At Bailey & Galyen, we understand how life can change instantly after an unexpected injury. Whether you’re recovering from a car accident, a workplace incident, or another act of negligence, the physical pain and the strain of medical bills and missed work can feel like an enormous burden.
If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, a San Antonio personal injury lawyer from our firm can help you take meaningful steps toward compensation and justice.
Our team offers compassionate legal guidance and a free consultation to help you understand how we can support you. Let us shoulder the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today to discuss your case at no cost.
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Table of Contents
- Why Choose Bailey & Galyen to Handle Your San Antonio Personal Injury Claim?
- Our Attorneys Handle All Types of Personal Injury Claims in San Antonio
- Personal Injury Law Defined
- How to Tell If You Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim
- What’s the Process of Obtaining Compensation?
- What Should I Do When Someone Injures Me in San Antonio?
- San Antonio Personal Injury FAQs
- Contact an Experienced San Antonio Personal Injury Attorney Now
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen to Handle Your San Antonio Personal Injury Claim?
Bailey & Galyen has a longstanding reputation for advocating for injured clients. Here’s what sets us apart:
- We have more than 40 years of experience successfully representing personal injury victims in San Antonio.
- We prioritize open communication, keeping you informed at every stage of your case.
- Our attorneys have secured significant recoveries for individuals harmed by negligence.
- As part of the San Antonio community, we understand the unique challenges residents face.
Along with our extensive experience, we have attorneys who hold board certification in personal injury law. You can expect to receive the highest level of representation from a local attorney who has your best interests at heart.
Additionally, since we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees along the way. We accept attorney fees only if we recover compensation for you.
Our Attorneys Handle All Types of Personal Injury Claims in San Antonio
Our San Antonio personal injury attorneys work with clients across a variety of case types, including:
Car Accidents
Negligent drivers who speed, text behind the wheel, or drive under the influence often cause devastating car accidents. These incidents frequently lead to severe injuries and significant financial strain.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face unique dangers on the road. Drivers who fail to watch for smaller vehicles or give them the necessary space can cause catastrophic injuries.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists are vulnerable to serious harm when drivers fail to respect their rights or share the road properly.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians injured by reckless or inattentive drivers often face severe consequences. These accidents can lead to extensive recovery periods and costly medical bills.
Commercial Truck Accidents
Large trucks are subject to strict safety regulations, but violations like fatigued driving or improper loading can cause serious accidents. Victims often face significant medical expenses and prolonged recovery.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites are inherently hazardous, but employers are responsible for maintaining a safe environment. Accidents caused by falling objects, faulty equipment, or lack of training can lead to severe injuries.
Workers’ Compensation
When workplace injuries happen, workers’ compensation should provide benefits to cover medical care and lost wages. We assist clients with denied or underpaid claims.
Dog Bite Injuries
Texas law holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their pets under certain conditions. Dog attacks can result in long-term physical and emotional scars.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners must keep their premises safe. Wet floors, broken stairs, or uneven sidewalks can lead to serious injuries.
Premises Liability
Negligent property management can result in accidents like fires, electrocutions, or other preventable incidents.
Medical Malpractice
Patients trust healthcare providers to deliver competent care. Errors like misdiagnoses or surgical mistakes can lead to life-altering injuries.
Nursing Home Injuries
Nursing homes have a responsibility to protect residents from harm. Neglect or abuse in these facilities can significantly harm vulnerable individuals.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries often result from falls, vehicle accidents, or workplace incidents. These injuries can permanently affect memory, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Personal Injury Law Defined
Personal injury law protects individuals harmed by someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, and it allows injured parties to seek compensation for their losses. This branch of law covers many types of cases, from car accidents to medical malpractice, focusing on holding at-fault parties accountable for the harm they cause. Compensation can address medical expenses, lost income, and the long-term consequences of an injury.
How to Tell If You Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim
Determining whether you have a valid personal injury claim involves examining several critical factors. By understanding the foundational elements of these claims, you can assess whether pursuing legal action may be appropriate for your situation.
Duty of Care
The first question is whether the other party owed you a duty of care. A duty of care exists when someone has a legal obligation to act in a way that prevents harm to others. For example, drivers must operate their vehicles safely, businesses must maintain safe premises, and medical professionals must provide appropriate care.
Breach of Duty
A valid claim requires showing that the responsible party failed to meet their duty of care. This breach could involve actions like running a red light, failing to fix a hazardous condition, or making a medical error. Evidence such as photos, video footage, or witness statements can help establish this failure.
Causation
The next step is proving that the breach of duty directly caused your injury. This is often referred to as causation. For instance, if a distracted driver rear-ended your car, and you suffered whiplash as a result, there’s a direct link between their actions and your injuries.
Damages
Finally, you must demonstrate that the incident caused measurable harm, also known as damages. Damages might include amounts for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and/or loss of enjoyment of life. A personal injury attorney can gather evidence to quantify these losses and include them in your claim.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Understanding whether your case meets these elements can feel complicated, especially when dealing with insurance companies that might downplay your injuries or shift the blame. A personal injury lawyer evaluates your situation, identifies responsible parties, and supports your claim with evidence.
If you don’t know whether you have a valid claim, Bailey & Galyen offers free consultations to help you determine your legal options. Let us help you assess your case and take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.
What’s the Process of Obtaining Compensation?
When someone else’s negligence causes an injury, pursuing compensation can feel daunting. Understanding the steps involved helps clarify the process and ensures you know what to expect. At Bailey & Galyen, we handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery. Here’s an overview of how compensation is typically pursued in a personal injury case.
Initial Consultation
The journey begins with a consultation. During this meeting, you’ll discuss what happened, the injuries you sustained, and how your life has been affected. This is also an opportunity to ask questions about your legal rights and options.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Once you decide to proceed, your attorney will investigate the accident to gather evidence. This may involve reviewing police reports, medical records, photographs, video footage, and witness statements.
In some cases, expert testimony is also secured to strengthen your claim. The goal is to build a comprehensive case demonstrating how the other party’s actions caused your injuries.
Filing the Claim
Your attorney will then file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This document outlines the incident, explains how the other party was responsible, and details the damages you seek. The insurance company will review the claim and conduct its investigation.
Negotiating a Settlement
Most personal injury cases resolve through negotiation. Your attorney will communicate with the insurance company to seek a settlement that covers your losses. Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts, but an experienced attorney ensures your claim is taken seriously and accurately valued.
Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
When insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, your attorney may file a lawsuit. This step involves preparing legal documents, conducting depositions, and presenting evidence. However, lawsuits don’t always go to trial, as parties often reach an agreement before the court date.
Trial (If Required)
If a settlement can’t be reached, the case may go to trial. During the trial, both sides present their arguments, and a judge or jury determines liability and awards damages. While trials can take time, they sometimes provide the best path to justice when other avenues fail.
Receiving Compensation
Once your attorney secures a settlement or verdict, compensation is distributed. This amount is intended to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by the injury.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Each step in the process involves specific deadlines, technical details, and negotiations that can impact the outcome of your claim. A skilled attorney helps protect your rights and maximizes your recovery by managing these aspects on your behalf.
What Should I Do When Someone Injures Me in San Antonio?
Whether your injury happened moments ago or weeks have passed, your actions can greatly affect your ability to recover compensation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you protect your health, rights, and financial recovery.
Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe area if possible and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, let a medical professional evaluate you. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, might not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time.
- Document the Scene: Collect as much information as possible while still at the scene. Take photos or videos of the area, your injuries, property damage, and anything else that could serve as evidence. Note any visible hazards or conditions that contributed to the incident.
- Gather Contact Information: Obtain the names, phone numbers, and addresses of anyone involved in the accident, including witnesses. If law enforcement is present, request a copy of their report or ask how to access it later.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Be mindful of what you say at the scene. Focus on gathering information rather than assigning blame or apologizing, as these statements might be used against you later.
What to Do If Time Has Passed
If your accident occurred days or weeks ago and you’re recovering at home or in the hospital, you may still have options for seeking compensation.
- See a Doctor: If you haven’t already sought medical care, schedule an appointment immediately. A doctor can diagnose and document injuries, linking them to the accident. Prompt medical records can play a critical role in your case.
- Keep Records: Save all documents related to your injury, including medical bills, repair estimates, and proof of missed work. A detailed record helps demonstrate the financial impact of the accident.
- Write Down What Happened: Memories fade over time, so take a moment to document everything you remember about the accident. Include details about where it happened, what caused it, and how you were affected.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Reaching out to a San Antonio personal injury lawyer is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your rights. An attorney can evaluate your case, communicate with insurance companies, and gather additional evidence to support your claim.
San Antonio Personal Injury FAQs
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas?
Texas generally allows two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, specific circumstances can affect this timeframe. Acting promptly ensures your rights are protected.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation if you’re less than 51% at fault, but your settlement will decrease by your percentage of fault.
How much is my personal injury claim worth?
Compensation depends on factors like medical costs, lost income, and the severity of your injury. We analyze every aspect of your case to determine its value.
How long does it take to resolve a personal injury claim?
The timeline varies. Cases may settle quickly or take longer if litigation becomes necessary. Our team works efficiently to secure fair compensation without unnecessary delays.
Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury claim?
Yes. Having experienced legal representation increases your chances of obtaining full compensation. Insurers often undervalue claims filed by unrepresented individuals.
Contact an Experienced San Antonio Personal Injury Attorney Now
Bailey & Galyen is here to help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve after a personal injury. Our experienced team knows how to hold negligent parties accountable and will guide you every step of the way. Contact us today at 210-775-0549 for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal work while you focus on your recovery.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – San Antonio Office
5460 Babcock Rd,
San Antonio, TX 78240, USA
