Personal Injury in Auto Accidents

Auto accidents are sudden, stressful, and often life-changing. One moment you’re on the road, and the next, you’re left with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and the uncertainty of how to move forward.

At The Santos Law Firm, PLLC, we know how overwhelming this time can be. Our mission is to help accident victims understand their rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and pursue the compensation they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

Common Personal Injuries in Auto Accidents

Even a seemingly “minor” accident can result in serious injuries that disrupt your daily life. Some of the most common include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries – Pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the neck and back.
• Broken bones and fractures – Common in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
• Head injuries and concussions – Even without loss of consciousness, brain injuries can have long-lasting effects.
• Spinal cord injuries – Ranging from herniated discs to partial or complete paralysis.
• Internal injuries – Bleeding, organ damage, or other complications that may not be obvious right away.
• Emotional trauma – Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after serious crashes.

Some injuries appear immediately, while others develop over days or weeks. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away, even if you feel “okay” after an accident.

The Financial Burden of an Auto Accident

Injury-related expenses add up quickly. Victims may face:

• Emergency room visits and hospital stays
• Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications and medical equipment
• Time off work and lost wages
• Long-term disability or reduced earning capacity

When another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you should not be left to carry these costs alone.

Your Legal Rights After an Auto Accident

Under Texas law, accident victims have the right to pursue compensation when another party is at fault. This can include both economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering or loss of quality of life).

However, insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts, often offering quick settlements that don’t cover the full extent of your losses. Accepting too soon can leave you struggling financially in the future.

That’s why having a strong legal advocate makes a difference. An attorney can handle the insurance companies, gather evidence, and make sure your claim truly reflects the impact of your injuries.

How Liability Works in Texas

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

• You can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault for the accident.
• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you can still recover $80,000.

Understanding this rule is critical, because insurance companies often try to shift blame onto victims to reduce payouts. An experienced attorney will push back against these tactics to protect your claim.

Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

If you’ve been injured, here are key steps that can strengthen your case:

1. Get medical treatment immediately – Your health comes first, and medical records also serve as crucial evidence.
2. Report the accident – Call the police and ensure a report is filed.
3. Gather evidence – Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage.
4. Collect contact information – From witnesses and the other driver.
5. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters alone – Anything you say can be used against you.
6. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney – The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

How The Santos Law Firm Helps Victims

At The Santos Law Firm, PLLC, we take immediate action after an accident to protect your rights. Our team:

• Investigates the crash and preserves key evidence
• Negotiates with insurance companies to maximize compensation
• Works with medical experts to assess long-term care needs
• Prepares every case as if it will go to trial — giving us leverage in negotiations

We don’t let insurance companies dictate your recovery. Our role is to be your advocate, ensuring the State and opposing parties are held to the highest legal standards.

Don’t Face This Alone

A personal injury from an auto accident can change your life — but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath by yourself. The sooner you seek legal help, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.

Contact The Santos Law Firm, PLLC today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery.