If you were hurt in a car crash, your immediate concerns are usually practical. Your car is damaged, medical bills are arriving, and the insurance company isn’t returning calls. Many people search for a lawyer “near me” at this point. Here is what to look for when choosing a car accident lawyer in San Antonio.

Will I actually talk to my lawyer?

This is one of the most important questions to ask. At some high-volume firms, the call is answered by an intake team and the case is assigned to a case manager or associate you have never met. Clients may speak to a different person each time they call.

At Caquias Law Group, PLLC, attorney Tomas Caquias handles cases personally with the support of his staff. Ask any firm you consider who will handle your case day to day and how you will reach them.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

Most personal injury lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee. That means there is no upfront cost, and the attorney’s fee is a percentage of any recovery. In Texas, a contingent fee contract for legal services must be in writing and signed by the attorney and the client (Tex. Gov’t Code § 82.065). Case expenses and any medical bills or liens are typically paid from the client’s share of a settlement. Read the contract before you sign, and ask how expenses are handled.

The first consultation at our firm is free.

What happens in the first few days?

After you hire a lawyer, early work usually includes:

• Getting the crash report and reviewing photos and witness information
• Notifying the insurance companies and handling communication with them
• Identifying every insurance policy that may apply, including your own PIP and UM/UIM coverage, which Texas policies include unless rejected in writing (Tex. Ins. Code §§ 1952.101, 1952.152)
• Watching the deadlines, including the general two-year filing deadline (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003) and the six-month notice requirement for claims against government entities (§ 101.101)
• Helping you navigate the property damage claim for your vehicle and a rental car
• Gathering medical records as you continue treatment

Why does a local lawyer matter?

A local lawyer knows Texas law, the local courts, and the roads and intersections where crashes happen, from I-35 and Loop 1604 in San Antonio to the highways of the Rio Grande Valley. Being nearby also makes it easier to meet in person, get records, and keep investigations and depositions efficient.

What about truck accidents?

Crashes with 18-wheelers and commercial trucks are more complex than typical car wrecks. They can involve the driver, the trucking company, the trailer owner, and federal safety rules, along with records such as driver logs and electronic data. A lawyer can send a preservation letter early asking the company to keep that evidence before it is overwritten or discarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my case take?

It depends on your injuries and treatment. Many cases take longer than people expect, because the full effect of an injury often isn’t clear for months. You always have the final say on whether to settle.

What should I bring to a consultation?

The crash report or report number, photos, insurance information for everyone involved, medical records and bills, and any letters or offers from an insurance company.

Do you help people injured outside San Antonio?

Yes. With offices in San Antonio and Harlingen, the firm represents injured people across Texas.

Talk With Caquias Law Group, PLLC

Attorney Tomas Caquias offers a free consultation to review your situation and explain your options. Se habla español.

Call (210) 996-2237 in San Antonio or (956) 435-7789 in Harlingen.

Every case is different, and no particular result is guaranteed. This article is general information, not legal advice.