Injury Lawyer Near Me: Personal Injury – San Antonio, TX

Introduction: Why San Antonio Injury Victims Need a Texas-Specific Guide

San Antonio, the second-largest city in Texas and a major hub along Interstate 10 and I-35, sees thousands of traffic collisions, workplace mishaps, and premises accidents every year. Whether you were rear-ended on Loop 410, hurt at one of the city’s bustling construction sites, or injured during a weekend trip to the River Walk, you are suddenly facing medical bills, missed wages, and insurance adjusters who seem more interested in minimizing payouts than helping you heal. This comprehensive guide—written for San Antonio residents—explains how Texas personal injury law protects you, what deadlines apply, and when to call a personal injury lawyer San Antonio Texas to maximize your compensation.

Everything below is drawn from authoritative Texas sources, including the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (TCPRC), Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and published opinions from Texas courts. If a statement could not be verified in those sources, it was left out. Use this information to understand your rights—but remember, it is not legal advice.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

Texas Is a Fault State

Texas follows a traditional fault system. The person (or business) whose negligence caused the injury is legally responsible for the victim’s damages. You can pursue compensation by filing:

• A liability claim with the at-fault party’s insurer.

• An uninsured/underinsured motorist claim with your own carrier (if applicable).

• A civil lawsuit in Bexar County district court or the federal Western District of Texas.

Statute of Limitations

Under TCPRC §16.003(a), you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage. Suits filed after the deadline are almost always dismissed, so act quickly.

Comparative Fault (Proportionate Responsibility)

Texas applies modified comparative fault, codified in TCPRC Chapter 33. If you are not more than 50 percent at fault, you may recover damages—but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51 percent or more responsible, you recover nothing. Insurance companies often exploit this rule to shift blame; having a san antonio accident attorney gather evidence early can protect your claim.

Available Damages

• Economic: medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, household services, and property damage.

• Non-economic: pain, suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of consortium.

• Exemplary (punitive) damages: available under TCPRC §41.003 if the defendant acted with gross negligence, malice, or fraud.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Texas

Motor‐Vehicle Collisions

According to TxDOT’s 2023 crash statistics, Bexar County recorded over 46,000 crashes—nearly 9 percent involving serious injuries. Busy corridors such as I-37, US 281, and the burgeoning Highway 151 corridor frequently see multi-vehicle pileups. Texas Transportation Code §545 imposes duties on drivers to maintain safe speeds and following distances, and violations often serve as negligence evidence.

18-Wheeler & Oil-Field Truck Crashes

With San Antonio serving as a logistical gateway to the Eagle Ford Shale, heavy commercial traffic is common. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Texas DPS rules impose mandatory logbooks, maintenance, and hours-of-service limits; breach can establish liability.

Premises Liability & Slip-and-Fall

Under the Timberwalk Apartments test set by the Texas Supreme Court, landowners owe different duties to invitees, licensees, and trespassers. Businesses like the Shops at La Cantera must remedy known hazards or warn patrons.

Workplace & Construction Injuries

Texas is unique: private employers may opt out of the state workers’ compensation system. If your employer is a “non-subscriber,” you can sue them directly for negligence with no damages caps (TCPRC §406.033). Even when workers’ comp applies, you may have third-party claims against equipment manufacturers or negligent subcontractors.

Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

Texas follows a “one-bite” rule modified by negligence principles. If the owner knew or should have known the animal was dangerous, they may be strictly liable.

Product Liability

Manufacturers, sellers, and designers can be strictly liable when a defective product causes injury. Claims are governed by TCPRC §82.001 et seq.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Caps on Damages

Texas caps non-economic damages only in health-care liability suits (medical malpractice) at $250,000 per defendant, max $500,000 overall (TCPRC §74.301). There are no caps for ordinary negligence, motor-vehicle, or premises cases—good news for most injury victims.

Settlement Transparency

The Texas Insurance Code §542.003 prohibits unfair settlement practices, including denying claims without reasonable investigation or delaying payment. Victims may recover additional damages if an insurer acts in bad faith.

Discovery & Litigation Timeline

Once suit is filed, the defendant must answer within 20 days of service plus the following Monday (Tex. R. Civ. P. 99). Discovery usually opens immediately (Rule 190). San Antonio’s district courts place most personal injury suits on a scheduling order requiring mediation before trial.

Health-Care Liens

Hospitals such as University Health or Brooke Army Medical Center often file liens under TCPRC §55.002, covering reasonable and necessary charges. Negotiating or challenging invalid liens is a key function of an experienced attorney.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

• Call 911 and get medical help. Prompt treatment documents causation and damages.

• Document the scene. Take photos of vehicles, hazards, skid marks, weather conditions, and obtain witness information.

• File the appropriate report. For crashes, call SAPD; for workplace injuries, file with OSHA or your employer’s safety office.

• Notify insurers in writing. Provide basic facts only. Do not give a recorded statement until you have legal counsel.

• Track expenses. Keep receipts for prescriptions, co-pays, mobility aids, and mileage to medical appointments.

• Avoid social media posts. Defense lawyers scour Facebook and Instagram for statements that downplay injuries.

• Consult a San Antonio accident attorney quickly. Early legal intervention preserves evidence, identifies liable parties, and stops harassment by adjusters.

Discover more about our services on the Louis Law Group website.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

You do not need a lawyer for every minor mishap. However, you should contact a personal injury lawyer San Antonio Texas when:

• You suffered fractures, surgery, or long-term disability.

• Liability is disputed or multiple parties share blame (multi-car wrecks on Loop 1604).

• The insurance company denies, delays, or offers a lowball settlement.

• Your claim involves commercial vehicles regulated by the FMCSA.

• You believe a government entity (e.g., VIA Metropolitan Transit) is at fault; notice deadlines under Tex. Local Gov’t Code §101.101 can be as short as 90 days.

Texas lawyers must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and follow the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Verify any attorney’s status using the Bar’s online lookup tool before you hire.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Courts & Filing Locations

• Bexar County District Courts: 101 W. Nueva, San Antonio, TX 78205.

• Western District of Texas – San Antonio Division: 262 W. Nueva, Room 1-400.

Hospitals Frequently Involved in Injury Care

• University Hospital – Level I trauma center off Medical Drive.

• Methodist Hospital at the South Texas Medical Center.

• Brooke Army Medical Center – Burn & trauma specialists.

State & City Agencies

Texas Department of Insurance – complaints about insurer misconduct.

Texas Department of Transportation Crash Records – obtain your CR-3 crash report.

San Antonio Police Department Crash Reports

Typical Settlement Timeline in San Antonio

• Investigation (0-90 days): accident reconstruction, medical record gathering.

• Demand Package (90-120 days): attorney sends itemized damages and legal arguments.

• Negotiation & Mediation (4-12 months): roughly 70 percent of cases settle here.

• Litigation (if needed): filing suit, discovery, depositions, and trial within 18-24 months depending on the court docket.

Each claim is unique; severe injuries or complex liability can extend timelines.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and the application of those laws depends on specific facts. Always consult a licensed Texas personal injury attorney regarding your particular situation.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and legal consultation.