Cibolo, Texas, is a thriving community known for its scenic parks, welcoming neighborhoods, and proximity to San Antonio. But as the city grows, so does the traffic, and with more vehicles on the road, the risk of car accidents rises.
From higher-velocity fender benders to severe rear-end collisions, car accidents in Cibolo can have life-changing consequences for everyone involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you need a skilled and dedicated personal injury lawyer to help you recover fair compensation. That’s where the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, can make a difference in your case.
Why You Should Choose Us as Your Cibolo Car Accident Lawyers
Insurance companies rarely (if ever) offer a fair settlement right out of the gate, especially if there’s a lot of money involved. You need a car accident lawyer with the experience and tenacity to advocate for you and demand the financial recovery your case deserves. Here’s why our personal injury law firm stands out when it comes to handling car accident claims in Cibolo:
- Decades of Combined Experience in Car Accident Cases: We’ve handled countless car accident lawsuits throughout Texas and regularly help clients secure the outcome they need to recover. Working with accident reconstruction specialists if necessary, our legal team will make a compelling argument for maximum compensation.
- Local Knowledge of Cibolo: As Cibolo grows, so do the accident hotspots across the city. Whether it’s a high-traffic area like Cibolo Valley Drive or an intersection with frequent issues, we know the local areas where auto accidents tend to happen. This local insight allows us to approach each case with a targeted strategy, which can make a big difference.
- Transparent and Open Communication: We believe that open communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. Our team keeps you informed by explaining your options, answering questions, and providing regular updates. When you work with us, you’re never left in the dark about your lawsuit.
Financial stress shouldn’t stand in the way of justice. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This approach allows you to pursue your claim without worrying about upfront costs for legal representation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Cibolo
Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help you recognize fault and strengthen your insurance claim. In Cibolo, some of the most frequent causes of collisions include:
- Distracted Driving: Distractions like texting, eating, or using GPS are leading causes of car accidents. A split second of inattention can cause a serious crash and drivers who fail to focus on the road can be held liable for the devastating injuries they cause.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it harder to avoid hazards. Speeding-related accidents often lead to a wide range of severe injuries, as the force of impact is greater at high speeds.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug-impaired drivers put everyone on the road at risk. Driving under the influence impairs reaction time, judgment, and motor skills, leading to dangerous situations for everyone around them. DUI-related accidents often result in severe consequences like traumatic brain injuries or fatalities.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving includes behaviors like tailgating, weaving between lanes, and ignoring traffic signals. These aggressive actions are highly dangerous and increase the likelihood of a head-on collision and permanent injuries.
- Poor Road Conditions: Rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can make roads slick and reduce visibility, creating hazardous driving situations. While drivers can’t control the weather, they can control their speed and caution level when conditions are poor.
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue After a Car Accident
When you’re injured due to driver negligence, the costs can add up quickly. Medical expenses, lost wages, and car repairs are just a few of the expenses you may face. Here are the main types of damages available in a personal injury accident claim:
- Medical Expenses: Medical bills are often the biggest cost after an accident. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment related to your injuries. It also includes any out-of-pocket expenses you incurred while getting treatment.
- Lost Wages: If you had to take time off work due to your car accident injuries, you could seek financial compensation for lost wages. This can cover the time you missed while recovering and, in some cases, loss of future earning capacity if you’re unable to return to work at the same level.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional suffering are real impacts of car accidents that deserve compensation. While difficult to calculate, pain and suffering damages are meant to compensate you for the physical discomfort, mental anguish, and emotional distress you’ve experienced.
- Property Damage: Car repairs or replacement costs can add up quickly. Property damage compensation covers the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be eligible for loss of companionship (consortium) damages. This type of compensation acknowledges the impact your injuries have had on your relationships.
If the liable party or parties acted in an especially reckless manner, you may also be able to claim punitive damages. Your car accident lawyer can advise whether this option applies.
Factors That Impact the Value of Your Car Accident Claim
Several factors can influence how much compensation you’re able to receive. Here are the most important ones to consider:
- Severity of Injuries: The more serious your injuries, the higher the potential settlement amount. Catastrophic injuries and psychological damage often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to long-term disability, which increases the overall cost of your claim.
- Clear Evidence of Fault: Strong evidence, like photos, witness statements, and police reports, can greatly impact your case. The clearer the evidence of fault, the stronger your legal claim will be, and the more likely you are to receive fair compensation.
- Insurance Policy Limits: In many instances, your compensation is limited by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. While we’ll always strive to get the maximum compensation, your recovery might be capped by the limits of the responsible party’s insurance. In some cases, we may look for additional sources of compensation if the negligent driver’s coverage is insufficient.
- Availability of Witnesses: Witnesses who saw the accident can provide valuable support. Their statements can help establish fault and back up your account of the accident, strengthening your claim.
- Impact on Daily Life: If devastating injuries affect your daily life, work, or ability to participate in activities you enjoy, this impact can be factored into your compensation. Loss of enjoyment of life and inability to work or participate in regular activities are taken seriously in personal injury claims.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Cibolo
If you’re involved in an automobile accident in Cibolo, taking the right steps afterward can make a big difference in how your personal injury claim is resolved. Here’s what to do immediately following the accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries, such as concussions and certain internal injuries, don’t show symptoms right away. Getting a medical examination as soon as possible can help identify any injuries early and provide documentation for your claim.
- Document the Scene: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. This documentation can be critical for proving fault.
- Get Contact Information: Collect contact information from the other driver, as well as any witnesses who saw the accident. Witnesses can provide valuable statements to support your claim.
- File a Police Report: Call the police and file an official crash report. This document will serve as a key piece of evidence when building your case.
- Consult a Cibolo Car Accident Lawyer: Car accident cases can be complicated, and having a lawyer on your side can help you get the compensation you deserve. A Cibolo car accident attorney will guide you through the legal process, handle the paperwork, and negotiate with insurance carriers on your behalf.
Why Legal Representation Matters
While it’s possible to handle an accident claim on your own, working with an experienced car accident attorney is the better option for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of them:
- Accurate Case Evaluation: An experienced lawyer can accurately evaluate the value of your claim, helping you understand what compensation you’re entitled to and ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. With a personal injury attorney representing you, insurers know that you’re serious about getting fair compensation, and they’re less likely to offer less than favorable settlements.
- Handling Rules and Deadlines: Personal injury law involves a lot of paperwork, deadlines, and rules. Your auto accident lawyer will handle the legal details so you can focus on recovery.
How Long Do I Have To File A Car Accident Claim In Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If you’re injured in a car accident, you have two years to file a lawsuit to seek compensation. That two-year window may sound like plenty of time, but waiting too long can complicate your case and even jeopardize your right to recover your financial losses.
The statute of limitations is intended to encourage timely legal action and help ensure that evidence, witnesses, and other important details are still fresh. Over time, witnesses’ memories fade, evidence can be lost, and medical records may become harder to obtain. Filing within the legal time limit helps preserve the strength of your car accident lawsuit.
What if You’re Partly Responsible for Your Motor Vehicle Accident?
Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but what happens if you are partly at fault? Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you might still be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Generally speaking, car accident victims who are 51% or more at fault are not eligible to receive any compensation. But if you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover personal injury damages. This rule ensures that drivers who are mostly responsible for an accident can’t profit from their actions.
If you’re partially at fault but still eligible for compensation, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault and the total damages amount to $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000. This way, your financial recovery reflects your level of responsibility in the accident. An experienced car accident lawyer can provide more information if you have questions.
Speak to a Cibolo Car Accident Lawyer Today
A car accident can disrupt your life in ways you never anticipated, affecting your health, finances, and peace of mind. At the Villarreal & Begum, LAW GUNS, our experienced team is here to support you, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of your claim. Let us do the hard work so that you can focus on your health and your family. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our law firm at (210) 800-0000 or contact us online today.
