McAllen Car Accident Lawyer

In a car accident, you may face the financial stress of lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. You are also facing the physical toll of the injuries you sustained from the accident. It can seem like an impossible task to recover compensation for your losses. You can alleviate some of these challenges by hiring a McAllen car accident attorney. TK Injury Lawyers is here to help you during this process.

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Why Choose TK Injury Lawyers for Your Car Accident in McAllen?

You have many options for personal injury firms in McAllen, but none are like TK Injury Lawyers. We fight for our clients tooth and nail. We know how the big insurance companies work, and we work harder. When you choose TK Injury Lawyers, you benefit from the following:

Over 70 years of combined personal injury experience
A law firm that has recovered $75 million for our clients
Contingency fee, so you do not pay unless we win your case
Jim, Austin and Terry are life members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum thanks to our clients
Working directly with your personal injury attorney and not simply being thrown to our support staff
Super Lawyers 2021 top personal injury lawyers in Texas selection
An on-staff board-certified attorney in Tom Gehring

How Can A Car Accident Lawyer Help?

When you hire a car accident lawyer from TK Injury Lawyers, we will take over the investigation and collect evidence for your case. We can play a pivotal role in protecting your rights and securing compensation. Some of the ways we can help are by:

Request and review police reports
Interview and depose eyewitnesses
Getting medical records for your injuries and treatment
Review any medical release documents from the insurance company
Working with the latest technology and experts to reconstruct the accident scene
Handling communication with the insurance company
Negotiating a fair settlement with the adjuster or opposing counsel

McAllen car accident attorneys from TK Injury Lawyers have decades of experience handling personal injury matters. We know how to recover maximum compensation and thwart any efforts by the insurance company to delay your claim. Sometimes, we must prepare your case for trial because the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount.

When Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

It can be complicated to handle your car accident claim alone. While it is possible, it is challenging. Some situations when you need a car accident attorney in McAllen include:

Suffering severe injuries from the crash
Extensive property damage
Multiple vehicles or parties are involved
A semi-truck was involved
Liability is complex or contentious
There were roadway defects
Road signage was a contributing factor in the collision

It is best to schedule a free case review regardless of the issues with your case. During a consultation, TK Injury Lawyers can weigh your case’s merits and complications. We will be honest about whether you need legal representation and what you can expect moving forward.

We fundamentally believe that you hired an Austin Personal Injury Lawyer to represent you in your legal matter and you should have the ability to speak to that lawyer when issues arise.

Trent Kelly

Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

The most significant benefit of hiring a McAllen car accident lawyer is increasing your chance of obtaining total financial compensation. Your main priority should be on getting better and focusing on rebuilding your life. An essential benefit is evidence collection. TK Injury Lawyers will collect:

A personal statement from everyone in your vehicle
Police reports
Eyewitness statement
Expert witness testimony
Video footage from surveillance cameras and dashcams
Pics and videos of the aftermath of the crash
Physical evidence like bumpers, tires, etc.
Insurance documents
Vehicle documents, including registration and maintenance records
Medical reports and records for you and others involved

The investigation process will be crucial, but there are other benefits of having a McAllen car accident attorney, such as:

Dealing with the insurance company
Alleviating your stress so you can focus on your recovery
Ensuring you get the medical attention you need
Handling negotiations and litigation

McAllen Car Accident Statistics & Common Causes

The Texas Department of Transportation has a database named Crash Records Information System. It gathers data about all car accidents in McAllen and the surrounding areas. The latest annual report states there are over two thousand collisions. It is equivalent to 6.5 collisions daily. Other statistics of note include:

There were eight fatal crashes resulting in ten deaths.
409 collisions resulted in minor injuries
34 accidents lead to severe injuries
There were 1,033 crashes with potential injuries. This category is tricky as these injuries could have been reported later, or there is some contention.
In positive news, 4,163 individuals were uninjured in 842 crashes.

The cause of these accidents typically came down to driver error. For the same reporting year, the top contributing factors in McAllen collisions include:

Drinking and driving: in McAllen, 5.3% of collisions involved intoxicated drivers. Alcohol was involved in one of twenty crashes. Intoxication led to 50% of all fatal accidents.
Failing to control speed: Nearly 34.6% of collisions resulted from speeding drivers in McAllen. This is not too far from the national average.
Ignoring stop signs or red lights accounts for 13.8% of car accidents.
Failing to yield right of way: this can happen at two primary locations: private drivers or when turning left. There were 6.9% of accidents that occurred when a driver was entering or exiting a private driveway. Failing to yield when turning left accounted for 6.7% of collisions.
Exiting the lane: when a driver uses multiple lanes or swerves out of their lane, it can be challenging for anyone around to react. These situations caused 5.2% of crashes.

While these are the prevalent causes of accidents in the area, there are many other ways that a collision can happen. Another concern you can encounter is thinking the cause of the accident is one thing, but it is a different cause altogether. A McAllen car accident lawyer can investigate and find the actual cause. TK Injury Lawyers has decades of experience helping victims in McAllen and the surrounding areas.

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What Compensation Can I Receive for a Car Accident?

Compensation for car accidents will vary by case. Individuals in the same accident will also have different recovery options based on their injuries. Modified comparative negligence is another contributing factor in compensation recovery. It may not apply to every case, but if the court finds you partially contributed to the collision, you can still get payment for your losses. The caveat is that your fault percentage will lower your settlement.

You could be eligible for two monetary damages: economic or noneconomic. Accident losses should be accurately calculated so you can negotiate with the insurance company. Often, they will send low offers and get you to sign documents before you know the extent of your injuries. This is a tactic so they do not pay more than they want. Once you sign any paperwork, you can lose your right to pursue compensation.

Damages You Can Recover in Car Accident Claims in Texas

Depending on your injuries, you may accumulate substantial medical bills. You could also be losing wages and getting to the end of your savings. Some injuries require lifelong care. You may need to get training or education for a new job. You will want to negotiate for compensation that covers all of your losses, including:

Disfigurement
Loss of consortium
Medical care for past, current, and future losses
Loss of quality of life
Property damages
Emotional or physical pain and suffering
Lost earnings or future earning potential
Wrongful death damages when a loved one dies

Insurance companies are notorious for taking advantage of car accident victims when they are most vulnerable. They will use your desperation to convince you to accept their offer. Often, these offers do not cover all of your loss. They are trying to save money, and they know they have a better chance of doing so if they reach out to you early on. Our McAllen car accident attorney knows their tactics, and we will ensure they do take advantage of you.

Common Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents

Due to the commonality of car accidents, many people are under the impression that injuries are usually minor. The opposite is true. Thousands of people suffer serious injuries or die in collisions. These injuries can result in months or years of medical treatment. It is an uphill battle trying to get better. Common injuries from McAllen car accidents include:

Soft tissue injuries: from the impact of your accident, your muscles, tendons, and ligaments can stretch and tear. That can happen to other soft tissues in your body. Whiplash is a prime example of a soft tissue injury.
Head and brain damage: you can suffer a traumatic brain injury if something in the vehicle penetrates your skull or you hit objects. These injuries can lead to permanent complications like physical or cognitive impairments.
Chest injuries: you may hit your chest on the steering wheel or other objects, which can lead to injury. You could suffer bruises, contusions, or broken ribs.
Internal organ damage: some injuries happen internally. A broken rib can lead to a subsequent injury to your lungs. You could experience difficulty breathing. Internal injuries can be challenging to detect without the proper medical examination.
Spinal cord damage: your spinal cord controls a lot of your body, and when it suffers an injury, your range of motion can be heavily impacted. The most sensitive areas of your spinal cord are your back and neck. You may suffer nerve damage, disc herniations, and loss of sensation. Permanent paralysis and loss of control over your body are also possible.

Most Dangerous Roadways for Car Wrecks in McAllen, TX

Some areas throughout McAllen are more likely to see accidents than others. You can use extra caution when driving in these areas. Remember, even if you avoid these areas or use caution, you may still be in an accident elsewhere. The most dangerous area in McAllen is Highway 83. Other treacherous locations include:

23rd street
Ware street
10th street
Nolana Avenue
Business highway 83
Nolana Avenue and McColl Road
Jackson Avenue and Sam Houston Blvrd
US 83 Frontage road and Ware road
Ridge Road and Bicentennial Blvd

Car Accident Claim Process

The claims process can vary slightly depending on individual case facts. The most common steps in a McAllen car accident lawsuit include:

Reporting the accident to the insurance company
Sending a demand letter or package: A demand letter will outline the case facts, your damages, the circumstances of the collision, and your future medical needs. It will also ask for a settlement amount.
Building a case: if the insurance company refuses your demand package or sends a lower counter, we will continue to build your case. TK Injury Lawyers will continue to gather medical bills and relevant documentation to craft a solid case outlining negligence and your damages.
Filing a civil lawsuit: negotiations will continue throughout their litigation phase. If necessary, we will file an official lawsuit with the local courts. The defendant will be served.
Discovery: This is where both sides will request documents for their relevant strategies. This may include depositions and the exchange of information.
Negotiation will continue, and mediation and arbitration will be alternative forms of resolution.
Trial: both sides will present their arguments, and the court will decide the outcome. This is expensive and is rare.

Types & Causes of Car Accidents

You will see various types of car accidents throughout McAllen. TK Injury Lawyers handles various types of collisions. Some of the most common include:

Side impact: often referred to as T-bone or broadside crashes. They happen when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another. You will often see these collisions in parking lots and intersections. Usually, the occupant on the side where the impact occurred suffers the most severe injuries.
Rear end: when the front of one vehicle strikes the back of another, it is a rear-impact crash. Many contributing factors can lead to these crashes, such as distractions, tailgating, reduced traction, and panic stops.
Head-on: when the front of two vehicles collide, it is a head-on crash and is often devastating. These collisions usually involve fatalities. These accidents can happen when there are distractions or a driver veers from their lane into oncoming traffic.
Rollovers: these collisions have many contributing factors, such as the environment, road, and driver actions. Even the vehicle type can factor into a rollover. These crashes often happen on highways where a vehicle is thrown off and rolls into a ditch or embankment.

You might be wondering what causes the aforementioned car accidents. Well, an accident can happen for many reasons. You could be in an accident because an animal is crossing the road and causes a distraction. Some common causes of crashes include:

Speeding
Running a red light
Inclement Weather
Tailgating
Potholes and improper roadway maintenance
Distractions in or outside the vehicle
Vehicle defects
Failing to yield the right of way
Tire blowouts
Improper turns
Wrong way driving
Inexperienced drivers
Drug or alcohol intoxication

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Settling Out of Court vs. Going to Trial

Many cases are resolved out of court, but there is always a possibility that your case will go to trial. The further your case goes, the longer you may wait for your settlement. Sometimes, an insurance company can settle a case out of court within 90 days after you complete medical treatment. In most cases, it is better to settle out of court. However, for complex and contentious cases, going to trial is the only way to get compensation.

Some considerations that can determine whether you can settle out of court or if you should go to trial include:

Severity of injuries
Number of insurance companies involved and their responsibility to your demand letter
Length of your medical treatment
If you will need future medical treatment
The insurance company’s willingness to agree on liability
Amount of evidence you have to prove your case
If your injuries will impact your life in the future. Permanent injuries may lead to contentious negotiations, resulting in a trial.

TK Injury Lawyers will assess your case and determine how likely it is to settle in or out of court. We will work to get you the best result possible and are not scared to go the extra mile.

What to Do After a Car Accident in McAllen

This is shocking to hear, but the steps you take following a McAllen car accident will have a significant impact on your settlement and how the insurance company handles your case. You will want to establish the basics early on for a better shot at compensation. Some things you can do that are beneficial to your case include:

Take your injuries seriously: many times, people will dismiss an injury as minor and then find out later that it is severe. Sometimes, parties are in a rush or do not want to deal with the medical evaluation process. An injury is an essential fact of your car accident case. You should not ignore any injuries you sustain.
Gather information from the scene: this is important, but it can be challenging when you suffer severe injuries. Some victims are unconscious and, in those cases, cannot complete this step. Gather driver and license plate information. Photos of the crash site and eyewitness information can also be beneficial. When you get home, write down an account of the accident. Include your viewpoints and every detail you remember.
Inform the authorities and get a police report: law enforcement can provide an unbiased third-party assessment of the situation. They will conduct a preliminary investigation to gather facts. They will then base their opinion of fault on what they recover. Their assessment will heavily impact your insurance claim. They will file their report, and you can pick it up within a few days at the local police station.
Keep track of your expenses: you should create a folder to store any relevant documents for your case. This may include medical bills, property repair estimates, pay stubs to help with lost wages, etc. You should keep all bills and receipts in one place and provide your legal team with copies. A pain journal will also be beneficial since you will detail how the crash and your injuries affect your daily life.
Schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer in McAllen: you should focus on your health and not the legal process. While medical attention is the primary focus, you should speak to TK Injury Lawyers as soon as you can. Let us shoulder the legal burden of filing an injury claim.

Call a McAllen Car Accident Lawyer

Injured in a car accident? Talk to a McAllen car accident lawyer from TK Injury Lawyers today. Call our office to schedule a free consultation.

Other Areas We Serve in Texas:

Trent Kelly

Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved.

Years of experience: +15 years

Location: Austin, TX

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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Allyson

3 months ago

After I was hit by a car on my scooter, I worked with Jim Terry and Trent Kelly, with Trent handling the bulk of my case. I was pleased with their professionalism and that they were always good about staying in touch and keeping me up-to-date on my case. I trusted them completely, and they resolved my case faster than I expected, getting me a great settlement!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance companies work very hard to pay you as little as possible. One of the ways you can prevent that is by being as informed as possible. Here are some of our recurring questions that clients give us that you may find helpful.

It is sometimes difficult for individuals to determine if they have a legal case or need a lawyer to pursue the case on their behalf.

We believe that almost anyone who has been seriously injured due to another person’s negligence can benefit from hiring an effective Personal Injury Lawyer

The reason is that insurance companies do not owe you any duty to be fair or even honest in adjusting your claims. As a result, individuals are often unprepared to take on an insurance company – with millions of dollars in resources and no obligation to do the right thing.

We do not charge our injury clients upfront for representation. Traditionally, when you hire an attorney, you must pay a cash retainer before the attorney begins work.

We are paid for representing personal injury clients through a contingent fee arrangement. This means we only get paid if we recover money for our clients.

At TK Injury Lawyers, we believe this structure is ideal in that it aligns the interests of the client and the attorney. In other words, the attorney does not get paid unless they produce tangible results on behalf of the client.

Unfortunately, there is no specific amount of time it takes to resolve a Personal Injury case. Each case is different and comes with its own unique circumstances and issues that can drastically change the time it takes to resolve the matter for the client.

What is common throughout most injury cases is that the client’s medical treatment largely dictates the length of time it takes to resolve the case. For instance, if a client requires six months of treatment for their injuries, the case will often take longer to resolve than a client whose injuries are resolved within one or two months of medical care.

However, regardless of the length of medical treatment, cases take considerably longer to resolve if a lawsuit has to be filed to force the insurance company to pay a fair amount.

How much a case can settle for is dependent on many factors. First and foremost, the severity of a client’s injuries and the cost of the medical treatment necessary to treat those injuries affect the damages presented to the insurance company for consideration in the settlement.

Furthermore, the amount of insurance coverage available can set a limit on the amount that can be recovered regardless of the client’s injury and damages.

For example, if an individual with a state minimum automobile liability policy and no assets causes significant injury to a client, there may be no more than $30,000.00 that can be recovered. Finally, the settlement value is driven by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

By definition, settlements are voluntary so a good Personal Injury Lawyer must know how to convince an adjuster to pay a fair amount, within policy limits, to resolve their client’s case.

It is not, but we encourage you to call us as quickly as possible. It is often what a client doesn’t know that gets them in trouble and insurance companies are looking to obtain any information from you that they can to unfairly lower the value of your case.

An experienced Personal Injury Lawyer can speak to the insurance company on your behalf in a way that we believe presents the best opportunity to resolve your case fairly and voluntarily.

For this reason, it is our opinion that it’s always best to consult with an attorney as soon as you are injured to determine how to proceed.

Medical costs are on the rise and many people, even those with health insurance, are unable to pay for the cost of their treatment out of pocket.

After accidents, clients can feel overwhelmed by all of the bills that come as a result – especially since the expenses were caused by someone else’s failure to follow the law and societal rules designed to keep us all safe.

Our top rated Personal Injury Attorneys will work with you and your medical providers to find a solution that ensures you get the medical care you need to recover from your auto injury while still being able to support your family during this very difficult time.

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“I would definitely recommend Terry & Kelly’s firm for your litigation needs”

“Want to send out a sincere “Thank You” for an outstanding job in handling my case. It took a little over a year to resolve but Jim T. was extremely thorough in putting all of the phases together to close it out. I found out quickly how punctual Jim is as well as his dedication t…

Eldon – Client from Hutto, TX

“Trent Kelly has been very supportive and very helpful throughout my case”

Trent Kelly has been very supportive and very helpful throughout my case. He has been very realistic from day one. He never changed his position. He really cares for you and fights for your case to the best of his ability. Honestly, he got my case resolved for more than I expected. I once had a…

Sunil – Client from Austin, TX

“My wife and I were very pleased with the services provided by Jim Terry”

My wife and I were very pleased with the services provided by Jim Terry of TK Injury Lawyers in assisting us with her motor vehicle injury accident. He was extremely professional and kept us up-to-date with the progress. Jim took the time to help us understand the circumstances and legal conside…

Greg – Client from Austin, TX

“I worked with Jim Terry and Trent Kelly”

Allyson – Client from Austin, TX

“When my insurance company denied my claim I did not know where to turn”

When my insurance company denied my claim I did not know where to turn. I called Jim Terry and explained my not so easy situation. I had no hope in having my vehicle repaired when I called Mr. Terry. He took on my case and was always in contact with me about where we stood in regards to a resolut…

Rebecca – Client from Austin, TX

“The staff always kept me up to date and never left me in the dark”

I want to express my thanks to Attorney Mr. James Terry and staff for their representation, guidance and assistance settling my case. The insurance company was difficult, however Mr. Terry was able to get full policy limits available. The staff always kept me up to date and never left me in the dark. …

Diana – Client from Austin, TX

“They contacted me frequently to give me updates”

Mr. Kelly and Mr. Terry handled my personal injury case in Texas. They contacted me frequently to give me updates on my case and made sure I felt it was being handled to my expectations. I was so pleased with their professionalism. My settlement was extremely fair and timely. I would recommend them to my own family and…

Natalie – Client from Austin, TX

“Mr. Terry is an exceptional attorney”

Mr. Terry is an exceptional attorney. James (Jim) is easy to talk to, he explains the process very clearly, and he keeps you informed of events normally before they will occur. Most importantly, he settled the case to everyone’s satisfaction. I used him for a personal injury case and I would highly recommend him.

Karen – Client from Austin, TX

“Trent Kelly is by far the best attorney I have worked with”

Trent Kelly is by far the best attorney I have worked with and I was actually married to one! He is professional and got the job done. He is one of the first attorneys I have worked with that did not make me feel like he just took my money and then did nothing. He was referred to me by my daughter who wanted…

Brenda – Client from Wiberly, Tx

“I have worked with Trent and his firm several times”

I would highly recommend Trent Kelly and have to several friends. I have worked with Trent and his firm several times over the past four years and have always been impressed with the level of service and very confident in his abilities. After working with Trent, he set the bar in characteristics to search for in an…

Caren – Client from Austin, TX

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No Fees Unless We Win

We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning costs come out of your recovery, not your pocket.

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Call TK Injury Lawyers Today

We’ve helped numerous Austinites win their Austin Personal Injury case and we would love to help you if you’ve experienced a serious accident. Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, Call us today, to speak with either Jim or Trent. We’ll review the details of your case, give you an honest assessment of it, and then, if appropriate, we’ll help you create a legal plan of action to pursue justice on your behalf.

Speak To An Attorney

call us (512) 910-2000