In San Antonio, Texas, vehicular accidents are an everyday event. These often hazardous encounters can lead to distress, injury, damage to property, and even the loss of life. For over three decades, Troy Brookover, a seasoned car accident lawyer in San Antonio, has been advocating for victims impacted by car accidents in San Antonio and nearby areas, successfully managing thousands of such cases.
Has a car accident in San Antonio, Texas left you or a loved one injured? Are escalating medical costs troubling you? Are you uncertain about the next steps? Fear not, the motor vehicle accident lawyers from Law Offices of Troy A. Brookover stand ready to assist you.
Boasting over 30 years in the legal field, Troy possesses the necessary skills and understanding to competently oversee every aspect of your car accident lawsuit. Having represented insurance companies in the past, Troy is well-versed in dealing with insurance adjusters and firms. Troy is part of the exclusive group of less than 7 percent of attorneys who have Board Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your car accident, our seasoned lawyers are here to provide help. From accumulating medical costs and lost income to property damage and emotional distress, we will strive to make sure you are fully compensated for the damages you’ve incurred. Don’t hesitate to reach out at (210) 226-2000, or complete our online form for a complimentary case assessment.
Find a Car Accident Lawyer Near You
If you’re searching for a car accident lawyer near me, stop by our conveniently located office today. We’re ready to offer the professional support you need for your personal injury case during this crucial time in your life.
Reasons to Hire Our Car Accident Lawyers at Law Offices of Troy A. Brookover
With the help of our exceptional car wreck lawyers in San Antonio, you can concentrate on your recovery while we manage your legal proceedings. Our skilled attorneys are prepared to:
Initiate a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident and identify the responsible party.
Safeguard all crucial evidence pertinent to your claim.
Guide you post-accident to maintain the integrity of your claim, which could involve avoiding recorded statements to insurance providers, or directing any insurance queries to your legal counsel.
Review all relevant insurance policies to identify potential compensations available to you.
Facilitate access to necessary medical treatments post-accident.
Estimate the complete spectrum of your damages, including potential future expenses.
Advocate fervently for the comprehensive car accident compensation you’re entitled to.
Evaluate the need for filing a car accident lawsuit if the offered settlement by the insurance company is inadequate.
Address any queries that arise during the claim process.
By entrusting your case to our car accident law firm, you’re guaranteed the expertise of seasoned San Antonio auto accident attorneys with a thorough understanding of Texas personal injury law and specifically, Texas car accident law.
What Our Clients Say About Our Car Accident Attorneys
Real people, real results. Discover how we’ve helped others like you achieve justice and financial recovery.
Was in a bad rear-end accident and Law Offices of Troy Brookover and his legal staff helped settle my case with great results. I highly recommend them for legal purposes.
Amazing law firm! Mr. Brookover has covered 3 cases for me. His staff is very professional and empathizes with your needs. Mr. Brookover is always honest and upfront about expectations and your case proceedings. Great customer service! You will never find another law firm that is great.
I would highly recommend Troy and his wonderful team! Troy, Phyllis, and Ray always made the time to answer any questions I had and explained every step of the process in terms I couldunderstand.
If you have significant injuries and another motorist is at fault, then you need to seek the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney. There are several benefits why you might need our San Antonio car accident lawyers after a motor vehicle accident, including:
Legal experience – An auto accident lawyer can provide guidance and insight as you navigate the complex laws and regulations surrounding motor vehicle accidents in Texas. An attorney can help you understand your rights under Texas law and advise you on the best course of action.
Negotiating with insurance companies – Most car accident injury cases involve insurance claims. When you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, the insurer often tries to minimize its financial liability or denies your claim altogether. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to demand fair compensation.
Gathering evidence – Our car accident law firm can gather evidence to support your case, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. The attorney can work with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to develop your case.
Representation in court – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, an attorney can present your case in court and ask the court to compel the insurer to compensate you for your losses.
When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in San Antonio, TX
It’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and handle any issues that arise. Some reasons to get a car accident lawyer after an accident include the following:
Time-sensitive evidence – Evidence related to the accident, such as surveillance footage, skid marks, or debris on the road, can deteriorate or disappear quickly. The memories of eyewitnesses can fade if too much time passes. Our car accident law firm can help preserve evidence before it is lost or deteriorates.
Statute of limitations – Texas law imposes a two-year time limit on personal injury claims, meaning there is a limited amount of frame to file a lawsuit after you get hurt in a car accident. An attorney can help you file your case by the appropriate deadline.
Insurance issues – Insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented individuals by offering low settlements or denying claims altogether. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company and demand fair compensation on your behalf.
Peace of mind – Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from serious injuries. An attorney can ease your stress by handling all the details of your injury claim.
Steps to Follow After a Car Accident
Navigating the aftermath of motor vehicle accidents can be daunting. The following steps focus on the pivotal role of legal services to ensure your rights are preserved:
First and foremost, notify law enforcement about the incident by calling 911. This crucial step is not only legally required, but it also forms a significant part of your potential legal proceedings, particularly if injuries or suspected substance misuse are involved.
Refrain from hastily giving out any statements, be it written or oral, particularly to the insurance representatives of the other party involved. Always consult a legal advisor experienced in vehicle collision cases before making any statements.
Your legal counsel will benefit significantly from a comprehensive collection of details about everyone involved in the accident, from drivers and passengers to bystanders and witnesses. Your attorney can use this information to establish a robust legal strategy.
Accurate record-keeping is vital, including the date, time, any potential signs of substance misuse, progression of the incident, routes of the vehicles, and information about the police officers present. This record can aid your attorney in understanding the situation and advocating for your legal rights.
Visual documentation from the accident scene can contribute significantly to your legal proceedings. This includes photographs of vehicle damages, pertinent road signs, skid marks, and weather conditions, all of which can be instrumental evidence in your case.
Creating a diagram to depict the incident can be beneficial for your legal advisor in comprehending the situation and structuring a compelling case.
Observations of any pre-existing faults with the vehicles should also be documented. This data can be critical in determining liability and can serve as an important resource for your legal counsel.
Regardless of the immediate manifestation of injuries, seeking medical attention is always recommended. This is not only vital for your health but also forms an essential part of your legal claim.
Document any admission of fault at the scene, as this confession can be a critical piece of evidence in your case.
Lastly, promptly obtain a copy of the police report, checking it for accuracy and completeness. This forms an integral part of your legal documentation and can greatly assist your attorney in effectively advocating for your rights.
What Should You Never Do After a Car Accident?
There are a few things you shouldn’t do after a car accident because they can potentially harm your case. Generally, you should avoid doing the following:
Don’t admit fault, apologize, or say anything that might be construed as an admission of fault
Don’t discuss the crash online or post any comments about the crash or your injuries on social media
Don’t give any statements to insurance companies without first speaking to a lawyer
Don’t minimize or exaggerate your injuries
Don’t discard any receipts, bills, and invoices from your crash-related expenses
When the police arrive at the scene, they’ll see if anyone needs emergency medical attention. Then, they will interview all the drivers in the crash, any passengers in the cars, and any eyewitnesses to figure out how the crash happened. The police might look at surveillance footage, security cameras, or other evidence during their investigation.
Once the police have completed their investigation, they will file an accident report with the Texas Department of Transportation. You can search the state’s online crash database to find your crash report and include it with your insurance claim. Many insurance companies require a police report when you file a claim. The police crash report gives the insurer a neutral account of what happened.
How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Charge?
A car accident attorney’s fee can vary depending on the attorney and whether the case settles out of court or goes to trial. Most personal injury attorneys in Texas work on a contingency fee basis. With a contingency arrangement, the injury lawyer only receives a legal fee if he or she obtains a settlement or court award for the client.
It’s important to note that additional costs may be associated with your case, such as court fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses. These costs typically are advanced by the attorney, and then deducted from the settlement or court award. It’s a good idea to speak frankly about your finances so your lawyer can help you understand what to expect.
Compensation You Might Be Entitled in a Car Accident Claim
Every car accident claim is different. It’s impossible to say exactly how much any particular claim is worth. Many factors affect the potential value of your claim, such as:
The severity of your injuries
The cost and intrusiveness of the medical treatment you receive
The insurance coverage available
The other driver’s degree of liability
Whether you were partially negligent in causing the car accident
Additionally, the damages you incur also heavily influence the potential value of your car accident claim. You may be entitled to compensation for losses you experienced, such as:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Mental anguish
Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
Permanent disability
Future medical costs
Disfigurement
Impairment
The most effective way to gauge the potential worth of your claim is to consult with our seasoned car accident attorneys in San Antonio.
Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Texas
Typically, you are allowed a two-year period from the date of the automobile collision to initiate your legal claim. At first glance, this might appear to be quite a long duration. However, your attorney will require sufficient time to conduct a thorough investigation of your claim, establish the accountable party, and negotiate a suitable settlement for you.
Your attorney will aim to act swiftly to safeguard all pertinent evidence related to your case before it’s lost or irretrievably destroyed. Furthermore, your car accident lawyer must gather sufficient evidence to validate your claim and quantify your losses, as this is crucial for any possibility of financial recovery. Contacting our car accident attorneys as soon as possible after the incident can ensure that your legal right to financial compensation is duly protected.
Who is Liable in a Car Accident?
Texas is an at-fault insurance state, meaning that the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy is responsible for paying for the damages their driver caused to others. Before you can recover any compensation for the car crash, you will have to prove the other driver negligently caused it.
An experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer knows how to obtain convincing evidence to support your claim, such as:
Accident reports
Eyewitness testimony
Photos and videos of the accident
Physical damage to the vehicles and nearby property
Skid marks, tire treads, and other physical signs of the car crash
Car Accident FAQs: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t hesitate to contact an attorney if you are hospitalized. Most auto accident lawyers will meet with you at a hospital or location convenient to you if you cannot make an office visit. If a lawyer insists you come to them after a crash and won’t find a way to accommodate you, speak to a different attorney.
Assigning a value to your pain and suffering can be challenging because it is an intangible loss. Often, the insurance company or the court will add up your economic losses, such as medical bills and lost income, and multiply that sum by a number between one and five, depending on the severity of your harm. A car accident lawyer can provide more information on how you could be compensated for pain and suffering.
While eyewitness accounts can help, you don’t have to have eyewitnesses to have a valid claim. An experienced car accident lawyer can use crash scene photos, traffic camera footage, police accident reports, and other evidence to prove your case and help you seek compensation for your injuries.
If you are involved in a car crash, and there are no witnesses nearby, take plenty of photos at the crash scene. Take pictures of vehicle damage, your visible injuries, traffic signs, debris or skid marks on the road, and weather conditions. You should also write down what happened and provide as much detail as you can remember.
If the insurance company says your car is totaled, that means it would cost more to repair the car than it’s worth. If you have collision coverage, the insurance company will pay to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident. How much money you receive depends on your policy and your car’s value.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an add-on to your auto insurance policy that pays for your medical bills after a crash with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. Most auto insurance policies sold in Texas include uninsured motorist coverage. Essentially, your UM coverage protects you if are in an accident and the at-fault driver has no insurance, or the driver flees the accident scene without stopping. Your collision coverage pays for damage to your car.
If the other driver does not have insurance, you can file a claim with your insurance coverage. All auto policies in Texas include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays your medical bills, lost income, and other costs if you are involved in a crash, regardless of who is at fault. You should have PIP coverage unless you declined the coverage in writing. Insurance companies must also offer uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which is optional. This pays your medical and car repair bills if the other driver is uninsured.
A car accident lawyer can evaluate whether it’s worth pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against an uninsured driver.
Generally, the following factors will determine the value of your case:
The severity of your injuries – More severe injuries require lengthier and costlier medical treatment, which can increase the value of a claim.
The strength of the evidence – An attorney can gather evidence to prove who is liable for your injuries and other losses. The stronger the evidence in your case, the more likely an experienced personal injury attorney can obtain a positive outcome for you.
The experience of your lawyer – A personal injury attorney with extensive experience in car accident cases can use their knowledge and resources to build a robust case in your favor and identify all possible sources of compensation for you.
Every car accident is different, so it’s hard to say the average settlement value of a car accident case in San Antonio. With help of a knowledgeable car accident lawyer, you may claim compensation for certain types of accident losses and expenses, including the following:
Your medical expenses related to the accident, including doctor’s appointments, prescription drugs, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medical equipment
Your lost income if you cannot work while you heal from your injuries
Your reduced future earnings due to a disability or injury
Your physical pain and suffering
Your emotional distress
Your reduced quality of life due to an injury or disability
Your damaged personal property
If you file a car accident claim in Texas, you do not necessarily have to go to court. Most car accident claims settle outside of court through negotiations with the insurance company or other parties involved in the accident. However, if a case does not settle, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation. An attorney can review your case and explain your options after an accident.
If an insurance claims adjuster contacts you after an accident. be careful what you say. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Don’t admit fault – It’s important to avoid admitting fault or apologizing for the accident. This can be used against you when determining fault. This rule also applies any time you speak to the other driver.
Don’t agree to a recorded statement – The insurance adjuster might ask for a recorded statement. It’s best to avoid consenting to this until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Stick to the facts – Only provide the adjuster with factual information about the accident. Do not make estimates or guesses if you don’t know the answer to a question. It’s better to have your attorney handle communications with the insurance company.
Don’t settle quickly – Don’t settle too soon with the insurance company. Work with a knowledgeable lawyer who can evaluate settlement offers and provide dependable guidance on whether an offer is reasonable based on the specific facts of your case.
After a car accident in Texas, there are several pieces of evidence you should collect, including the following:
Contact information – Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of all parties involved in the accident, including any witnesses.
Insurance information – Locate the insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident, including policy numbers and insurance company names.
Police report – Contact the local police department to get a copy of the accident report. The report will provide details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and the names of the drivers and witnesses involved.
Photographs and videos – Take photos of the accident scene, the damage to all vehicles involved, and the injuries you sustained. Document any relevant road or weather conditions that contributed to the accident.
Medical records – Gather copies of all medical records related to the injuries you sustained in the accident, including treatments, medications, and follow-up appointments.
Repair estimates – Obtain written repair estimates for any accident-related vehicle damage.
Witness statements – Ask for written or recorded statements from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
You can still seek compensation if you contributed to a car accident. Texas’s comparative fault law apportions compensation based on each driver’s share of the blame for an accident. You can still recover if you are partly at fault as long as you are no more than 50 percent responsible for the accident overall.
Yes, you can still file a claim even if you were not wearing a seatbelt during the accident. However, not wearing a seatbelt can negatively affect your ability to recover compensation.
Under Texas law, if your failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to your injuries, then the amount of compensation available could be reduced accordingly. If your injuries would have occurred regardless of whether you were wearing a seatbelt or not, the defense would not apply.
If a Texas car accident results in injury, death, or property damage, you must report it to law enforcement. Failure to report can result in misdemeanor charges.
Need to Discuss Your Car Accident Case? Contact Our San Antonio, TX, Law Firm Today
Law Offices of Troy A. Brookover is a leading San Antonio law firm dedicated to helping car accident victims recover maximum compensation. Our experienced team provides aggressive representation to ensure you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review.
