San Antonio Car Accident Injury Lawyers

Fighting For Car Accident Victims in Texas

Numerous people in San Antonio and surrounding areas rely on their vehicles to get to work, school, and back home. Every day, Texas roads are filled with traffic. I-10 and I-35 are consistently among the state’s busiest highways, and Loops 1604 and 410 are routinely crammed with cars. With so many people on the road, motor vehicle collisions are common. 

According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, over 244,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2022. More than 4,000 of these collisions resulted in fatalities. Have you or someone you love been hurt on a Texas roadway? We understand dealing with the aftermath of a crash can be difficult. From amassing medical bills to the stress of missing work, you could be up against a lot. Allow Alamo City Law Firm to lighten the load. 

We are a personal injury law firm that has helped countless people receive the compensation necessary to recover after an accident. Our team has the skills and resources to take on large insurance companies and corporations and handle cases involving individual defendants. Learn more about our San Antonio car accident injury lawyers and how they can help you in a free consultation. 

Call (726) 227-4766 or connect with us online to schedule your consultation. Our firm can support the needs of Spanish speakers. 

Texas Car Accident Laws

In Texas, car accident laws follow specific rules regarding fault, compensation, and legal requirements. Here’s an overview:

Texas follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying for damages. This is typically handled through insurance claims or lawsuits.

Texas follows modified comparative negligence (51% rule). This means:

• If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage
  This is often called 30/60/25 coverage. Drivers can purchase higher limits or additional coverage like uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.

Texas law requires drivers to report an accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. You must:

• Call the police immediately.
• File a crash report (CR-2 or "Blue Form") with the Texas Department of Transportation if law enforcement does not file one.

You have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.

What to Do After a Car Accident in San Antonio

Following a car accident, there are actions you can take that could protect your rights and get you on track to a speedy recovery. 

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Do not wait to call for emergency help if necessary. Even if you do not believe you have been injured, visit a doctor. Often, symptoms of injuries like whiplash will not manifest until a day or more. Also, a medical examination and proof of treatment could be crucial for a personal injury claim. 

Contact Law Enforcement Right Away

Immediately call the police. Once law enforcement is on the scene, request a report detailing the events that caused the crash. Should you turn to an attorney for assistance in making a claim, they will use this report to prepare your case. 

Document the Scene: Take Photographs & Collect Information

Take pictures or videos of the scene, focusing on anything that might have contributed to the crash and the collision’s impact on your vehicle. You should also collect the names, addresses, and insurance information of everyone involved in the wreck.  

Avoid Admitting Fault After the Accident

What you say after an accident could limit your ability to recover compensation or make a claim. In conversations with involved parties, insurance agents, and witnesses, do not admit fault or say something like, “I am sorry,” or, “I did not see you.” While these phrases are well-meaning, they could be detrimental to your case and potentially incriminate you. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Understanding the common causes of car accidents is essential for preventing future incidents and establishing liability when accidents occur. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents, distracted driving includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies while driving. These distractions can significantly impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit is a prevalent cause of accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s capability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions and increases the severity of collisions.
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s motor skills, reaction times, and judgment. Despite strict laws and awareness campaigns, drunk driving remains a major cause of car accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and road rage may result in serious accidents. Reckless driving is often a sign of impatience or frustration and poses a significant risk to all road users.
• Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions, like rain, fog, or ice, could make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Drivers who fail to modify their driving to accommodate these conditions are more likely to cause accidents.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic signals and signs is a common cause of intersection accidents. Drivers who run red lights or stop signs put themselves and others at significant risk.
• Fatigue: Driving while fatigued can be as treacherous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and may fall asleep at the wheel, resulting in accidents.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a serious neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth neck movement, commonly occurring in rear-end collisions. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, memory loss, and, in severe circumstances, loss of consciousness or coma.
• Broken Bones: The effect of a car accident can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. Broken bones often require lengthy recovery periods and may necessitate surgery.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are life-changing and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a collision could cause internal injuries to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may not be immediately noticeable but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common in car accidents. These injuries can cause substantial pain and may limit mobility.
• Psychological Injuries: The trauma of a car accident can lead to emotional and psychological issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Psychological injuries often require therapy and long-term treatment.