McAllen Car Accident Lawyer Near Me - 6316 N 10th St Building D. Suite 102, McAllen, TX 78504

Were you recently injured in a car crash in McAllen, TX? The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa is here to help. You may be entitled to significant compensation. An experienced McAllen car accident lawyer can help you fight to recover fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and your personal pain and suffering. Call us today at (956) 815-0055.

Our award-winning attorney has decades of experience advocating for injured clients like you. We’re ready to put our knowledge of the law to work for you.

To get the quality legal advice you deserve, contact our law firm in McAllen, Texas, to schedule your free consultation today.

How The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa Can Help You After a Car Accident in McAllen

How The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa Can Help You After a Car Accident in McAllen, TX

Crash victims often quickly realize the insurance claims process can be challenging. As the victim, you’ll have to handle paperwork, sign affidavits, present evidence, and document your losses. Filing a claim with insurance can be difficult even when you aren’t dealing with a serious injury.

Our experienced McAllen Personal Injury Lawyers can make a huge difference. At The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa, personal injury law is all we do. Our lawyer has decades of experience representing clients in Rio Grande Valley and across Texas.

Our founding attorney has experience working on both the plaintiff’s and defense sides of cases. We know how the other side thinks. That means we know how to fight back when the insurance company uses scare tactics to minimize your financial settlement.

When you hire us, you’ll have a skilled attorney to:

  • Conduct an independent investigation into the crash
  • Gather evidence to establish liability and causation
  • File a car accident claim with the insurance companies
  • Protect you against allegations that you caused the accident and injuries
  • Consult leading experts in medicine, economics, life planning, and other specialties as necessary
  • Evaluate your case value, considering both current and future losses
  • Negotiate with the insurance company for a full settlement
  • Take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses a fair deal

Our McAllen personal injury attorney knows how important your case is. You’re counting on a fair settlement to cover your medical bills and protect your future. You can also count on us to take your case seriously.

To learn more about establishing an attorney-client relationship, call today for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team is ready to start fighting for you today.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in McAllen, TX? - The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa

It’s always important to consult an attorney after a car accident. Insurance companies often make lowball settlement offers–and expect crash victims to take them. They understand the insurance claims process. They also know that you probably don’t.

Hiring a car accident lawyer gives you an advantage. The fact is, people who have lawyers tend to walk away with more money after a crash (even after attorney’s fees are taken out).

That’s because an experienced lawyer gives you:

  • Someone to protect you when the insurance company starts blaming you
  • Access to respected experts who can strengthen your case
  • Resources to conduct a full investigation and find out what happened
  • A skilled negotiator to help you demand full accountability from the at-fault party

The time after an accident can be overwhelming. Insurance adjusters will try to use the stress you’re feeling to their advantage. Your lawyer will even the playing field and help you fight for a full financial recovery.

How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?

How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case in McAllen?

There is no standard car accident settlement amount. As a general rule of thumb, the more the injury impacts your life, the higher your settlement or verdict will be. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or death tend to be worth the most.

However, it’s important to understand that your injuries are unique. No other car accident victim will be exactly the same. So, it’s important to understand the unique facts of your case.

When we’re calculating your case value, we’ll consider things like:

  • The type and severity of the injuries you’ve sustained
  • Whether you can continue to work during recovery
  • Your costs, including medical treatment and other expenses
  • The long-term impact of the injury, including projected costs and lost future income
  • Whether you contributed to the accident
  • Whether you took proper steps to mitigate damages
  • The strength of the evidence

Insurance companies handle claims like yours every day. They know how to downplay the losses you’ve suffered. They also know that you probably haven’t filed many insurance claims–and may not understand exactly how much you deserve.

Always consult an experienced lawyer before taking an insurance offer. Your lawyer has seen cases similar to yours and can offer insight into whether an offer is fair. For more information about your case value, contact our lawyer in McAllen for a free case review today.

How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Case in Texas?

How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Case in Texas?

The statute of limitations in Texas is two years. That means you’ll have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Once two years pass, you lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries entirely.

There are situations where you could have more time. For example, if the victim was a minor, the statute of limitations won’t start to run until they turn 18. If a drunk driver caused the crash, the clock will be paused while the at-fault driver is dealing with criminal charges.

On the other hand, you could have less time to act in some cases.

The exceptions are few and far between. It’s always better to consult a lawyer soon after your accident. Your lawyer can handle the legal issues and get the ball rolling to protect your right to compensation.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover if My McAllen Car Accident Case is Successful?

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover if My McAllen Car Accident Case is Successful?

Texas personal injury laws classify compensatory damages based on whether they compensate a victim for economic damages or non-economic damages.

If your injuries were serious, a successful personal injury settlement should include compensation for both types of losses.

What Are Economic Damages in Texas?

Economic damages compensate you for the financial costs you’ve incurred.

Examples include:

  • Medical expenses, including ER visits, hospitalizations, follow-up care, and more
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Nursing care
  • Medications and medical devices
  • In-home assistance
  • Home and vehicle modifications 
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning potential
  • Property damage and vehicle repair costs

You’re entitled to compensation for both current costs and your expected future financial costs. Often, expert testimony is required to prove the value of your anticipated future financial expenses.

What Are Non-Economic Damages in Texas?

Non-economic damages are much more difficult to value. They compensate for losses that don’t have a clear financial value.

Examples include:

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Anxiety
  • Depression 
  • Disfigurement 
  • Scarring 
  • Loss of consortium

Insurance companies tend to downplay the non-financial costs of a serious car wreck. After all, you won’t have receipts to prove these losses. 

With an experienced lawyer by your side, you’re much more likely to recover the full amount you deserve. We’ll bring in experts and compare your case to past cases we’ve handled to put a dollar value on your pain, suffering, and trauma.

What Are Punitive Damages in Texas?

Punitive damages are rarely awarded in Texas. Punitive damages don’t offer compensation for a specific loss. Instead, they’re meant to punish the defendant for intentional wrongdoing or especially shocking behavior.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Texas?

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Texas? - The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa n McAllen, TX

Injuries are expensive. Many crash victims don’t seek legal representation because they worry about the cost. We understand and want to make sure you know that you can hire a lawyer without paying anything to get started. 

Like most personal injury law firms, our attorney at The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa works on a contingency fee basis. With a contingency fee arrangement, our lawyer doesn’t charge any upfront fees. 

Instead, we handle your case in exchange for part of the compensation we win for you. Depending on the case’s complexity, our fee might range from about 33% to 40% of your settlement or verdict. You pay absolutely nothing in attorney’s fees if we don’t recover compensation in your case.

There won’t be any surprises. We’ll ensure you understand the percentage you’ll pay before hiring us. To discuss your case in detail, give us a quick call today.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault for My Car Accident?

Since Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, it’s possible to lose your right to compensation if you’re partly responsible. Texas has a 51% “bar” to recovery. 

Here’s how it works:

  • If your share of fault is less than 51%, you can keep part of your compensation award– your compensation is reduced by whatever percentage of fault is allocated to you
  • Once your percentage of fault reaches 51%, you lose your right to compensation completely

Even if the at-fault driver accepts blame, insurance companies rarely do. They’ll try to use the shared fault law to minimize your settlement. After all, when they pay less, they increase their profits.

If you’re being blamed, it’s important to defend yourself. Our lawyers are ready to protect you against unfair allegations. Contact us today to learn more.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial? - The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa n McAllen, TX

Probably not. Most car accident cases settle out of court. Trials can be unpredictable, and insurance companies don’t like to risk paying more than they’d otherwise have to pay.

Car accident cases only go to court when the parties can’t agree on a settlement. That usually happens when the insurance company undervalues your damages or denies your claim.

Your lawyer’s skill and experience are also factors. The insurance company is much more likely to offer a fair settlement when your lawyer is an experienced trial lawyer. If the insurance company knows they can win at trial, they won’t be worried about offering a lowball settlement. 

At The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa, we handle complex injury claims every day. We’re known for being fierce negotiators who aren’t afraid to take cases to trial. We’re more than ready to take on the insurance company on your behalf.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in McAllen?

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in McAllen, TX?

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed after a car accident. Still, you should try to remain calm. The steps you take immediately after a car wreck are important. 

You should always call 911 after an accident. If someone is seriously hurt, the police dispatcher can send an emergency medical team. The EMTs can provide initial treatment and take you to the hospital if necessary. The police will also conduct an investigation and prepare an accident report–which can offer valuable evidence.

You should also:

  • Exchange insurance paperwork and contact information with the other driver
  • Take photos and videos of the accident scene and injuries
  • Get contact information from any eyewitnesses
  • Refrain from apologizing or accepting blame (insurance companies are known for taking innocent statements and using them against victims)

You should also seek medical care immediately after the crash. Even if your injuries don’t require emergency treatment, they could become worse without prompt care. Your doctor’s report will also provide critical evidence in a personal injury case.

Once your condition is stable, contact an experienced McAllen car accident attorney as soon as possible. 

Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle

Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle in The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa n McAllen, TX

Every type of car accident case has its own set of complications and challenges. At The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa, we have the experience to handle any type of car accident case.

We often handle:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-End Collisions in McAllen, TX

Most people think that rear-end crashes tend to be mere “fender benders.” In reality, rear-end rashes have the potential to cause serious injuries. Victims often suffer whiplash, concussions, and spinal cord damage. The driver in the rear is often to blame–but that’s not always the case. Our McAllen rear-end accident lawyers are here to help you determine what happened and who was at fault. 

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit & Run Accidents in McAllen, TX

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Texas. Still, hit-and-run crashes are unfortunately common. When someone leaves the scene of an accident, it can be tough to know where to turn for compensation. If you’ve been involved in this type of accident, our McAllen hit-run accident lawyer is here to assist.

Head-on Crashes

Head-on Crashes in McAllen, TX

Head-on crashes produce some of the worst injuries imaginable, including catastrophic and fatal injuries. They often involve high speeds and/or distracted driving. You deserve compensation if someone else strikes your car head-on. Our McAllen head-on accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

Intersection Crashes

Intersection Crashes in McAllen, TX

Intersection crashes can be serious. They can involve multiple vehicles, t-bone crashes, and even head-on collisions. If you were in an intersection collision, our McAllen intersection accident attorneys can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for your damages.

Highway Accidents

Highway Accidents in McAllen, TX

Highway accidents tend to result in significant injuries due to the vehicles’ speeds. These collisions can even result in wrongful death. Our McAllen highway accident lawyer can help you get justice after a highway crash. We can help you maximize the value of your claim. Our lawyer is here to help you identify options and fight for the money you need after any car crash in McAllen.

Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident in Texas?

Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident in Texas?

Texas is an at-fault insurance state. After an accident, you’ll first file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Still, multiple parties can share legal responsibility for the same accident. To recover fair compensation, it’s important to identify all responsible parties and sources of insurance coverage.

Depending on the circumstances, at-fault parties may include:

  • Negligent drivers
  • The employer of a negligent driver who was working at the time
  • Government agencies responsible for road maintenance and oversight
  • Truck drivers and trucking companies
  • Manufacturers of defective vehicles or safety equipment
  • Uber or Lyft drivers
  • Pedestrians
  • Bicyclists 

In complicated cases, the at-fault party might not even be present at the accident scene. That’s one reason why having an experienced lawyer review your case is always a good idea.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries - The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa - McAllen, TX

Regardless of the circumstances, the consequences of a serious car wreck can be devastating.

Our lawyers in McAllen often represent injury victims who have suffered:

  • Broken bones
  • Facial injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Burns 
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Nerve injuries
  • Whiplash injuries
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Crushing injuries
  • Chest injuries
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Concussions
  • Back injuries
  • Organ damage
  • Amputations
  • Paralysis
  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Wrongful death of a loved one

Car accident victims are often left to struggle with injuries that change their lives forever. Even if you’re expected to make a full medical recovery, you may experience pain and trauma for years to come. It can be difficult to anticipate the outcome.

At The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa, we’ve seen cases similar to yours before. Once you’ve received medical care, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for a free case evaluation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in McAllen, TX?

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in McAllen, TX?

Auto accidents happen every day in the State of Texas. Crashes happen for different reasons. They’re most likely to happen when drivers are careless or reckless. In other words, accidents tend to occur when drivers are negligent.

Negligence is a failure to exercise the degree of caution a reasonable person would have used under the circumstances.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in McAllen include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way 
  • Tailgating 
  • Road rage
  • Aggressive driving
  • Unsafe passing
  • Illegal lane changes
  • Illegal or unsafe turns
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Driving under the influence of drugs
  • Drunk driving
  • Dangerous road conditions
  • Defective vehicles
  • Failure to maintain a vehicle in a safe condition

There is an endless array of causes. The responsibility for your safety increasingly depends on other drivers’ actions. If you suffer an injury without any fault of your own, take prompt action to pursue compensation.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in McAllen, TX?

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in McAllen, TX?

As the victim, you must prove the cause of your accident to recover compensation from the responsible party.

That usually means establishing the elements of negligence, which include:

In plain English, to recover damages, you must present evidence to show that the at-fault party’s mistake directly caused your accident and injuries.

McAllen Car Accident Statistics

Car Accident Statistics from McAllen, TX

In 2022, at least 427,806 auto accidents occurred across Texas. A total of 244,092 people were injured in crashes. At least 18,880 victims were seriously injured in those crashes. Another 4,481 people were killed.

That means about 64 people were seriously injured or killed in traffic accidents every single day during 2022.

In the City of McAllen alone, 2,601 car accidents were reported to the Texas Department of Transportation in 2022.

These motor vehicle accidents included:

  • 11 fatal crashes that killed 12 victims
  • Accidents that caused 62 serious injuries
  • 678 suspected minor injuries
  • 991 auto accidents that may have caused injuries

Do you have questions about your legal options after a car crash in McAllen? Contact our attorneys to discuss your case. We’re always available to take your call.

Call Our McAllen Car Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Initial Consultation

The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa - 6316 N 10th St Building D. Suite 102, McAllen, TX 78504

Were you recently injured in a car accident? Did you lose a loved one in a fatal car wreck? If you were hurt due to someone else’s careless, reckless, or wrongful act, you deserve to be compensated. Our legal team at The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa is here to fight for you.

Without a lawyer’s help, it can be difficult to know whether the insurance company is treating you fairly. Fortunately, it’s easy to get the legal advice you deserve. Contact an experienced McAllen car accident lawyer today at (956) 815-0055 to schedule a free case review.

Our personal injury law firm in McAllen, TX also handles:

McAllen Car Accident Client Review

When in stress and frustration, the only thing you want is for some type of guidance to help you get to the next step. We are very pleased with this Team! Mr. Ochoa and his staff really came through and helped throughout the whole process. Not only were they very informative; they were also available every time we called! We couldn’t have chosen a better team.”

– Mariela Rios
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read more of our Google reviews.

Highly Rated Car Repair Shops In McAllen, TX

  • De La Fuente Auto Service – 2029 N 23rd St, McAllen, TX 78501
  • Pruneda Auto Mechanic – 7205 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577
  • Ernies Auto Service – 1412 E Violet Ave, McAllen, TX 78504
  • Lozano’s Repair Shop – 4517 W Monte Cristo Rd, Edinburg, TX 78541
  • Firestone Complete Auto Care – 1401 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78501

*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.

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