Areas We Serve in San Antonio, Texas
Downtown San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, The Dominion, King William Historic District, Monte Vista Historic District, North Central, Medical Center, La Cantera, Leon Springs, Helotes, Olmos Park, Shavano Park, Brooks City Base, Far West Side, East Side, West Side, South Side, The Pearl District, Terrell Hills, Windcrest, Castle Hills, Lackland Air Force Base area, UTSA area, Medical Center, Huebner Oaks, Sonterra, Government Hill, South Flores Arts District, Tobin Hill, Mahncke Park, Monte Vista, Deco District, Alta Vista, Five Points, Dignowity Hill, Denver Heights, Highland Park, Palm Heights, Woodlawn Lake, Beacon Hill, Jefferson, Lavaca, Southtown/King William, Downtown/Riverwalk, Eastside Promise Neighborhood, Westside.
San Antonio car accident lawyers at Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers possess the skills, dedication, and resources to make a serious difference in the lives of car accident victims. We are a team of fearless trial attorneys who have faced large corporations and insurance companies in the fight for justice in a multitude of personal injury cases. Our best car crash accident lawyers take the time to listen to your needs and ensure the legal representation is specifically tailored to your individual needs to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your automobile personal injury claims.
Car Accident Attorney in San Antonio Explains Frequently Asked Questions
What are Legal Damages?
San Antonio car accident lawyers understand that not all car accidents are the same. Certain car collisions present intricate legal matters and result in severe injuries, which warrant various forms of legal compensation for the injured party, commonly referred to as damages. Damages in the legal landscape stand for the monetary compensation given to car accident victims to cover the losses the injured party incurred because of the collision. The specific types of damages awarded to car accident victims depend on the accident's particulars and there are many different types of legal damages that an injury victim may be entitled to receive.
Funds expended by you due to the car collision. In the context of your auto accident claim, economic damages include items for which you need receipts or invoices to show the exact amount of money you have lost because of another’s fault.
Texas law allows you to recover medical expenses incurred following a car accident. These may include ambulance bills, hospital visits, emergency clinic appointments, chiropractic visits, prescription medications, injections, MRI exams, and more. Additionally, you may receive compensation for future medical procedures you might require, such as surgeries and similar treatments. Your auto accident lawyer may refer to these as future damages.
San Antonio car accident attorneys will commonly tell you that you may also be compensated in order to repair your car. If the damage to your vehicle is severe enough, you may be entitled to receive money to replace your vehicle following a car collision.
San Antonio car accident attorneys often explain that you may receive compensation to repair your vehicle. If the damage to your car is extensive, you may receive funds for a vehicle replacement after a collision.
After a car accident in San Antonio, if you're unable to work due to injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes earnings you couldn't receive and time away from work because of an automobile accident. Current and future lost wages refer to income or earnings you can't earn immediately (current lost wages) and potentially in the future (future lost wages) due to a car crash.
Refers to the decreased make money in the future because of personal injury following a car collision. In other words, the car crash injured you in such a way that you are unable to make as much money as you could before the auto accident.
Top lawyers in San Antonio will maximize your car accident injury claim by seeking recovery for all the economic and non-economic damages available in your car crash case.
These include things to which it is difficult to assign a monetary value.
- Physical Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation encompasses financial reimbursement for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured because of the car crash and may continue to experience in the future.
- Mental or Emotional Pain or Anguish
Car collisions in San Antonio may cause the injured person to feel anxiety, insomnia, trauma, depression, sleep disturbances, or other forms of mental suffering for the injured person. Texas law acknowledges these impacts and allows for recovery of damages related to such psychological effects.
Loss of consortium in a Texas injury claim refers to the legal damages awarded to compensate a spouse for the loss of companionship, affection, intimacy, and support that results from personal injuries caused by a car collision. It recognizes that injuries to one spouse can affect the marital relationship and diminish the quality of life for both partners.
Serious car crashes may lead to physical changes or alterations to the injured person's appearance. Disfigurement includes visible scars, deformities, or other permanent deforming marks that significantly change a person's appearance. The value of disfigurement will depend on many factors and is case specific.
Car accident injuries may lead to physical limitations or disabilities, collectively known as physical impairment. This can encompass conditions like paralysis, loss of limb function, chronic pain, reduced mobility, or other physical ailments that hinder daily activities or work. If you experience physical impairment, your San Antonio car wreck lawyer can seek compensation for these damages on your behalf.
- Loss of Companionship and Society
Loss of companionship and society in the context of a San Antonio car crash injury case refers to the deprivation experienced by a spouse or family member due to the injury or death of a loved one in a vehicle crash. It recognizes the emotional and relational impact on the family unit.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of enjoyment of life in Texas, after a car crash, refers to the diminished ability of an injured person to participate in and derive pleasure from activities and interests they previously enjoyed. It encompasses the physical and emotional impact of the injury that restricts or prevents the individual from engaging in hobbies, social activities, sports, and other aspects of daily life that contributed to their quality of life before the accident.
The best car accident attorneys in San Antonio can help you recover other non-economic damages. Such damages may include any other types of losses to which it may be difficult to assign a monetary value.
Exemplary damages in Texas, also known as punitive damages, are awarded in civil cases to punish a wrongdoer for particularly egregious or wrongful conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to compensate the injured party for losses suffered, exemplary damages are intended to penalize the defendant and send a message that certain behavior will not be tolerated.
In Texas, exemplary damages may be awarded when the defendant's actions involve fraud, malice, and gross negligence.
It's quite surprising that numerous drivers in San Antonio do not have auto insurance. If you're involved in a car accident where the uninsured driver is at fault, you may seek compensation from your own insurance provider if your auto policy includes uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage. This coverage is not mandatory in Texas but serves to safeguard your interests if you encounter an accident with a driver who lacks adequate insurance. The compensation amount you receive under UM/UIM will vary based on the specifics of your situation, up to the limits of your UM/UIM policy.
What is the Car Accident Case Value in San Antonio, Texas?
Top San Antonio car accident lawyers valuate a vehicle accident case on many different factors. Some of these factors include:
- Severity of Injuries: The extent and seriousness of traffic accident injuries sustained in the car crash greatly impact the case value. Severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or resulting in long-term disability generally lead to higher compensation.
- Medical Expenses: The total amount of medical bills incurred due to the auto wreck, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, therapy, and ongoing treatment, contributes to the case's financial value.
- Medical Treatment: In a car collision case, to maximize recovery, it is important to maintain consistent medical treatment and adhere to doctor's recommendations. If a car accident victim postpones treatment or fails to adhere to therapy consistently, insurance companies may leverage this to argue that the injured party is not that hurt.
- Lost Income: Compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity if the injuries prevent the victim from working or reduce their ability to work in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident and its aftermath.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles and other property affected by the accident. If the traffic accident caused extensive property damage to the car, then your San Antonio accident lawyer can argue that the motor vehicle collision and your injuries are serious.
- Fault: Determination of fault in a car wreck case affects the ability to recover damages. If police responded to the crash scene and determined that the other driver was at fault, then that evidence is incredibly helpful to establish responsibility for the car collision. Upon conclusion of the investigation, law enforcement generates a car accident report, which contains all the important information about the accident scene, the parties involved, any witness information, and the officer’s determination of who caused the vehicular collision.
- Pre-Existing Injuries: If a car wreck worsened any medical conditions you had prior to the car collision, you may be compensated for aggravating the conditions.
- Insurance Coverage: The insurance policy limits of the at-fault driver and any applicable uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage from the plaintiff's policy. If the at-fault driver has only minimum liability coverage and your medical costs are more than this amount, then you may rely on your UIM coverage to compensate for the difference.
- Evidence and Documentation: Strength of evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony, can influence the outcome and value of your car wreck case.
- Health Insurance: After a car crash, using your health insurance for medical treatment is optional. If you choose to use it, remember that you can only seek compensation from the at-fault party for what your insurance actually paid. For example, if your initial medical bills amounted to $100,000 but your insurance covered and reduced them to $10,000, you can only claim the $10,000 from the at-fault party.
- Jurisdiction and Legal Environment: Local laws, court precedents, and legal strategies relevant to motor vehicle accidents in the specific jurisdiction where the injury case is filed. The venue in which you initiate the car motor vehicle accident lawsuit can greatly impact the car injury settlement. Some courts are friendly toward injury victims and some favor insurance companies. Car accident lawsuits involve many strategic considerations, such as in what venue to initiate the car accident claim.
- Negotiation Skills: The effectiveness of your car accident legal representation in negotiating a fair settlement or presenting a compelling case in court. Car collision lawyers use different strategies to persuade the insurance companies to ensure the injured person receives maximum compensation available in the car collision case.
How Quickly Should I Hire a San Antonio Car Accident Attorney?
After a car wreck, the at-fault party’s insurance carrier will contact you right away to gather critical information. A car accident injury victim may not even know that this conversation is recorded and any statements may be used against the injured person to undervalue their claim. The best auto accident lawyers understand that the sooner you hire a lawyer, the quicker the injury lawyer can shield you from making statements that may hurt your injury claim.
An experienced San Antonio injury lawyer will review your case and gather the evidence necessary to maximize your car accident settlement. It is best to contact your San Antonio car accident lawyer right away to understand your legal options and ensure car injury compensation is not in jeopardy. San Antonio car accident compensation lawyers also help clients by explaining the legal process, applicable laws and available legal theories, and manage your expectations. If you were involved in a car accident today, contact the best San Antonio car accident attorney as soon as you can.
Your local San Antonio car accident attorney is just a phone call away. Call us at (956) 225-2509 complete our contact form. Hablamos Español.
Car Accident Statistics in San Antonio
As one of the top 10 largest cities in the country, San Antonio experiences significant vehicular traffic. The city's rapid growth presents challenges for daily commuters, exacerbated by ongoing construction and other factors, which increase the risk of traffic-related accidents.
Here are key car injury statistics in the area:
- Fatal Crashes: 160
- Fatalities: 164
- Suspected Serious Crashes: 536
- Suspected Serious Injuries: 612
- Suspected Minor Crashes: 612
- Suspected Minor Injuries: 5,379
- Suspected Minor Injuries: 7,275
- Possible Injury Crashes: 5,645
- Possible Injuries: 9,287
- Non-Injury Crashes: 25,709
- Non-Injuries: 69,816
- Unknown Severity Crashes: 2,648
- Unknown Injuries: 12,601
- Total Crashes: 40,077
10 San Antonio Roads With High Crash Rates
Here are ten roads that have been noted for challenging traffic conditions or higher car crash volume and accident rates in San Antonio:
- Interstate 35 (I-35): Known for heavy traffic and congestion, especially during peak hours.
- Loop 410 (Connally Loop): Encircles much of San Antonio and can experience high traffic volumes.
- Interstate 10 (I-10): A major east-west corridor with frequent congestion and occasional accidents.
- US Route 281 (US-281): Runs north-south through San Antonio, known for traffic bottlenecks and accidents.
- Interstate 37 (I-37): Connects downtown San Antonio to Corpus Christi, prone to congestion and accidents near downtown.
- Highway 90 (US-90): Known for heavy commercial traffic and occasional congestion.
- Loop 1604 (Charles W. Anderson Loop): Encircles the outer areas of San Antonio and experiences high traffic volumes, especially in growing suburban areas.
- Bandera Road (State Highway 16): Can experience heavy traffic and congestion, particularly in northwest San Antonio.
- Military Drive (Loop 13): A major thoroughfare known for heavy traffic and intersections prone to accidents.
- Culebra Road (FM 471): Particularly congested in the western parts of San Antonio, with frequent accidents reported.
Common Car Accidents
Car accidents in San Antonio can vary widely in nature, including:
- Rear-end collisions: Often occur at stoplights or in traffic jams, these can lead to whiplash and back injuries.
- Side impacts: Common at intersections, these can cause serious harm to passengers on the struck side.
- Rollovers: Typically involve high speeds or sharp turns. Rollovers can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Head-on crashes: Among the most dangerous, these accidents often result in serious bodily injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or death.
- Multi-vehicle accidents: Pile-ups on highways can cause extensive damage and multiple injuries to various body parts, such as head, neck, back, and limbs. These types of collisions can lead to permanent injuries, burns, and fatalities.
- Hit-and-runs: When the at-fault driver flees the scene, victims may face additional challenges in seeking compensation.
Car Accident Injuries
- Fractures: Broken bones that may require extensive treatment and recovery time.
- Disk herniations to the back and neck: These painful conditions can severely limit mobility, quality of life, and require ongoing medical care.
- Spinal cord injuries: These potentially life-altering injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, resulting in medical costs that can exceed tens of thousands of dollars.
- Burn Injuries: Car accident burn injuries occur when the skin or other tissues are exposed to heat, electricity, or chemicals. They are classified into different degrees based on their severity:
- First-degree burns: Affect the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), causing redness and pain.
- Second-degree burns: Involve the epidermis and part of the underlying layer (dermis), causing blistering, severe pain, and possible scarring.
- Third-degree burns: Destroy both the epidermis and dermis, extending into deeper tissues. They often appear white, charred, or leathery and may require skin grafts.
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Spinal cord injuries result from damage to the spinal cord, which may occur from trauma due to a vehicular impact. The severity of SCI can vary widely and often leads to significant impairment.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries result from a sudden trauma to the head, causing damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild to severe:
- Mild TBI (concussion): Often a temporary injury. It may cause headache, confusion, memory problems, and nausea.
- Moderate to severe TBI: Can result in prolonged unconsciousness, severe cognitive deficits, and even death.
Local accident attorneys will often tell their clients to seek medical attention promptly if injured in a car crash. Top-rated car accident attorneys encourage their clients to keep a journal or use a cell phone to document injuries and pain levels; this can serve as a helpful tool to recall details later.
Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Texas
In Texas, you generally have a two-year window from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit. This is yet another reason why San Antonio automobile accident attorneys act promptly. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to seek compensation for personal injuries such as fractures, concussions, or spinal cord injuries.
Contact Best San Antonio Car Accident Lawyers Today
Our San Antonio car accident team offers skilled legal assistance for personal injury cases involving car collisions on the expressway, car crashes on city streets, auto accidents on country roads, and beyond.
If you've been involved in a car accident in San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Olmos Park, Balcones Heights or anywhere in Texas, contact our dedicated, aggressive team at Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers at (956) 225-2509.
