Understanding the Personal Injury Claims Process in San Antonio TX - From Filing to Settlement

The thought of filing a personal injury lawsuit is an equally hopeful and daunting endeavor. On the one hand, victims need financial compensation to cover medical bills and get back on their feet. On the other hand, the personal injury claims process in San Antonio, Texas may seem complicated and laborious. Hiring a competent lawyer with a good reputation ensures you get the compensation you need for your recovery.

At Carabin Shaw, our client reviews reveal the many success stories of our client’s financial recovery and ability to hold at-fault parties accountable for negligence. We cater to our clients’ needs by providing English- AND Spanish-speaking staff, and we offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis. In addition, we offer insight into the legal process so you can understand each step on your journey to compensation.

The first step in seeking personal injury compensation is evidence collection. For some accidents, the victim can collect evidence at the scene. When this isn’t possible, a skilled attorney can investigate to locate the evidence you need to prove liability and damages.

Evidence in a personal injury case may include:

• Photos and videos of the accident scene or injuries
• Medical records and bills
• Police reports
• Witness testimony
• Expert testimony
• Safety and inspection reports
• Contracts
• Employment record
• Driving record

Having a lawyer to investigate your personal injury claim is beneficial because they know the best methods for secure evidence collection. They also have the means to get a subpoena for records from a company or individual who does not want to comply with evidence inquiries.

Insurance companies handle many personal injury accidents, but your lawyer may encourage you to file a personal injury claim in San Antonio, Texas, to seek compensation through litigation. This generally begins by filing a petition in the Bexar County Courts.

An original petition for relief from a personal injury claim must include the following:

• Cause of action
• Confirmation of correct jurisdiction
• Damages
• Demand for judgement

Knowing how to file a personal injury claim is essential, and our quality team at Carabin Shaw will walk you through the entire process. Once you file a claim, the defendant must respond with a supplemental petition. The defendant may deny the claim, counteroffer, or initiate a settlement offer.

While knowledge of the personal injury process in Texas is beneficial, a lawyer’s true skill lies in his or her ability to argue and negotiate. Insurance companies and defendants frequently offer low initial settlement offers, but a plaintiff does not have to accept them. San Antonio TX attorneys can negotiate to include additional damages, litigation costs, or other types of compensation.

Your lawyer’s goal is to maximize your compensation. Compensable damages in a personal injury lawsuit include:

• Economic damages: medical bills, lost income, property repairs, and travel costs
• Noneconomic damages: pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and loss of companionship
• Exemplary damages: Punitive damages the court awards to deter future gross negligence

Your local lawyer’s negotiations will highlight the risk of higher awards if your case goes to trial. Many defendants settle outside court to limit monetary and time expenditures and avoid potentially more significant verdicts.

When searching for a San Antonio lawyer, it is important to consider their experience, compassion, and track record. You want an attorney who is a skilled negotiator who isn’t afraid to take your case to trial so you can get FULL compensation for your injuries. Lawyers from Carabin Shaw have these traits and will help you get the most out of your legal experience.

Call the San Antonio personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw on their toll-free number at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case review. Someone is available to speak with you 24/7 and answer questions about your legal options.

For more information:

• Bexar
• TX Courts
• Texas Statutes