Getting into a car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You may have questions about your rights, how to handle the insurance process, or whether you can file a lawsuit.
At The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa, we understand what you’re going through. With over 25 years of experience and tens of millions of dollars recovered, our McAllen car accident lawyer is here to provide answers.
Below, we’ve addressed some of the most common questions our clients ask after being hurt in a car crash in McAllen, Texas. If you need help after an accident, contact us online or call (956) 815-0055 for a free consultation.
How The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa Can Help After a Car Accident in McAllen, Texas
Car accidents in McAllen, TX, can leave victims overwhelmed, injured, and unsure of what to do next. When you’re trying to focus on healing, the last thing you need is the added stress of dealing with insurance companies or legal procedures. That’s where The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa can step in and make a real difference.
When you hire our McAllen personal injury attorney, we’ll help by:
- Launching a thorough investigation into the crash
- Collecting evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and photos
- Working with medical professionals and accident experts to support your case
- Handling all communications with the insurance companies
- Fighting back if the other party tries to blame you for the crash
- Filing a claim or lawsuit and pushing for a full financial recovery
You don’t have to go through this alone. We can handle your legal claim from start to finish while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free case review.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in McAllen?
What you do after the accident can significantly impact your case.
Try to follow these steps:
- Call 911 so emergency responders and law enforcement can arrive and complete an accident report.
- Get medical treatment right away, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
- Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened.
- Speak with an attorney before talking to the other party’s insurance company.
Doing these things can help protect your health and your right to file a claim.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?
You should notify your insurance company that the accident happened, but be careful when speaking to adjusters, whether they work for your insurer or the other party’s. Their goal is to minimize your payout.
You’re not required to give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement offer. Instead, direct them to your lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney in McAllen can handle all communications, protect your rights, and fight for full compensation.
How Much is My McAllen Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your claim depends on many factors, including:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- Whether you’ll fully recover
- The total cost of your medical bills
- Lost income from missing work
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Whether you were partially at fault
Every case is different. Some are worth a few thousand dollars, while others may be worth hundreds of thousands or more. The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa can review your case and give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault?
Yes, but it depends on how much blame you share. Texas uses a rule called modified comparative negligence. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your award will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 30% responsible for the crash, you could recover 70% of your damages. But if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you won’t be able to recover anything.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a McAllen Car Accident Claim?
You aren’t required to hire a car accident lawyer, but having one can make a big difference. Insurance companies are more likely to take your claim seriously if you have legal representation.
An attorney can:
- Investigate the crash
- Prove the other driver’s fault
- Calculate all of your economic and non-economic damages
- Handle all the paperwork and negotiations
- Fight for the full amount you’re owed
- Take your case to court if necessary
And since most car accident lawyers work on contingency, you won’t pay anything upfront. You only pay if your lawyer wins your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
In many cases, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover compensation, even if you have a strong case.
There are some exceptions, but they’re rare. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
Contact a McAllen Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a crash in McAllen, TX, The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa is ready to help. With over 25 years of experience and tens of millions recovered for accident victims across Texas, our McAllen car accident attorney knows how to fight back against insurance companies and protect your rights.
Call today to schedule a completely free consultation. There are no upfront costs, and we don’t get paid unless you do.
