Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions with The Relentless Lawyer, Chris Sanchez
Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be confusing. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our clients in the Rio Grande Valley, with direct insight from attorney Chris Sanchez.
First Steps After an Accident
1. What is the first thing I should do after a car accident? The first priority is always safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Do not leave the scene. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but avoid admitting fault. Finally, use your phone to take extensive photos and videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
2. Should I see a doctor even if I don’t feel hurt right away? Absolutely. Attorney Chris Sanchez always advises seeking immediate medical attention. Adrenaline from the crash can mask pain, and many serious injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms for hours or even days. A medical visit protects your health and creates an official record of your injuries, which is crucial evidence for your personal injury claim.
3. Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance adjuster? It is best to politely decline to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney. Their adjusters are trained to ask questions that can hurt your claim. You can simply state that you are not prepared to discuss the matter and that your attorney, Chris Sanchez, will be in contact with them.
4. What evidence should I collect after an accident? The more evidence, the better. At the scene, collect the other driver’s name, contact info, license plate number, and insurance details. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Take photos of all vehicles involved, road conditions, and your injuries. After you leave, keep a file of everything related to the accident, including the police report, medical records, and notes about how the injury has affected your daily life.
5. How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas? In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. It’s critical to act quickly to allow time to build a strong case.
Working With Chris Sanchez & The Relentless Lawyer Team
6. How much does it cost to hire Chris Sanchez as my personal injury lawyer? At the Law Office of Chris Sanchez, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid a percentage of the total amount we recover for you, and only if we win your case. If we don’t win, you owe us no attorney’s fees.
7. Why should I hire Chris Sanchez for my injury claim instead of handling it myself? While you can handle a claim yourself, Chris Sanchez can level the playing field against large insurance companies. Studies show that victims with expert legal representation often receive significantly higher settlements. Our firm handles the complex paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations, protecting you from common tactics and allowing you to focus on your recovery.
8. What happens during a free consultation with The Relentless Lawyer team? A free consultation is a no-obligation meeting where you can tell us what happened. You will get a chance to speak with our team, and we will listen to your story, review your documents, and give you an honest assessment of your legal options from Attorney Chris Sanchez. It’s a chance for you to ask questions and decide if we are the right fit for you.
9. When is the right time to contact Attorney Chris Sanchez after an accident? The best time is as soon as possible, especially before you speak to the other driver’s insurance company. The earlier Chris Sanchez and our team get involved, the better we can advise you on critical next steps, how to preserve evidence, and how to ensure you don’t make any mistakes that could harm your case.
10. What makes The Relentless Lawyer different from other firms in the Rio Grande Valley? Our firm was founded on the principle that “Your Fight is Our Mission.” We provide personal attention to every client. Attorney Chris Sanchez is directly involved in your case, and our entire team is committed to keeping you informed and fighting relentlessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Your Personal Injury Case with Our Firm
11. How will Chris Sanchez determine what my personal injury case is worth? Chris Sanchez will personally evaluate all factors of your case to determine its potential value. This includes the severity of your injuries, the total cost of your medical treatment (present and future), your lost wages from being unable to work, and the non-economic impact on your quality of life, often called “pain and suffering.”
12. How long will my case take if I hire The Relentless Lawyer? The timeline varies greatly. A straightforward case might settle in a few months, while a more complex case could take a year or longer. The team at The Relentless Lawyer always strives for an efficient resolution, but our primary goal is to secure the maximum compensation for you, not just a quick check.
13. Will I have to go to court if Chris Sanchez is my attorney? Most personal injury cases—over 95%—are settled out of court. Chris Sanchez is a skilled negotiator who is often able to secure a fair settlement without ever needing a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are always prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
14. How does the Law Office of Chris Sanchez help me manage medical bills while my case is ongoing? This is a major concern we help our clients with. The Law Office of Chris Sanchez can explore several options with you, including using your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage or working with medical providers on a “letter of protection,” which means they agree to wait for payment until you receive your settlement.
15. What does “negligence” mean in a personal injury case? Negligence is the legal basis for most personal injury claims. To win your case, our team must prove that the other party had a duty to act with reasonable care, that they breached that duty, and that this breach directly caused the accident and your injuries.
Specific Accident Questions
16. Why are truck accident cases more complex? Accidents with 18-wheelers involve complex state and federal regulations, and multiple parties can be held liable—the driver, the trucking company, the truck’s owner, or even the cargo loader. A lawyer like Chris Sanchez has the expertise to investigate these complex cases and identify all responsible parties.
17. Who is responsible if I’m hit by a delivery driver? If you are hit by someone driving a company car (like an Amazon van or a local delivery truck), the driver’s employer can often be held liable. These cases require a lawyer who knows how to deal with large corporations and their insurance companies, which is a key focus at the Law Office of Chris Sanchez.
18. How do I prove a property owner was at fault for my slip and fall? To prove fault in a slip and fall case, we must show that the property owner either created a dangerous condition (like a wet floor with no sign), knew about the danger and did nothing to fix it, or should have known about it through reasonable care. Our team helps gather evidence like photos, witness statements, and incident reports to build your case.
19. What if I was partially at fault for the accident? Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule. Chris Sanchez can still help you recover compensation as long as you are not found to be 51% or more at fault. Your final award would simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 10% at fault, your settlement would be reduced by 10%.
20. My loved one died in an accident. What are our rights? If you have lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim seeks compensation for devastating losses like lost income, funeral expenses, and the loss of companionship and emotional support. These are complex and emotional cases that require a compassionate and experienced attorney like Chris Sanchez.
If you have more questions or you are ready to discuss the specifics of your accident, please contact The Relentless Lawyer team today. Attorney Chris Sanchez provides a free, confidential, and no-obligation case evaluation to help you understand your rights and options after an injury.
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