San Antonio Car Accident Lawyer

San Antonio Car Accident Attorney

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries and deaths in Texas, along with falls and physical violence. Each day, negligent motorists are responsible for accidents that result in broken bones, whiplash, scarring and disfigurement, and chronic pain, changing the lives of injury victims forever. If you have been injured in a car accident or have lost a family member, a San Antonio car accident lawyer can prove essential to your claim.

At The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., in San Antonio, we have been representing injured Texans and the families of wrongful death victims since 1994. Our lawyers combine tremendous resources and experience with attentive service focused on the unique needs of our clients. We also offer free initial consultations so that you can explore your legal options without cost or obligation. To claim yours, just give us a call at 855-620-8321.

Car Accident

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Common Types of Car Accidents in San Antonio, TX

At The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. we have extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to handling a wide variety of motorized vehicle accidents throughout the San Antonio, TX area. From minor crashes to serious collisions, we understand how difficult and challenging these times can be for the victim and their families and are committed to obtaining the compensation and justice these individuals deserve.

Our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys in San Antonio has experience handling the following types of car accident cases:

• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents typically occur when the back of one vehicle is impacted by the front end of another vehicle. This usually happens when the rear-ending car is not paying attention to the road in front of them or is following behind too closely, or the driver of the vehicle in the front suddenly hits their brakes.
• Head-On Collisions: These car collisions happen when the front end of one vehicle makes contact with the front of another. These actions can cause devastatingly serious injuries and typically occur as the result of drifting into the lane of oncoming traffic.
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: When three or more vehicles become involved in an accident, this is known as a multi-vehicle pile-up accident. They can occur as the result of bad weather conditions such as ice, snow, or heavy traffic and can lead to catastrophic injuries and even death for victims.
• Rollover Accidents: When a vehicle rolls or flips over onto its side or onto its roof, this is known as a rollover accident and can cause serious injuries to those inside the vehicle. They can happen as a result of excessive speeding, the loss of control due to poor weather and road conditions, or when making too sharp of a turn.
• Side Swipe Accidents: These accidents can happen when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another vehicle, often occurring when an individual attempts to make a lane change or when an individual accidentally drifts into a lane beside them.
• T-Bone Accidents: These are also known as side-impact accidents and occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, creating a “T” shape. These typically occur at interactions or stop lights when individuals fail to yield or attempt an illegal turn.
• Single Vehicle Crashes: These accidents only involve a single vehicle and usually happen as the result of running off the road, swerving to avoid debris, hazards, or animals in the roadway, or colliding with a tree or other stationary object. They can also occur from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, falling asleep while operating the vehicle, or other forms of negligent driving.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: When a driver does not stop at the scene of an accident to exchange information with the other individuals involved or does not wait for the police to arrive, they can be guilty of a hit-and-run accident. Typically, these occur when the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or is driving with a suspended license.
• Parking Lot Accidents: These accidents can happen as the result of backing up without checking blind spots, distracted operating of a vehicle, or failing to yield to other vehicles or pedestrians.

If you have suffered any of these common types of vehicle accidents in San Antonio, Texas, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. are here to assist you.

Standing Up For The Rights of Car Accident Victims

We handle claims stemming from a broad range of car accidents, including rear-end accidents, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents and rollover accidents. We focus on identifying the needs of our clients, including the need for future rehabilitation, home modifications, in-home care, and other costs associated with car wreck injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries and other types of serious injuries.

It is important to focus your efforts after an accident on recovering from your injuries and getting your life back together. You can rely on our attorneys to pursue compensation for all applicable damages related to the crash, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability and property damage/loss.

Let our team handle your legal issues, including interactions with the insurance company. While the negligent driver who struck you may have caused your injuries, their insurance company will be the primary legal opponent and will be the party paying the settlement or jury award. The insurer’s goal is to resolve your claim as cheaply as possible, but we will work tirelessly to help you obtain full and fair compensation.

Offering Aggressive Representation For Claims Involving Drunk or Distracted Drivers

Car, truck and motorcycle crashes have a wide variety of causes, but two are especially prevalent: drunk driving and distracted driving. Despite harsh criminal laws and public safety campaigns, driving under the influence (DUI) remains a pervasive problem in Texas and nationwide. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, an average of three people per day are killed in DUI crashes statewide. Countless others suffer serious injuries.

While many people would never knowingly drive drunk, too many Texans engage in behavior that can be nearly as dangerous: Distracted driving. Whether it’s texting while driving, applying makeup or interacting with the vehicle’s “infotainment” system, these actions greatly increase the risk of a serious or fatal crash.

Even professional drivers engage in distracting activities – sometimes by necessity. Commercial truck drivers are often required to stay in constant communication with dispatchers throughout their trip. The combination of distractions caused by this equipment and reaction delays caused by drowsy driving creates the perfect conditions for a serious truck accident.

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. can assist with your claim for compensation in a car accident case by thoroughly investigating both the nature and cause of the accident. We can do this by gathering the following kinds of evidence:

• Accounts from eyewitnesses
• Official reports made by the responding police officers
• A statement of events from your perspective
• Any witness testimony
• Medical records that pertain to the injuries caused by the accident
• Any attainable surveillance or dashcam footage
• Videos or photos of your injuries and the scene of the accident
• Any documents related to the accident

Common Causes for Car Accidents in San Antonio

There is a wide range of reasons for and causes of car accidents in San Antonio. The most common causes of car accidents in San Antonio include the following:

• Speeding, Tailgating
• Texting and driving
• Distracted driving, such as eating or drinking while operating a vehicle
• Running stop signs
• Failing to yield
• Ignoring traffic signs or signals
• Drunk driving
• Road rage
• Street racing
• Making an illegal turn
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Unsafe lane changes
• Defective vehicle components
• A lack of roadway maintenance
• Lack of proper roadway lighting
• Poorly placed trees or utility poles
• Driver fatigue
• Unsafe roadway designs

When the attorneys at The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C. take on your car accident case, we can examine the details of your case and determine who is at fault for the accident.

Injuries Seen in Texas Car Accidents

A victim of a San Antonio car accident may suffer several forms of injuries depending on the severity and type of accident they are involved in. These injuries can cause individuals to suffer extreme medical costs and the subsequent inability to return to work, which can cause great financial hardship and lead to the need for compensation. Our attorneys can review the injuries you have suffered and determine the value of your potential settlement.

What To Do Following a San Antonio Car Crash

How you react immediately following a car accident can impact the success of any future claim. If you have been involved in a San Antonio car accident, there are steps you can take to ensure your own safety and protect your claim.

• Check for Physical Injuries: The first thing you will want to do following a car accident is to assess your own physical injuries and those of anyone else riding in your vehicle. If necessary, call 911 and request emergency medical services. If you are unable to do so, request a bystander or someone physically capable in your vehicle to do so. Provide the dispatcher with your location and a description of the accident.
• Move to a Safer Location: If you can, move to a place of safety off the road. Turn your vehicle’s flashers on to warn other drivers if you are unable to move your vehicle. If you are unable to move due to injuries, wait for emergency medical services to arrive.
• Call the Police: If there is a certain level of damage or if anyone is injured in the accident, you must report the accident to the police. Otherwise, you could be guilty of a hit-and-run, which can have severe consequences. Once they arrive on the scene, the police will write up an accident report. This document can be essential to the success of any future claim, so request a copy following the accident.
• Review the Situation: If you are able to, determine the extent of the damage to yourself, your vehicle, any passengers, and the other vehicles involved. Check for potential issues such as leaking fluids, damaged wires or power lines, or fires. If these issues exist, it is wise to warn others and remain at a safe distance until the authorities arrive.
• Collect and Exchange Necessary Information: If you are physically able, exchange contact information and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the car accident. Get their names, their phone numbers, residential addresses, driver’s license information, and their insurance contact information. Take note of the other vehicle’s model, make, and license plate numbers. Remain polite, but don’t discuss fault.
• Collect Evidence: Take photos and videos of both the accident scene and your injuries, along with any injuries sustained by passengers in your vehicle. You can also take photos or videos of any pertaining road conditions, traffic signs, and the positioning of the involved vehicles. Look for any possible witnesses and gather their contact information.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Because any delay could negatively impact your claim, you must report your accident to your insurance company quickly. Provide them with the necessary details of the accident, such as the other driver’s information and the copy of the police report you obtained.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel injured, it is wise to get looked at by a medical professional following your accident. Some injuries may not be obvious right after your accident. Other injuries can be serious, but you won’t be able to physically feel them, such as internal bleeding. Keep track of all your medical records.

Once everyone is safe, you have sought medical attention, and the accident has been reported both to the police and to your insurance company, you can deal with the aftermath of the accident. This can include the following steps:

• Insurance Follow-Up: If it applies to your case, continue working as close as possible with your insurance adjuster to process your car accident claim. This can include all vehicle repairs and medical expenses.
• Contact an Attorney: If your accident involves ANY injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, fatalities, or soft tissue injuries, along with any disputed liabilities or other complex legal issues, it is wise to consult a skilled attorney who can review your case and assist you in gaining the compensation you deserve for what you have suffered.
• Track All Related Expenses: This can be a crucial step. It is important that you keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, such as repairs to your vehicle, any costs of rental cars, medical bills, or other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
• Repair Your Vehicle: If necessary, have your vehicle repaired by a repair shop or mechanic that has been approved by your insurance company. Keep track of all bills, receipts, or other expenses related to the repair.
• Remain Informed: Your attorney can help ensure that you remain well-informed on the progress of all insurance claims and any legal proceedings should these become necessary to the success of your claim.

It is important to keep in mind that every accident is unique, and the steps you need to take following your car accident can be different. However, no matter the specific situation, you need to prioritize your own safety and seek the professional guidance of an attorney.

Common Mistakes People Make After Car Accidents

After a car accident, what you do or fail to do can significantly impact your legal rights. Unfortunately, many individuals make errors that could harm their accident claim. Here are three examples:

1. Skipping emergency medical care: Car accident injuries may not appear immediately, especially with late-onset injuries like whiplash and traumatic brain injury. A doctor can rule out or confirm injuries and provide you with powerful medical evidence for your claim.
2. Forgetting to exchange insurance information: Texas is an at-fault accident state, meaning you file your claim with the other motorist’s auto insurance carrier. Do not let the other driver slip away without getting their name, contact information and insurance details. Call the San Antonio police department to report the accident.
3. Making formal statements: Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that prioritize their interests over yours. Avoid giving written or recorded statements about the accident and your injuries. The insurer may exploit your words to deny your claim or reduce its value.

Not seeing a lawyer after suffering severe or catastrophic injuries in a crash is another mistake and it could threaten your compensation.

Where Do Most Accidents Happen in San Antonio?

San Antonio roads can be treacherous, and some areas are more hazardous than others.

Notably, Culebra Road from Loop 410 to General McMullen Drive has been a hotspot for traffic incidents, seeing 50 fatal accidents in the last decade. This alarming statistic prompted a $18 million grant for road improvements to enhance safety. It seems as though every road in San Antonio area is under construction. These locations can be especially problematic and create unpredictable hazards that cause accidents all the time.

Three other dangerous conduits include:

1. Interstate Highway 410 (I-410): Thousands of accidents along the path to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park occur annually.
2. Interstate Highway 35 (I-35): Despite the nearby serenity and peace of the Japanese Tea Garden, many car accidents happen along this highway.
3. Loop 1604: Looping San Antonio and providing access to SeaWorld and other attractions, this highway experiences many car accidents.

Knowing where danger may lurk can help keep you safe from car accidents and the harm they cause. If you suffer injuries in a crash despite your caution, The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C., can help with your accident claim.

FAQs

How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for a Car Accident Claim in Texas?

It can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how much a lawyer might charge for their services in a car accident claim in Texas. This is because each claim and attorney is different. However, there is a set of common factors that will influence the final cost of a case. These factors include the overall complexity and duration of your car accident claim and the experience level of your attorney.

What Damages Are Available in a Car Accident in Texas?

There can be several damages available, or forms of compensation, in a car accident claim in Texas, depending on the severity of the injuries or property damage involved and the nature of the accident. These damages can include those for medical bills, lost wages, future anticipated medical bills, the loss of the ability to earn wages in the future, pain and suffering damages, emotional or mental anguish, or damages for wrongful death.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Car Accident Claim in Texas?

In Texas, there is a specific timeline for when an individual can bring forward a car accident injury claim. This is known as a statute of limitations, and in the state of Texas, it is normally two years from the date of the accident. However, if you don’t discover your injuries until some time after the date of the accident, the statute of limitations can begin at the date of discovery.

Is it Possible to Get Punitive Damages in a Car Accident Claim in Texas?

In some cases, punitive damages may be pursued in a car accident claim in Texas. These damages are intended to punish individuals who are found guilty of certain reckless or negligent behavior, like driving drunk or drugged. The amount of punitive damages available in your case will most likely depend on the injuries you have suffered and the degree of recklessness of the other driver.

Do I Really Need an Attorney For My Personal Injury Claim?

Technically, no. But the legal system can be complex and overwhelming. An attorney can inform you of your rights, make sure you understand the process that lies ahead, handle interactions with the insurance companies, and make sure you are fully compensated for past, current and future damages.

I Feel OK Now. Do I Really Need To See a Doctor?

Yes. It can take hours, days or longer for people to feel the effects of some injuries. Seeing a doctor now will preserve your ability to make a successful claim in the future. Failing to seek out a doctor now can make it more difficult if you start to exhibit injury symptoms in the future and need compensation to cover your medical costs and other damages.

What If The Other Driver Lacks Insurance?

Even if the person responsible for the accident lacks adequate insurance, you may still be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries. If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance policy, we can help.

I Don’t Have Health Insurance. How Will I Be Able To Pay My Medical Bills?

Don’t let your lack of insurance prevent you from getting the treatment you need after an accident. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, your own auto insurance will cover the costs of treatment.

I Was Injured During Work Hours. Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

If you were hurt in a car accident during the course of your job duties, you may be able to seek personal injury compensation in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. This is known as a third-party claim, since it involved a third party rather than your employer.

Injured In A Car Wreck? Contact The Law Offices of Miller & Bicklein, P.C.

Our car accident attorneys are ready to answer your auto accident questions, explain your legal options and provide you with peace of mind as you follow the road to recovery.

Contact us today for a free consultation. There will be no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. We serve clients in communities such as San Antonio, Odessa, Lubbock and Abilene.