Car Accident Lawyer in Edinburg, TX
Local Advocacy Backed by Over 30 Years of Legal Experience
According to a 2021 report from the Texas Department of Transportation, car crashes happened nearly every two minutes across our state. Of those crashes, 239,539 caused injuries to drivers, which means more than 650 new injuries every single day.
Hurt in a car accident in Edinburg? Call The Ricky Rod Law Group at (956) 294-0071 for a free consultation to discuss next steps with a local attorney.
What to Do After a Car Accident
A crash can require a rapid police or EMS response, but you still need to take quick personal action. Put safety first, and seek medical attention when needed, even when symptoms are not immediately apparent.
After an accident:
- Make sure you and your passengers are safe. If you need immediate help for any injuries, call 911 or ask someone to call for you. If you can walk away from the crash, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel uninjured, a doctor can find issues that may not be immediately obvious.
- Call the police and file a report. Official documentation of your accident can be crucial for your case.
- Take pictures and videos of the scene and your injuries. Document the ways your injuries affect your life after the crash. Keep medical records from all doctor visits as they can serve as key evidence.
- Stay calm when interacting with others at the scene. If it is not safe to approach the other driver, avoid doing so. Otherwise, exchange information including names, contact information, insurance provider and policy number, and driver’s license number.
- If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information.
- Call a trusted attorney. At The Ricky Rod Law Group, we can discuss the possibility of an injury lawsuit, how we might approach pursuing it, and what information we need to start building your case.
What to Do After a Car Accident That Is Not Your Fault
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen at any time for many reasons. Knowing the common causes can help you avoid them and keep yourself and others safer on the road.
- Distracted driving: This includes anything that takes your attention away from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Distracted drivers are less likely to react to changes in traffic or road conditions, raising the risk of crashing.
- Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers struggle to react quickly and make sound judgments, so they have trouble maintaining control of their vehicles and are more likely to cause accidents.
- Reckless driving: This includes speeding, weaving through traffic, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals. Reckless actions put drivers and others on the road in danger of serious wrecks.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain or fog can make it harder to see and control your car. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or habits to match the weather create an extra hazard for everyone.
- Fatigue: Tired drivers have trouble focusing and reacting quickly. Fatigue can make it hard to stay in a lane or remain alert while driving.
The cause of a vehicle accident must be evaluated from the available evidence rather than assumed from the type of crash alone. Witness accounts, photographs, police reports, vehicle damage, phone records, toxicology information, and roadway conditions may be relevant when supported by the facts.
Texas’s Comparative Negligence Law
In some cases, more than one party shares fault after a car wreck. When that happens, Texas courts use a modified comparative negligence rule to decide how much each party can recover.
The court reviews all the evidence and assigns each party a percentage of blame. Under Texas law, if someone is more than 50% responsible for a crash, they cannot pursue compensation. If someone is, for example, 30% at fault, they can only recover 70% of their damages.
Dealing with Insurance Companies in Edinburg
After a car accident, dealing with insurance companies often adds stress to an already difficult situation. Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury to one person, $60,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage in one collision, but insurance adjusters may offer quick settlements that fail to account for all of your losses. If you file a claim after a crash in Edinburg, review settlement offers closely and keep communication in writing when possible.
When communicating with insurers after a crash in Edinburg, consider the following steps:
- Document every interaction. Keep copies of letters, emails, and notes from phone calls with the insurance company so you have a clear record of what was said and when.
- Be careful with recorded statements. Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement soon after the collision, but it is often better to speak with a legal professional first because a statement may affect your claim later.
- Compare offers to your actual losses. Review any settlement offer against your medical bills, repair estimates, and lost income to see whether it truly reflects the impact of the accident.
- Consider long-term needs. If your injuries may require follow-up care, consider those future costs in any discussion with the insurer.
Insurance companies may require documentation for every loss. Save all repair estimates, receipts, and medical bills, and avoid making recorded statements until you have spoken with a legal professional. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, medical payments coverage, collision coverage, and rental reimbursement may apply depending on the policy and claim facts. Our team draws from decades of experience, guiding you through each step with clarity. When you know what to expect, you can move forward with confidence.
Potential Damages
Car accidents can cause unexpected costs that are hard to cover. That is why, when you come to us for help, we work to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Many car accident survivors in Edinburg need to consider lost wages from missing work, rehabilitation expenses, and changes to daily life. Depending on the severity, you might need ongoing care, adaptive equipment, or modifications to your home or car. Talking to professionals early helps create a clear plan for recovery after a traffic accident.
We can pursue the following damages:
- Bills for medical care in the past or the future
- Repairs for your car
- Wages you might have lost because your injuries made it so you could not work
- Pay for temporary or permanent disabilities
- Compensation for stress, pain, suffering, and other non-economic costs of an accident
You should not delay seeking legal advice about possible compensation. Under Texas law, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years, although exceptions can apply. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss how our car accident attorneys in Edinburg may approach your case.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries in Edinburg
Car accidents in Edinburg can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor soreness to severe trauma requiring long-term medical care. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, making it important to seek medical attention immediately after a crash. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can protect your health while also creating important documentation for your insurance claim or legal case.
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
- Back and spinal injuries
- Concussions and other neurological injuries
- Internal injuries that may require emergency medical care
- Delayed symptoms caused by adrenaline masking pain after a collision
Crash forces can increase the severity of injuries. Ongoing medical treatment and follow-up care can support your recovery and help document the full extent of your damages. An experienced legal team can also help evaluate how these injuries may affect your claim and long-term well-being.
Don’t face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Edinburg today to discuss your case and learn what compensation may be available to you.
Understanding the Legal Process After a Car Accident
After a car accident, there are several legal steps involved in pursuing compensation for injuries and damages. An attorney can help manage deadlines, communicate with insurance companies, and guide your case through the legal process.
Legal process after a car accident:
- Initial Consultation
Discuss the accident, review evidence, and evaluate your claim. - Investigation
Collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos, and other evidence. - Negotiation
Negotiate with the insurance company for compensation related to medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. - Litigation
File a lawsuit and proceed to court if a settlement cannot be reached. - Resolution
Finalize the settlement or court verdict and resolve outstanding expenses or claims.
An attorney can help keep your case organized, meet court deadlines, and represent your interests throughout the process.
How We Approach Serious & Fatal Car Accidents
Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney
After a car accident, you may face physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial losses. Working with a car accident attorney can help reduce stress and help you assess whether legal action may be appropriate.
Here are some reasons to consider working with a car accident attorney:
- Legal guidance: A car accident attorney knows how to navigate the complex legal process and fight for your rights.
- Investigation: Your attorney can examine the accident to determine who may be liable and gather evidence to support your claim.
- Negotiation: Your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to help you reach a fair settlement.
- Protection: Your attorney protects you from insurance companies that may try to settle for less than you deserve or deny your claim.
- Peace of mind: Working with a car accident attorney gives you someone in your corner who looks out for your interests.
Choosing an auto accident lawyer Edinburg residents can consult means receiving guidance tailored to the evidence, liability questions, insurance communications, and court procedures involved in the claim. A vehicle accident attorney can help organize records, evaluate fault, and determine whether negotiation or litigation is appropriate. The right path depends on the facts and available evidence.
Car Accident FAQs
These answers address common questions about evaluating potential next steps after a crash.
How Can I Find Out If I Have a Strong Case for a Lawsuit?
Speaking with an attorney helps you determine the strength of your case. They can review the accident details, consider available evidence, and guide you on next steps.
You’ve been through enough. Let our Edinburg auto accident attorneys help with next steps. Call (956) 294-0071 or reach out to us to get started today.