When you get into an accident, you need medical treatment and may not be able to work afterward, depending on the extent of the injuries. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and living expenses can quickly spiral up, leaving you confused and frustrated. That’s why you must hold the party liable for your injuries accountable by filing a compensation lawsuit.

Unfortunately, the claim process can be complex and sometimes marred with unnecessary details. Your chances of recovering the damages are much better when you have a skilled San Antonio personal injury lawyer. They can provide the legal representation you need and also tell you everything you need to know about personal injury claims.

1. Personal Injury is Much More Than Car Accidents

A common notion that people have when they hear about personal injury claims in San Antonio is that it’s all about auto accidents. The truth is that personal injury cases entail any situation where a victim suffers injuries or damages due to the negligence of another.

In addition to car accidents, personal injury cases also entail:

  • Dog bites
  • Medical malpractice
  • Accidental drownings
  • Product liability
  • Premises liability
  • Brain injuries
  • Oil field and workplace injuries
  • Wrongful death

To find out if your case qualifies as personal injury, it’s advisable to consult an experienced San Antonio auto accident attorney. They’ll advise you on the steps to pursue the compensation you deserve.

2. Insurance Adjusters Don’t Work for You

Most personal injury victims are made to believe that insurance companies and adjusters work hard to do the right thing to pay fair compensation. On the contrary, even your insurance company doesn’t have your best interests at heart and will do anything possible to shortchange you.

Insurance companies are out to make a profit, and their most significant concern, above all else, is their bottom line. They care more about their shareholders and padding their pockets than they want to pay you for your injuries.

That’s why it helps to work with a skilled and aggressive auto accident lawyer in San Antonio to fight for your rights. A lawyer who has been in the field for years has the right strategy to hold the insurance company accountable and ensure they abide by the following:

  • Any promises they made to you
  • The terms of the relevant insurance policy
  • Applicable state and federal laws
  • Their duty of good faith

3. Texas Has Shared Fault Laws

When pursuing compensation in some personal injury cases, the defendant may claim that you were partially to blame for your injuries. If they can prove that you were partially responsible, the outcome could be a much lower compensation than you deserve.

Texas has comparative negligence laws that allow your compensation to be reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. An experienced San Antonio auto accident attorney can use their skills to create a solid strategy to help you recover total compensation.

4. There is a Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Claim

In Texas, there is a statute of limitations that dictates how much time personal injury victims have to file a personal injury claim, which is two years. While this may seem like a long time, remember there are pieces of evidence you must collect to file your claim. You also must get treatment and get the injuries assessed. The records are crucial in proving your case.

The insurance company may offer to compensate you outside court during this time. Since you can only receive one settlement, you cannot file a claim afterward if you agree to the insurance company’s offer, no matter how small.

5. Most Personal Injury Cases Settle Outside of the Courtroom

Some personal injury victims avoid pursuing a compensation claim for their injuries because they fear the lawsuits will drag on forever. The truth is that the length of a lawsuit varies from one case to another. It depends on the severity of the injuries and the unique circumstances surrounding each.
While a case that makes it to court benefits the victim more, approximately 95% of all personal injury cases are settled outside the courtroom. Besides, holding out for a more significant settlement amount isn’t always the best strategy and provides no guarantee of winning the case.

6. You Can Recover Various Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Claim

A personal injury victim is entitled to various damages depending on the case specifics, including the following:

  • Economic damages: They include medical, emergency, and hospital bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.
  • Non-economic damages: These losses are not directly related to financial losses and may be more challenging to prove. They include compensation for pain and suffering, scarring, inconvenience, loss of association, and mental anguish.
  • Punitive damages: These are damages awarded by the court as punishment to the offender to deter them and others from committing a similar offense in the future.

7. It’s in Your Best Interest to Get a Personal Injury Law to Represent you in Your Claim

Most personal injury victims believe that hiring a personal injury lawyer in San Antonio is expensive, so they can’t afford one. While the law doesn’t require you to have a lawyer when dealing with the insurance company, you’ll be in a better position to have one.

They have the skills to negotiate fair settlement terms by building a solid case on your behalf. They can face stubborn insurance adjusters head-on and fight aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve.

An Experienced Auto Accident Attorney Providing Legal Counsel

If you get hurt in an accident, you may not know what to do and what not to do. Many personal injury victims fail to pursue the compensation they deserve because they don’t understand how the law works or the steps to take immediately after the accident. That’s why it’s advisable to contact a skilled car accident lawyer in San Antonio as soon as possible for legal counsel.

Our firm has skilled and passionate lawyers who want to help clients get fair compensation for their injuries. Once you contact us, we can evaluate your case details and advise you on the risks and legal options. Don’t let a negligent party go scot-free while you suffer the consequences. Contact us to schedule a FREE consultation.