Best Car Accident Lawyers in Edinburg

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Edinburg, Texas?

  The non-emergency phone number for the Edinburg Police Department is (956) 289-7700.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Edinburg, Texas?

  You can obtain your car accident report at the Edinburg Police Department situated at 100 E. Freddy Gonzalez Drive Edinburg, Texas 78539, or you can send a request form through their website https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/. A crash report typically costs between $6 and $20, depending on the method you used to receive it.

• What are the car accident rates in Edinburg?

  According to the Edinburg Police Department, there were 2,438 car accidents in Edinburg overall in 2021. These collisions caused:

  Fatal crashes: 7 crashes left 8 people fatally injured Minor injury crashes: 147 crashes left 212 victims with minor injuries Serious injury crashes: 60 people were critically injured in 45 collisions Possible injury crashes: 612 car accidents resulted in 1,144 people with possible injuries No injury crashes: 1,555 car accidents leaving 5,127 people with no injuries Unknown severity: 72 collisions resulted in 273 people suffering unknown injuries

• What are the riskiest intersections in Edinburg?

  The fact that Edinburg is the entry point to the Rio Grande Valley adds to the city's congested traffic. These traffic jams and reckless driving behaviors may result to car accidents. Below is a list of some of the intersections in the city where most car collisions occur:

  • E Monte Cristo Road and I-69C
  • W Trenton Road and S Sugar Road
  • Trenton Road and S McColl Road
  • W Monte Cristo Road and N Seminary Road
  • W Freddy Gonzalez Drive and S McColl Road

• Can you still seek compensation if you were a passenger in an Edinburg car accident?

  Yes. In car accidents in Edinburg, passengers have the right to file claims for their injuries and losses. The specific facts and circumstances of your car accident will determine who you should file a claim against (one or both drivers and their insurance providers), what coverages are available (third-party liability, first-party coverages, and/or personal injury protection), and how much financial compensation you can recover.

• What questions should you ask your Edinburg car accident attorney?

  Your Edinburg car accident case's success greatly depends on the lawyer you choose to represent you. Here are some questions that you can ask a lawyer to aid in your decision-making:

  • Will you be the attorney taking on my case?
  • Have you dealt with these kinds of injury cases before?
  • Would you mind sharing the firm's case results?
  • Do you work on a contingency basis?

• How does Texas' fault-based system affect your Edinburg car accident case?

  As a result of Texas' fault-based system, the party who caused your Edinburg car accident may be held accountable for the resulting damages. You will then need to submit a claim to the at-fault driver's insurance provider. The claim may be accepted or rejected within 15 business days. Although the insurance company could request more time, they are required to contact you within 45 days. In most cases, claimants receive their payments within five business days after the claim is approved.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.