The Relentless Lawyer

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Texas?

After a car accident in Texas, you should call 911 and file a police report — Texas law requires reporting any crash that causes injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, since symptoms like whiplash or internal injury can appear days later. Document the scene with photos, collect the other driver's insurance information, and avoid admitting fault. Contact a Texas personal injury attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster. Early evidence preservation and legal guidance significantly affect the outcome of a claim.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury, under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to compensation. Exceptions exist for minors (the clock starts when they turn 18), cases involving the discovery rule (when an injury is not immediately apparent), and claims against government entities, which require a formal notice of claim within six months. Contact the Law Office of Chris Sanchez as early as possible to protect

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Texas?

Most Texas personal injury attorneys, including the Law Office of Chris Sanchez, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront attorney fees — the lawyer's fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, typically ranging from 33% to 40% depending on whether the case settles before or goes to trial. If no compensation is recovered, you owe no attorney fees. This arrangement allows injured Texans to access experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for my accident in Texas?

Yes. Texas follows the modified comparative fault rule under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001. You can still recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is 50% or less. However, your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Insurance companies frequently try to inflate a victim's fault percentage to reduce their payout — an attorney can counter this tactic.

What damages can I recover in a Texas personal injury case?

Texas personal injury victims can recover two categories of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage — these are calculated based on actual financial losses. Non-economic damages include physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving gross negligence or malice, Texas courts may also award exemplary (punitive) damages under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.003. The total value of your case depends on the severity

Do I have to accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?

No. You are never required to accept an insurance company's first offer, and initial offers are almost always lower than the full value of your claim. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Before accepting any settlement, consult with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate whether the offer covers all your current and future medical costs, lost income, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. Once you sign a settlement release, you give up your right to seek additional compensation — even if new injuries or complications emerge later. The Law Office of Chris Sanchez

What is the difference between a car accident claim and a lawsuit in Texas?

A car accident claim is a demand for compensation made to an insurance company — this is handled out of court and does not require filing a lawsuit. Most Texas personal injury cases resolve at this stage through negotiation. A lawsuit is filed in civil court when the insurance company disputes liability, undervalues the claim, or refuses to settle fairly. Filing a lawsuit does not mean the case will go to trial; the majority still settle after discovery or mediation. An attorney can determine whether filing suit is necessary and handle the litigation process from start to finish.

Why should I hire a personal injury lawyer in McAllen, Texas instead of handling the claim myself?

Studies show that injury victims represented by attorneys receive significantly higher settlements on average than those who negotiate alone, even after accounting for attorney fees. A McAllen personal injury lawyer understands Texas law, local court procedures, and how Rio Grande Valley juries assess cases. Attorney Chris Sanchez has the relationships, resources, and trial experience to take on large insurance companies and, if necessary, fight at trial. Self-represented claimants often miss critical deadlines, undervalue their non-economic damages, or unknowingly waive rights. Hiring an atto