20Apr/25

How to File a Car Accident Claim in San Marcos, TX

car accident lawyers, Persona Injury

When accidents happen in San Marcos, Carabin Shaw is the name locals trust for personal attention and aggressive legal action.

How to File a Car Accident Claim in San Marcos, TX

A car accident can leave you shaken, injured, and overwhelmed — especially when you’re unsure how to handle the legal side of things. If you’ve been involved in a crash in San Marcos, Texas, filing a car accident claim correctly and promptly can help ensure you get the compensation you need to recover.

At Carabin Shaw, we help injured victims across Texas navigate the car accident claims process with confidence. Here’s a comprehensive guide to filing a claim after a crash in San Marcos.

More about our San Marcos car accident attorneys here

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health comes first. After an accident, always seek medical treatment — even if you think your injuries are minor. Not only is this critical for your well-being, but your medical records also serve as key evidence in your claim. Delaying treatment can weaken your case and give insurers a reason to minimize your injuries.

Step 2: Report the Accident to the Police

In Texas, you are required to report any car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. In San Marcos, call 911 or the local non-emergency line to ensure a police officer arrives at the scene.

The officer will complete a crash report that includes:

  • The date, time, and location of the crash

  • Names and contact info of drivers and witnesses

  • A description of vehicle damage and injuries

  • A narrative of how the accident occurred

This official report is a vital part of your insurance claim or potential lawsuit.

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company

You should inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Most insurers have a limited window for reporting claims, and failing to notify them can affect your coverage.

When speaking to your insurer:

  • Stick to the facts

  • Do not admit fault

  • Avoid speculating about what caused the crash

  • Be cautious if asked to provide a recorded statement

If you’re unsure what to say, consult a car accident attorney first.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Evidence

Strong documentation is the foundation of a successful car accident claim. After the crash, gather the following:

  • Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene

  • Witness names and contact information

  • The police crash report

  • Your medical records and bills

  • Estimates for vehicle repair or replacement

  • Pay stubs or proof of lost income due to injury

The more detailed your evidence, the easier it will be to prove your damages and establish liability.

Step 5: File a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

Texas is an “at-fault” state, which means the person responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for covering damages. You’ll need to file a third-party claim with the other driver’s insurance provider.

When filing the claim, include:

  • Your name and contact information

  • The name of the insured driver

  • Date and location of the accident

  • Police report number

  • A description of the damages or injuries

Be cautious during all communication with the at-fault driver’s insurer. Their goal is to settle the claim for as little as possible.

Step 6: Consult a San Marcos Car Accident Lawyer

Before accepting any settlement offer, consult an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can:

  • Determine the true value of your case

  • Handle all negotiations with insurance companies

  • Help you avoid common mistakes

  • Represent you if the case goes to court

  • Fight for compensation for all damages, including pain and suffering

At Carabin Shaw, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no risk in getting the legal advice you need.

Step 7: Consider Filing a Lawsuit (If Needed)

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation — or denies your claim altogether — your lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit in Hays County civil court.

In Texas, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will ensure that all deadlines are met and that your case is properly prepared.

Step 8: Let Your Attorney Negotiate the Settlement

Once all evidence has been reviewed and your damages calculated, your attorney will prepare a demand letter to the insurance company, requesting a specific settlement amount. If the insurer responds with a counteroffer, your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome.

If negotiations break down, your case may proceed to trial. Most cases settle before reaching that point, but it’s important to have a lawyer who is ready and willing to litigate if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Filing a car accident claim in San Marcos can feel like a complicated and intimidating process — but it doesn’t have to be. By following the right steps and working with a qualified car accident attorney, you can protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

At Carabin Shaw, we’re proud to help San Marcos residents recover after serious car crashes. From your first consultation to the final resolution, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact our office today for a free case review. You pay nothing unless we win.

More Great Blogs About Personal Injury And Car Accident Law here:
https://www.summersandwyatt.com/accident-attorneys-personal-injury-law/
https://www.howardandnemoy.com/auto-accident-lawyers/
https://deerparkprogress.com/do-you-need-an-experienced-accident-injury-lawyer/
https://www.tn-injury-lawyers.com/car-accident-attorneys-personal-injury-law/
https://victoria-auto-accidents.com/personal-injury-attorneys-accident-law/
https://corpus-christi-auto-accident.com/personal-injury-law-car-accidents-spinal-cord-injuries/
https://www.merrittsolutions.net/san-marcos-texas-car-accident-lawyers/
https://corpus-christi-auto-accident.com/personal-injury-lawyer-congested-roads-lead-to-more-accidents/
https://houston-auto-accident.com/personal-injury-lawyers-accident-attorneys/
https://www.siringolaw.com/personal-injury-law-vehicle-accidents/

02Aug/24

TOO MANY CAR ACCIDENTS IN THIS COUNTRY

car accident lawyers, General Posts

This Blog was brought to you by The Carabin Shaw Law Firm – Call Shaw! – Personal Injury Lawyers San Antonio

PERSONAL INJURY – TOO MANY CAR ACCIDENTS IN THIS COUNTRY

Looking at the number of car accidents in this country every day, it looks as if we are all driving with our eyes closed. There is a reported car accident every five seconds in the United States. Every five seconds a deadly machine, a car, hits another car. More about our Car Accident Lawyers here

CAR HITS CAR, NO GOOD

Car crashes never end well. We all know that. Even the best accidents, if that even applies, result in property damage and a colossal waste of time filling out paperwork and dealing with insurance companies. In the worst cases, people die, families are ruined, medical bills skyrocket and lives change. Got Injured In An Accident – CALL SHAW

CAR HITS CAR, PEOPLE GET INJURED

This is serious business. More than 3 million people get injured every year in moving vehicle accidents – truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and car accidents. Millions of Americans have to visit the hospital as a result. Millions of Americans have to miss work due to injuries. Millions of Americans lose billions of dollars due to medical expenses and/or property damage. Among those millions of potential victims of negligent accidents are Americans just like you who could have, who should have contacted a personal injury attorney after their car accident. Why? Why should victims of moving vehicle accidents contact a qualified, aggressive personal injury with a proven track record?

PEOPLE GET INJURED, THEY DON’T ASK FOR HELP

Most victims of motorcycle, truck, bus, or automobile accidents have no idea that they are victims and that they may be entitled to considerable monetary awards for what they have suffered during the accident. They have no idea because they don’t ask for help. They don’t take a few moments to understand their legal rights by having a simple, confidential, complimentary consultation with an attorney.

PEOPLE GET INJURED, THEY WALK AWAY WITHOUT KNOWING THEIR RIGHTS

That’s right. They just accept whatever check the insurance representative waves in front of them and never understand that the amount they got from the insurance company is probably a small fraction of what they would have been entitled to under the law. car-truck accident attorneys

I HAVE BEEN INJURED, I WANT TO KNOW MY LEGAL RIGHTS

Good! Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident? Yes? Do you think someone else negligently, carelessly, or willfully caused the injuries? Yes? Then contact an attorney as fast as possible. Time is of the essence in all personal injury lawsuits and you will want your lawyer, your partner in this, to have the time he/she needs to protect you and your loved ones.

HOW LONG DOES A LAWSUIT TAKE?
No two personal injury cases are the same.

HOW MUCH WILL I GET?
The size of the financial awards varies as much as the nature of accidents. There are countless factors involved in every case, like the severity of damages, the extent to which the negligent party is responsible, and countless other elements. Needless to say, if your case goes forward, you and your loved ones will be informed every step of the way as your claims are aggressively pursued.

24Apr/24

How To Determine Fault After An Accident in Austin

car accidents-determining fault

This Blog was brought to you by the The Patel Firm, Principal Office in Austin

How To Determine Fault After An Accident in Austin

Our city has a booming economy that is growing quickly. With all growth comes growing pains. With the increase of people comes an increase in accidents, and before you know it, you could find yourself on the wrong side of one. If you ever do find yourself in that difficult situation, the first thing to do is establish fault. The person who is at fault will carry the burden of liability, they are also the person who will experience the increase in premiums. After a car or truck accident, just how do you establish fault? I have a few tips that might help you out.

More about austin auto attorney here

1. What Happened Before the Accident?

If you have been rear-ended, the other driver is more than likely at fault, but what about other scenarios? It can be difficult to determine fault, but if the other driver was swerving, speeding, or using their cell phone while they were driving, that could be a clear indicator of fault. If you saw the other driver doing any of these things before a car accident, then notify the officer on the scene immediately. If not, then make sure you note the activity you saw them involved in and give it to your attorney when you meet with them.

2. Are There Any Witnesses?

If you are lucky, some people saw what transpired before your cars collided. They might have seen the other driver engaged in reckless activities and may be willing to speak out on your behalf. Make sure you get a phone number and email address where they can be reached in case you need them to make a statement. This will be very helpful in arguing your case against the insurance company.

3. Was the Driver Ticketed?

If an officer on the scene wrote the other driver a ticket, then the other person violated traffic law. This violation could be what led to the accident. The officer might have even named the other driver at fault on the ticket, so make sure you have all of that information to present to your attorney. If there was no officer present, then notate if you saw the other driver violate any laws.

4. How Did the Other Driver React?

The moments after an accident are jarring, and the other driver may admit they were at fault without realizing it. If they comment that they didn’t see you or apologize, then they are admitting fault, and you should note exactly what they said and at what time. Taking the necessary action could make the difference between dealing with an insurance increase.

Regardless of who is at fault, you must contact a lawyer immediately after the accident. Your lawyer will ensure that all your questions are answered and that you aren’t blindsided into saying something you wish you hadn’t by the insurance company.

Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers today, who will fight for your rights and ensure you get the car accident settlements you deserve.