aftermath of the accident that attests to the extent of the damage that has been done to you.
Beyond taking care of your medical needs, you should also take steps to protect your legal rights as well. Since you can pursue a car accident claim in Texas, you’ll want to begin preserving evidence and maximizing your chances of being fully and fairly compensated for losses. You’ll also want to identify all potential defendants who could be responsible for compensating you. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible can help you to do that.
George Salinas Injury Law Firm will begin advocating for you from day one, working with you to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and document the ways in which your injuries changed your life. You have only two years to pursue a car accident claim from the time of the incident, according to Texas Code Section 16.003 so you don’t have time to waste. Reach out to an attorney right away when your collision occurs.
How Long Do I Have To File a Texas Car Accident Lawsuit?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most injury cases is two years. This gives you two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. With a few limited exceptions, the right to pursue compensation expires once the statute of limitations in Texas expires.
Protect yourself by contacting a San Antonio car accident attorney for help as soon as you can after your accident.
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
If you were in a car crash in San Antonio, you could be entitled to damages from the at-fault driver or their insurance company. Economic damages will cover your monetary losses; non-economic damages will cover your personal, non-financial losses. These damages aim to put you and your family in the position you were in before the auto accident (to make you “whole”). Punitive damages are also awarded in rare instances to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
A personal injury case will allow you to seek the following:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical therapy/rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring/disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
An experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer can help you identify and calculate all your losses. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our law firm to better understand your legal options.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Car accident attorneys typically charge nothing upfront. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means their fee is contingent upon the result in your case.
Under a contingency fee structure, if your attorney fails to obtain money for you, you will not pay them any attorney fees. If they win, they will take a percentage of your settlement or verdict as payment for the representation.
Also, many law firms offer free consultations to help you understand your rights.
Can I Get Compensation If I’m Partly Responsible for My Car Wreck?
As long as you’re not primarily responsible for the auto accident, yes.
Texas operates under a modified comparative negligence system. Sharing more than 50 percent of the blame for an auto accident bars a financial recovery. Sharing less than 51 percent of the blame results in a reduction of compensation. Damages are reduced in direct proportion to your own negligence. So, the more blame you share, the less money you’ll be able to get in a related claim or lawsuit.
It’s important to be ready for the insurance company to try to point fingers and shift blame after a wreck. If they’re successful, you could watch your ability to obtain money fade away. We will be ready to fight for you no matter what when liability is contested.
Will My Car Accident Case Go To Trial?
You will likely deal with an insurance company if you are involved in a car crash. Many cases settle before going to trial. However, it sometimes becomes necessary to go to trial when insurance companies fail to make a fair offer to victims.
Car accident lawyers can negotiate on your behalf. Our San Antonio law firm can support you in the courtroom if a fair agreement cannot be reached.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Although the moments after an accident is caused can be overwhelming, you need to take certain steps to protect your health and claim. These steps can mean the difference between maximizing the value of your case and walking away with less than you deserve.
After a crash in San Antonio, you should:
- Call 911. Texas law requires drivers to report an accident if it involves injury, death, or significant damage to property. Even if it doesn’t, calling law enforcement would still be a good idea. Police officers can respond to the scene and create an accident report with details about the crash and who caused it. This police report can be helpful to your claim.
- Exchange info. You should exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes contact and insurance information. You will need this information before you can pursue a claim. You should also get the contact info for any witnesses to the accident.
- Seek medical attention. You should seek immediate medical care after your accident — either in an ambulance or by following up with your medical provider. Prompt medical attention will ensure you recover as quickly as possible from your injuries. It will also prevent other parties from claiming you failed to mitigate your damages.
You should also consider hiring an attorney with a reputable law firm as soon as possible after your crash. Your attorney can protect your rights throughout the process. Call our law office for help.
Types of Auto Accidents We Handle
George Salinas has decades of experience handling auto cases, including those considered some of the most complex and lucrative. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions for our injured clients. Our award-winning law firm regularly represents victims of:
Distracted Driving
Whether someone is texting or searching for a song to play, this can lead to serious injuries. You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured in an auto accident with the help of our San Antonio distracted driving accident lawyers.
Drunk Driving
If you are injured by someone driving under the influence of alcohol, it can lead to traumatic and catastrophic consequences. Drinking is one of the most dangerous things to do before getting behind the wheel. Even if the driver is found guilty in criminal court, you are still left dealing with your physical and emotional injuries.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on wrecks can easily result in life-altering injuries or fatalities. These accidents can lead to accumulating medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses. Consult with our San Antonio head-on collision lawyers to learn more about what compensation you can recover and how you can make the responsible party pay for what they’ve done.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes in San Antonio often occur when drivers are following too closely. These are accidents that you rarely see coming and can be especially dangerous.
Speeding Accidents
Aggressive maneuvers and moving at unsafe speeds have led to far too many speeding accidents. The likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities in crashes increases when vehicles travel at high speeds.
Other car accident claims we work on, include:
- T-bone accidents
- Left-turn accidents
- Multi-vehicle wrecks
- Single-vehicle collisions
- Fatigued driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Illegal turns
- Vehicle malfunctions, often due to product liability
- Road defects and hazards
- Bad weather conditions
We are ready to use our extensive skills and experience for you. Call our law firm or submit an online contact form for help.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries After My Car Accident?
Under Texas law, liability can be shared by everyone who indirectly or directly causes a wreck. Depending on the specific details of your case, this might include:
- The driver of a passenger vehicle
- Vehicle passenger
- Truck driver
- Bus driver
- Motorcyclist
- Bicyclist
- Pedestrian
- Uber or Lyft driver
- Employer of a negligent party
- Property owner
- Government entity or agency
Our attorneys will actively and aggressively seek damages from anyone who contributed to your wreck.
Common Car Accident Injuries After a Collision
Whether you’re in a rollover, intersection crash, or another type of car accident, the injuries you suffer can alter your life’s course.
At George Salinas Injury Lawyers, we help clients with claims involving:
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Lost limbs
- Crushing injuries
- Chest injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Back injuries
- Joint injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
Always make it a priority to get to the closest hospital to you after you’re involved in a wreck. Do this, even if you don’t think that you’ve been hurt or that your injuries are severe. Many times, the signs and symptoms of injuries can be masked by adrenaline and the rush of the crash. If your injuries aren’t diagnosed and treated right away, you risk suffering from serious (and potentially life-threatening) complications.
San Antonio Car Accident Statistics
Home to more than 1.45 million people, San Antonio is the third-largest city in Texas – and the 26th-largest city nationwide. Every day, the city’s population swells as I-10, I-35, and other interstates funnel workers, students, and tourists into the metropolitan area.
It should come as no surprise that traffic accidents are incredibly common here.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, at least 39,355 car accidents were reported in San Antonio in 2022.
Based on 2022 statistics, there are roughly 107 collisions every day in the city. That’s 4 to 5 accidents an hour.
Many accidents in San Antonio are serious. In 2022, 181 car accidents were fatal and resulted in at least 199 deaths. That same year, 625 people suffered suspected serious injuries, while thousands more sustained less serious, but still potentially life-changing, injuries.
What Is the Average Settlement of a Car Accident Case?
According to a survey from the Insurance Information Institute, the average settlement after a car crash is approximately $20,000, and the average property damage amount is around $4,700.
However, average settlement amounts are not that helpful in determining how much you can receive after your accident. Average settlements are just that — averages. Many amounts are higher; many are lower. Car accident claims vary significantly in value.
Since every claim is unique, the value will depend heavily on the specific facts and circumstances involved, including the severity of your injuries and the extent of your damages. The best way to determine your claim’s potential value is to call an experienced San Antonio wrongful death lawyer at George Salinas Injury Lawyers.
Is Texas a Fault or No-Fault State For Auto Accidents?
Texas is an at-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. Every Texas driver must purchase minimum amounts of liability insurance in the event they cause an accident. If you were in a crash, you would make a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover compensation.
In a no-fault state, drivers are required to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. In those states, you would first make a claim against your own insurance company after an accident — unless you suffered a “serious injury.”
Contact A San Antonio Car Accident Lawyer Today
You don’t have to go through the fallout of a car accident by yourself. Call George Salinas Injury Lawyers, and benefit from the experience and insight of our award-winning San Antonio car accident attorneys.
We’re ready to invest 110+ years of combined experience and a demonstrated winning ability into your case. We are passionate about helping accident victims in our local community; we understand what you’re going through, and we want to provide help as best we can.
To get started, grab your phone and give our law office a call and set up a time for your free consultation or call us at (210)-225-0909.