Table of Contents
Top Car Accident Lawyer in McAllen – Get Justice & Fair Compensation
In the blink of an eye, a simple drive in the heart of McAllen can take an unexpected turn, transforming a routine commute into an act of devastation. Once the initial shock of a car accident subsides, you are left dealing with police reports, insurance claims, medical bills, and possibly personal injury claims.
Amidst this chaos, it can be difficult to know what steps to take. From calling the police to gathering pertinent details and taking pictures, every action can play a pivotal role in protecting your rights. But the aftermath of car accidents doesn’t end at the accident scene.
At such a critical time, you need more than legal advice. You need a champion who will fight for you every step of the way. Kenny Perez Law has the most trusted car accident lawyers in McAllen. We will guide you through the aftermath with the expertise and dedication you deserve.
Call us today at (855) 695-7529 or use our online form to schedule your FREE consultation.
Choose Kenny Perez Law: Your Expert Ally in Navigating Texas Traffic Laws and Pursuing Full Compensation in McAllen
Real Talk, Real Results: At Kenny Perez Law, we don’t just talk the talk; we’ve got the track record to prove it. With millions recovered for our clients, your case is in winning hands.
No Win, No Fee – That’s The Deal: If we don’t win for you, you don’t pay us a dime.
We’re Family Here: When you choose us, you’re not just a case number. You’re part of the Kenny Perez family. We take care of our own.
Hablamos Tu Idioma: A language barrier should never stand in the way of justice. Our Spanish-speaking team is ready to chat, listen, and fight for you en español.
15 Years Strong and Counting: We’ve seen it all – and learned exactly how to handle the curveballs of the legal process.
24/7 Availability – Because Accidents Don’t Wait: Life doesn’t stick to business hours, so neither do we.
Local Love: We’re from McAllen, we work in McAllen, and we’re all about supporting our McAllen neighbors and tailoring our strategies to where you live.
Navigating the Aftermath of Car Accidents in McAllen
At the Scene: What to Do Right After a Collision
Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries: Collisions can trigger an adrenaline rush that can mask injuries. Avoid movements that may worsen an injury and check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
Get to a Safe Stop: You are required by the Texas Transportation Code § 550.023 to stop and provide assistance in any accident involving injuries or property damage. If your vehicle is drivable, move it to a nearby spot outside of traffic lanes. If moving the car is not possible but you can physically relocate, turn on hazard lights and move to a nearby sidewalk for safety. If you are too injured to move, activate hazard lights and remain still while waiting for help to arrive.
Call 911: You are required by the Texas Transportation Code § 550.026 to report the accident to the local police by calling 911. This establishes the primary record of the accident. Emergency services will guide you through the subsequent steps, including calling an ambulance and dispatching the police, who will redirect traffic and ensure your safety.
Search for Witnesses: Locate potential witnesses among drivers or pedestrians who may have stopped. Collect their contact information. Also check for nearby business cameras that might have recorded the accident.
Exchange Information: Only communicate with the other driver to check their well-being and exchange essential information. Avoid discussing the accident until you’ve spoken with the police. For all involved parties, exchange details such as driver’s licenses, insurance cards, license plates, vehicle make/model/color, Vehicle ID Numbers (VIN), and contact information.
Capture the Scene: For accuracy, take photos of all relevant information gathered. Photograph the vehicles and their damages up close and from a distance, the accident location, any road debris, and visible injuries to yourself or others.
Provide Your Statement: Police may ask you for a statement, and a composed demeanor often carries weight in disputed liability cases. Avoid admitting fault; let the police, insurance company, and lawyers determine responsibility. Don’t state you are uninjured; instead, express uncertainty and mention plans for a medical check-up.
Seek Medical Attention: Consult a doctor within the first few days after a crash to establish a treatment plan for any injuries and document your complaints in medical records. For insurance adjusters, this step is crucial for linking injuries to the accident.
Contact Our McAllen Car Accident Lawyers: Kenny Perez Law offers free consultations to address your post-accident questions, whether at the scene or afterward. We won’t charge you any fees unless we successfully secure an injury settlement for you.
What Are the Most Common Automobile Accident Injuries?
In Texas in 2022, there were 4,481 fatalities and 244,092 people injured from motor vehicle accidents. Of these, there were 15,299 serious injury accidents with 18,800 people sustaining serious injuries. There were 1,163 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol. Distracted driving led to the deaths of 484 people.
Car accident victims can sustain a number of common injuries.
- Head and traumatic brain injuries: These can sometimes lead to permanent complications, including loss of independence and function.
- Soft tissue injuries: The force generated from a vehicle accident can tear and stretch a person’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This can lead to whiplash and other injuries.
- Chest injuries: Steering wheels may impact drivers during a collision, causing bruising or more severe injuries like broken ribs.
- Spinal cord damage: This can be very serious, sometimes leading to nerve damage, loss of feeling and muscle control, and even paralysis.
- Internal organ damage: As one example, a broken rib could puncture a rib and cause difficulty in breathing or even death.
Your Rights as an Injured Person in McAllen Auto Accidents
Understanding your rights is the initial step in pursuing justice and equitable compensation. From knowing the comparative negligence laws in Texas to understanding the types of damages you can recover, being aware of your rights is crucial.
When the at-fault driver’s insurance company may prioritize their interests, being aware of your rights can be your strongest asset and determine the outcome of your claim.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas operates under a modified comparative fault system. This means that your compensation is reduced by the percentage of your fault in the accident. But there’s a catch. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you’re not eligible to receive any compensation.
This highlights the need to prove the other party’s negligence. One of our skilled car accident lawyers can challenge any attempt by the defense to shift the blame onto you.
What Kinds of Damages Can Be Recovered for Serious Injuries?
Texas law allows you to seek compensation for losses after car accidents. But this requires proving the negligence of the at-fault party, the extent of your injuries, and the impact of these injuries on your life. This is where Kenny Perez Law can advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve in your personal injury claim.
The types of compensation available for motor vehicle accident victims in Texas fall into two categories – monetary (or economic) damages and non-monetary or non-economic) damages.
Monetary damages can include:
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Damage to any personal property items in your car
- Medical bills (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages (past, current, and future)
- Rental car expenses
- Loss of value to your damaged car
Non-monetary damages can include:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Bodily disfigurement
- Punitive damages for the at-fault party for reckless behavior (like drunk driving)
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death claims
Unfortunately, many victims fail to consider all of these impacts when filing a claim. This is where a McAllen car accident lawyer at Kenny Perez Law can help.
We can accurately calculate the total costs of your car accident in McAllen, including future medical bills, lost wages, and earning capacity, ensuring you seek the full compensation you deserve.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive?
Until the full extent of the damages from a car accident is established, it can be hard to quantify the value of an auto accident claim. It can take time to determine if surgery will be needed, what that will cost, and if it will resolve your pain. Many other factors go into the value of personal injury claim, including:
- Existing insurance policy (or policies): Larger insurance policies may allow for and cover more extensive treatments. But they can also make it easier for the insurance company to make mistakes in evaluating car accident cases.
- Severity of injuries: Severe injuries from car accidents can impact both the victim as well as the value of the claim. A permanent disability will have more damages that apply than an injury that heals with time.
- Degree of negligence. Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, which allows insurers to assign a portion of the blame on both parties to car accidents. When comparative negligence is applied, you can only recover the percentage for which you weren’t at fault.
- Your medical treatment. Insurance companies require you to follow the prescribed course of medical treatment by your doctor if you have been injured in a car crash. They won’t just take your word for it, so simply saying that you are experiencing pain and suffering isn’t enough.
The McAllen car accident lawyers at Kenny Perez Law can determine the compensation owed to you and answer questions you have regarding your injury claim and rights. Schedule your free consultation to start your journey of recovery.
How Kenny Perez Law Can Help You
Following a car accident, an experienced car accident attorney at Kenny Perez Law can:
- Evaluate your case
- Gather necessary evidence
- Interview any witnesses
- Consult with experts
- Recreate the accident scene when necessary
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Deal with insurance adjusters
- Establish the strength of your claim
- Provide legal representation in court
Negotiating a settlement can be a complex and challenging process. Insurance companies often use various tactics to minimize their payout after car accidents. Without the right legal representation, you may end up accepting a settlement that is far less than what you deserve.
However, with the help of a skilled car accident lawyer, you can stand up to the insurance company and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We can simplify the claims process and guide you every step of the way, making all the difference in the outcome of your case. As we work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation, you can focus on your recovery.
Free Consultation: Evaluating Your Case with Expert Advice
At Kenny Perez Law, we believe that everyone deserves access to legal guidance, regardless of their situation. That’s why we offer a free case evaluation to get you started on your journey to justice. This no-obligation consultation is the perfect opportunity for you to:
- Discuss the details of your car accident with a skilled McAllen car accident lawyer.
- Understand your legal rights and options without any financial commitment.
- Receive personalized advice on how to proceed with your case for the best possible outcome.
We know that after a car accident, you may be facing mounting bills, lost wages, and financial uncertainty. Our free case evaluation is designed to ease your mind by providing clarity and direction at no cost.
Let us assess the merits of your case and advise you on the next steps, so you can make an informed decision about how to move forward. Contact Kenny Perez Law today, and take the first step toward recovery and restitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical legal fees for car accident lawyers in Texas?
At Kenny Perez Law, we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our payment is contingent upon winning your case. There are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses for you to worry about. Instead, our fees are a percentage of the settlement or judgment we obtain for you. This allows you to seek justice without financial stress.
Our firm covers all the costs associated with building and litigating your case. From car accident investigation to court fees, we manage the expenses, so you don’t have to. If we successfully recover compensation on your behalf, our fees are then deducted from this amount. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Clients often find that having Kenny Perez Law on their side pays for itself many times over. Not only do we strive to secure the maximum compensation available, but our experience and negotiating skills mean we can often settle cases favorably without the need to go to trial.
In short, when you choose Kenny Perez Law, you’re choosing a partner in your recovery process — a partner with a vested interest in ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. We’re here to provide top-tier legal representation that pays for itself, giving you the peace of mind to focus on what matters most: your recovery.
How long after a car accident do I have to file a claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations usually allows you two (2) years from the date of the vehicle accident to file a personal injury claim. There are exceptions to this time limit for minors and certain other individuals. Keep in mind that other states have different time limits, so the applicable limit is usually for the state where the accident occurred.
By consulting promptly with a personal injury attorney at Kenny Perez Law, you will ensure that you don’t miss the period of applicable limitations after a car accident. The attorney can also make sure that the investigation is conducted correctly, and that all steps are taken to gather and preserve evidence, witness statements, photos, and police records to support your car accident claim.
What are my rights in a car accident in Texas?
In Texas, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim against the at-fault driver for damages caused. Your liability insurance should cover up to a certain amount, so contact your insurer to report the accident promptly.
What happens if the other driver doesn’t have car insurance?
If you are injured in a car accident where the other driver doesn’t have insurance, or in a hit-and-run wreck and are unable to locate the driver, you may still have options for compensation and recovery. If your own policy has Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), you may be able to recover for personal injuries. Contact your insurance company to confirm your policy coverage before finalizing your claim request. The car accident attorneys at Kenny Perez Law can also try to track down the other driver in a hit-and run, through witnesses, photos, and surveillance cameras.
Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident in Texas?
It may be unnecessary to get a lawyer for a minor car accident in Texas if you are familiar with your insurance plan. However, if your injuries are significant, it is always wise to consult with a qualified attorney.
What are the benefits of hiring a McAllen car accident lawyer?
Hiring a McAllen car accident lawyer offers the benefit of experienced local legal knowledge, expertise negotiating with insurance companies, and a dedication to obtaining maximum compensation. You can rest and recover while we handle everything.
Kenny Perez Law
3400 N McColl Rd
Suite F 5
McAllen, TX 78501
Phone: (855) 695-7529
