Your Rights After a Car Accident

A car accident happens in seconds — but the consequences can last for months or even years. Medical bills pile up, work becomes impossible, and insurance companies seem more interested in protecting their bottom line than your well-being.

At The Santos Law Firm, PLLC, we know this process can feel overwhelming. Our mission is to guide you through every step, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve under Texas law.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

The moments following a collision are chaotic, but your actions can significantly affect your ability to recover damages later. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
   Safety comes first. Get medical help for yourself or others. Even if injuries seem minor, a prompt evaluation can reveal hidden trauma like concussions or internal bleeding.
2. Document the Scene
   Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions. This evidence can be critical when insurance companies dispute fault.
3. Exchange Information and Identify Witnesses
   Gather the other driver’s license, insurance, and contact details. If there are witnesses, collect their names and numbers — their statements can support your case later.
4. Avoid Admitting Fault
   Even casual apologies can be used against you. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and avoid speculating about who caused the accident.
5. Contact an Attorney Before Speaking to Insurers
   Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Having an attorney handle communication ensures your words aren’t twisted against you.

Understanding Texas Car Accident Laws

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% responsible, your compensation would be $80,000.

Insurance companies often use this rule to their advantage by shifting blame onto victims. That’s where an experienced attorney can make a difference — by gathering evidence, challenging assumptions, and ensuring your side of the story is fully represented.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Texas

Understanding how accidents happen can strengthen your case. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, eating)
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failure to obey traffic signals or signs
• Unsafe lane changes or tailgating
• Defective vehicle parts or poor road maintenance

Each cause requires a different legal approach. For example, a drunk driving crash might involve punitive damages, while a tire blowout could point to manufacturer liability.

Injuries That Deserve Serious Legal Attention

Even a low-speed collision can cause significant harm. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck strain
• Broken bones and fractures
• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord or back damage
• Internal bleeding and organ injuries
• Emotional trauma, anxiety, and PTSD

Beyond immediate treatment, many victims face long-term therapy, chronic pain, or permanent disability. An attorney ensures that future medical needs are included in your compensation — not just short-term expenses.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may appear cooperative at first but often use subtle tactics to reduce payouts, such as:

• Asking for recorded statements to use against you
• Offering quick, low settlements before full medical evaluation
• Delaying claims to pressure financial hardship
• Disputing the severity of injuries or necessity of treatment

At The Santos Law Firm, we know these tactics well. Our role is to level the playing field — handling all insurer communications and ensuring your claim reflects the true extent of your losses.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Victims of negligent drivers can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Medical bills (past, ongoing, and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium or quality of life

Every case is unique, and we work closely with medical experts, financial analysts, and life-care planners to ensure no cost or consequence is overlooked.

How The Santos Law Firm, PLLC Helps You

When you retain our firm, we immediately begin building your case by:

• Investigating the accident scene and collecting critical evidence
• Reviewing police and accident reports
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts
• Calculating full damages, including future expenses
• Negotiating assertively with insurance companies
• Preparing for trial if a fair settlement is not offered

Our approach is rooted in proactive, aggressive advocacy — ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected from day one.

Why You Should Act Quickly

In Texas, most personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations. Waiting too long can mean losing the right to recover damages entirely.

Additionally, evidence like surveillance footage or witness testimony can fade with time. Acting promptly ensures the strongest case possible.

Protect Your Rights — Start Your Recovery Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The insurance company has a team working to protect its interests — you deserve a team protecting yours.

At The Santos Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process with integrity, compassion, and determination.