If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you know how quickly life can change. At Reynaldo Diaz Accident Injury Attorney PC, we understand the emotional and financial toll this experience can take. We’re here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. With over 35 years of experience, San Antonio car accident lawyer Reynaldo Diaz is dedicated to putting in the work to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Understand your options after a collision
Car accidents occur when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or an object, often leading to serious consequences. These incidents can range from minor fender benders to catastrophic crashes that result in life-altering injuries or even fatalities. In many cases, car accidents are caused by distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, or failure to follow traffic laws. Victims are frequently left dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, medical bills, and insurance complications.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, it’s important to seek legal guidance promptly. Reynaldo Diaz has 30+ years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the aftermath of serious collisions. He works directly with you to build a strong case and help you secure the compensation you need and deserve. Contact San Antonio car accident lawyer Reynaldo Diaz today to schedule a consultation, discuss your case, and protect your rights.
What Are The Main Causes of Car Accidents?
- Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Reckless or aggressive driving behaviors
- Poor weather conditions, like rain, fog, or ice
- Driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
- Vehicle defects or mechanical failure
- Failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections
Common types of car accidents we handle
At Reynaldo Diaz Accident Injury Attorney PC, we understand the many different types of car accidents and their potential to cause severe harm. Whether it’s a collision with a commercial vehicle or the result of distracted driving, each situation requires careful legal attention to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Here Are Some of the Types of Car Accidents We Handle:
Commercial vehicle accidents
Accidents involving large commercial vehicles, such as trucks or delivery vans, often result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. These accidents can be caused by driver negligence, improper loading, or equipment failure.
Distracted driving accidents
Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating behind the wheel are significant causes of accidents. Drivers who fail to keep their focus on the road increase the likelihood of dangerous and potentially fatal crashes.
Drunk driving accidents
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries and are typically considered criminal offenses in addition to civil claims.
Fatigued driving accidents
Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times, impaired decision-making abilities, and reduced awareness, which increases their risk of accidents. Fatigue-related crashes are especially dangerous on long trips or at night.
Hit & run accidents
In hit-and-run accidents, the at-fault driver flees the scene, leaving the victim with property damage and injuries. These cases can be complicated, but experienced attorneys can help track down the responsible party and help secure the compensation you need.
Intersection accidents
Accidents at intersections are common due to failure to yield, running red lights, or not following traffic signals. These accidents often involve side-impact or T-bone collisions, which can cause significant injuries.
Multi-vehicle accidents
Multi-vehicle accidents can occur when one car causes a chain reaction involving several other vehicles. Determining liability in these cases can be complex, as multiple drivers may be at fault. Contact San Antonio car accident lawyer Reynaldo Diaz for a case evaluation.
Pedestrian accidents
When drivers fail to yield to pedestrians, accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities. These accidents often happen at crosswalks or intersections, where pedestrians may have the right of way.
Rear-end accidents
Rear-end accidents typically happen when one vehicle follows another too closely or when the lead driver suddenly stops. These accidents can cause whiplash and other neck or back injuries, even at low speeds.
Rollover accidents
Rollover accidents often occur in vehicles that are top-heavy or in situations where drivers lose control of the vehicle. These crashes can lead to serious injuries, especially if the vehicle rolls multiple times.
Side impact accidents
Also known as T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents often result in significant injuries, particularly for passengers seated on the side of the impact.
Texting & driving accidents
Texting while driving is a dangerous distraction that significantly increases the risk of accidents. These crashes happen when a driver takes their eyes off the road to read or send a text message.
Uninsured & underinsured motorists
If you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has little to no insurance coverage, you may face difficulty recovering your costs. In such cases, having an attorney helps you navigate the complexities of uninsured or underinsured motorist claims.
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Steps to take immediately after a car accident:
- Ensure safety by moving to a safe location, if possible
- Call the police to report the accident and file a report
- Exchange information with the other driver, including contact and insurance details
- Take photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured
- Document witness statements and contact information
- Notify your insurance company about the accident
- Avoid admitting fault or making detailed statements to others
- Contact a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options
- Keep a record of all medical treatments and expenses related to the accident
How Do We Determine Liability in A Car Accident Case
Determining who is legally responsible for a car accident is one of the most important steps in pursuing compensation. Liability is not always obvious, and insurance companies often dispute fault to limit what they pay. A thorough liability analysis looks beyond surface-level assumptions and focuses on evidence, documentation, and the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
By carefully examining all available information, we work to identify the parties responsible and build a clear, evidence-backed claim that supports your right to compensation. Here’s how we go about determining liability in a car accident case:
Reviewing police reports and official documentation
Police reports often provide a critical foundation for determining liability. These reports may include officer observations, diagrams of the crash, statements from drivers and witnesses, and citations issued at the scene. While not definitive, this documentation can strongly support fault determinations, especially when traffic violations or unsafe driving behaviors are noted.
Analyzing physical evidence from the accident scene
Physical evidence plays a major role in reconstructing how a crash occurred. Vehicle damage, skid marks, debris patterns, road conditions, and traffic signal placement can reveal the speed, direction of travel, and points of impact. This information helps establish whether a driver failed to brake, made an unsafe maneuver, or violated traffic laws.
Interviewing witnesses and involved parties
Independent witness statements can provide valuable insight into what happened before and during the collision. We evaluate consistency between witness accounts, driver statements, and physical evidence to identify discrepancies or confirm negligent behavior. Credible witness testimony can be especially important in disputed or multi-vehicle accidents.
Reviewing traffic laws and driver conduct
Liability often hinges on whether a driver violated traffic laws or failed to exercise reasonable care. Speeding, distracted driving, impairment, failure to yield, and following too closely are common factors that support a finding of fault. We compare driver actions against applicable laws to determine whether negligence occurred.
Using expert analysis when necessary
In complex cases, accident reconstruction specialists or other experts may be consulted to analyze data and provide professional opinions on how the crash happened. Expert findings can clarify fault issues and strengthen liability arguments, particularly when insurance companies challenge responsibility.
Car Accident FAQs
How do I know if the amount the insurance company is offering is good?
Insurance companies often make early settlement offers that may seem appealing, especially when medical bills and lost income are adding up. However, these initial offers are frequently calculated to minimize payouts rather than fully compensate you.
A fair settlement should account for all current and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects of your injuries. Once you accept an offer, you typically give up the right to pursue additional compensation, even if new issues arise later. Having your case reviewed before accepting a settlement can help determine whether the offer truly reflects the full value of your claim.
What if I’m partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributable to you. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your recovery would be reduced by 20%.
Determining fault is not always straightforward, and insurers may try to place more blame on you than is fair. A careful review can help protect your ability to recover compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas after a car crash?
In most car accident cases, Texas law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced. If you miss it, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
Certain situations, such as accidents involving government entities or injuries that are not immediately discovered, can affect this timeline. However, acting promptly helps preserve evidence and protects your legal rights.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Most car accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront legal fees. Attorney fees are collected only if compensation is recovered through a settlement or a verdict. This arrangement allows injured individuals to pursue justice without worrying about out-of-pocket legal costs during an already stressful time.
How much compensation can I get after a car accident?
There is no fixed amount for car accident compensation.
The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical costs, time missed from work, property damage, and how the accident has affected your daily life. Serious or long-term injuries typically result in higher compensation.
A thorough evaluation of your losses is essential to understanding the value of your case.
Why choose Reynaldo Diaz as your car accident lawyer?
Reynaldo Diaz is a dedicated San Antonio car accident lawyer with over 35 years of experience helping car accident victims in Texas. He focuses on providing expert, compassionate legal support, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. From filing claims to negotiating settlements, Mr. Diaz handles every step of the process so you can focus on recovery. Schedule a consultation today and let Mr. Diaz help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.