Suffering an injury can change everything in an instant. Whether it’s the pain of physical trauma, the stress of unexpected medical bills, or the emotional toll of missing work or caring for loved ones, the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. For many in San Antonio, the hardest part is simply not knowing what to do next. You may be unsure about how to get medical care, deal with insurance companies, or protect your family’s future. These moments are filled with uncertainty, fear, and difficult questions.
Legal guidance can make all the difference. Texas personal injury law gives you the right to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. But pursuing that compensation involves complex processes that are hard to manage while recovering from an injury. At Patterson Law Group, we’ll walk you through what personal injury law means in Texas, what types of accidents are covered, and how working with experienced injury lawyers in San Antonio can help you take meaningful steps forward. You’ll also learn how our firm is structured to support you every step of the way.
The Patterson Law Group Approach: Local Advocacy With Personal Care
Not every law firm takes the same approach to injury cases. At Patterson Law Group, we’ve built something intentionally different from the high-volume operations advertised across billboards and television. Those firms often take in as many cases as possible and push them through a system without much personal interaction. Our team believes people deserve better after an injury. If you’re in pain, confused, and unsure about your rights, you need someone who will listen and advocate for your full recovery.
We’ve created a firm that prioritizes service and relationships. That means taking on fewer cases so we can give each client the attention they need. It means learning your story, understanding your goals, and staying connected with you throughout the entire process. We’ve built this practice around Texas communities because we’re part of them too. We know the roads, the local court systems, and the challenges San Antonio families face after a serious accident. And we go beyond the legal side of things to help with everything from medical coordination to support with vehicle repairs and insurance paperwork.
Why Small Caseloads Lead To Stronger Results
When we take on a new case, we want to give it the focus and care it deserves. That’s why we limit how many clients we represent at any one time. Smaller caseloads give us the capacity to investigate more thoroughly, build stronger arguments, and respond quickly to your needs. We don’t believe in rushing cases to quick settlements just to keep up with a volume quota. We believe in outcomes that reflect the full impact your injury has had on your life.
By giving every case the time and attention it needs, we’re able to advocate more effectively. That leads to better communication, more personalized legal strategies, and results that align with your needs—not just what an insurance company is willing to offer.
Direct Attorney Access From Day One
From day one, our attorneys are directly involved in your case to ensure you have the guidance and support you need. That connection continues throughout your entire case. When you have a question, you’ll be able to reach your lawyer. When something changes, you’ll get an update without having to chase it down. We make ourselves available because your case matters, and so does your peace of mind.
Legal representation should never feel distant. It should feel like someone is standing beside you, helping you make informed decisions with real support behind them.
Support Beyond the Legal Process
We know that recovering from an injury involves more than negotiating with insurance companies. It includes getting the right medical treatment, managing time off work, finding transportation, and keeping life on track while everything feels uncertain. That’s why our firm offers practical support along with legal guidance.
We help connect clients with doctors and specialists. We assist with property damage claims and rental car needs. We make sure you understand every step of the process so you don’t feel alone in it. For us, this isn’t just about handling a claim—it’s about helping you rebuild your life with clarity and confidence.
What Qualifies as a Personal Injury Case in Texas
If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, Texas law may allow you to file a personal injury claim. Many people don’t realize they have this option because they think only certain types of accidents count. In reality, personal injury law covers a wide range of incidents. What matters most is whether another person, company, or entity failed to act with reasonable care and caused you harm.
These are some of the most common types of personal injury claims we see in San Antonio:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents: Traffic collisions are one of the leading causes of personal injury. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, or failure to follow traffic laws, these crashes can leave victims with serious physical and financial burdens.
- Pedestrian and bicycle injuries: San Antonio’s walkable areas and bike lanes are growing, but not all drivers respect the space shared with cyclists and pedestrians. When a motorist’s negligence leads to a collision, the consequences for the unprotected person are often severe.
- Slip and fall accidents (premises liability): Property owners have a responsibility to keep their spaces safe. If a wet floor, broken step, poor lighting, or other hazard causes someone to fall and get hurt, a personal injury claim may apply.
- Workplace and construction injuries: Job-related accidents are not always covered completely by workers’ compensation. In cases involving third-party contractors or defective equipment, you may have additional legal options.
- Wrongful death claims: When someone dies due to another person’s negligence, Texas law allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for loss of support, companionship, and financial contributions.
- Dog bites and animal attacks: Texas holds pet owners accountable when their animals harm others. If you were bitten or attacked, especially in a public place or where the owner failed to act responsibly, you may have a case.
If you’re not sure whether your situation qualifies, that’s okay. The best way to get clarity is to speak with personal injury attorneys in San Antonio who can review the facts and help you understand your options. A consultation can be the first step toward relief and recovery.
How Negligence Affects Your Case in San Antonio
Negligence is the foundation of most personal injury claims in Texas. When someone fails to act with reasonable care and causes harm, they may be held legally responsible. That could mean a distracted driver who caused a crash, a store owner who ignored a safety hazard, or a contractor who used faulty equipment on a job site. To recover compensation, we must show that the other party’s actions directly led to your injuries.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule known as proportionate responsibility. This means that even if you were partially at fault for what happened, you may still be able to recover compensation—as long as your share of responsibility is 50 percent or less. The amount you receive will be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. For example, if a jury finds you were 20 percent responsible, your recovery will be reduced by that percentage.
These rules make evidence a critical part of every case. Medical records, photos, witness statements, and expert evaluations all play a role in showing how the incident occurred and who should be held accountable. The stronger the documentation, the more clearly we can present your case.
Working with experienced injury lawyers in Texas helps ensure that nothing is missed. We gather the right evidence, protect you from tactics that insurers may use to shift blame, and advocate for a resolution that reflects the full extent of your injury. Personal injury claims are not just about proving someone else was at fault. They are about making sure your recovery is complete—financially, physically, and emotionally.
Common Injuries That Lead to Personal Injury Claims
Every injury is unique, but some patterns appear again and again in the cases we handle at Patterson Law Group. Understanding the type of injury you’ve experienced can help you make sense of your symptoms, your recovery timeline, and your legal rights. Many of these injuries do not fully reveal their impact right away. Some become more serious over time, especially if left untreated or underestimated by insurance adjusters.
Our firm has represented clients with a wide range of injuries—both visible and internal—caused by negligence. These are some of the most common injuries that lead to personal injury claims in San Antonio:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Head injuries can occur in car crashes, falls, or other impacts, even if there’s no visible bleeding. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) may result in memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, or long-term cognitive decline. These symptoms often emerge days or weeks after the incident, making early medical evaluation and ongoing observation essential.
- Broken bones and orthopedic injuries. Fractures can affect your ability to work, walk, drive, or care for others. Some breaks require surgery and extended recovery periods, especially when the injury involves joints like the shoulder, knee, or ankle. Improper healing can lead to long-term pain or limited mobility.
- Spinal cord and back injuries. A sudden jolt or compression to the spine can cause herniated discs, nerve damage, or even partial paralysis. Back injuries are especially disruptive because they interfere with almost every type of movement and daily activity. Recovery can involve physical therapy, injections, or surgical intervention—and many injuries remain permanent.
- Internal organ damage. Blunt trauma from a vehicle collision or fall can damage organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, or spleen. These injuries may not be visible but can be life-threatening if not detected quickly. Internal bleeding, swelling, and infection are common complications that require emergency care and long-term monitoring.
- Soft tissue damage. Strains, sprains, and ligament tears often go overlooked in the days after an accident, but they can cause severe discomfort and reduced function. Neck and shoulder injuries like whiplash are common in rear-end crashes. While they may not appear on an X-ray, they can be just as debilitating as broken bones.
- Psychological trauma. Emotional distress after an injury is real and can interfere with daily life. Many of our clients experience anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, or post-traumatic stress following a serious accident. Mental health care is often a critical part of recovery, and Texas law recognizes emotional trauma as a valid component of a personal injury claim.
Recognizing your injury is the first step. Documenting it and understanding how it affects your life is what makes your claim stronger. Our team helps clients not only gather the right records, but also advocate for the full scope of their recovery—including physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Steps To Take After an Injury in San Antonio
The hours after an injury can feel chaotic. Whether you were in a car crash, slipped in a store, or were hurt on the job, it’s difficult to know what to prioritize. But the steps you take early on can significantly affect both your recovery and your ability to file a personal injury claim later.
Taking the right actions protects not just your health, but also your ability to seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Here’s how to safeguard your case from the beginning.
Check For Injuries And Remain At The Scene
First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. If you’re involved in a car wreck, Texas law requires you to stay at the scene of the crash if there is damage to the vehicles or if the wreck resulted in bodily injuries to any person involved.
Get Out Of Harm’s Way
If your vehicle is in a dangerous position that may cause more harm to you or others on the road, it is vital to move the vehicle to a safe area. If possible, pull into the emergency lane or a nearby parking lot and turn on hazard lights. Only get out of the car if it’s safe.
Exchange Info with Parties Involved
Texas law requires the parties involved to exchange insurance coverage information at the crash site. We recommend taking photos of all parties’ driver licenses, insurance cards, and vehicle registration information as available.
Call 911
Dial 911 to report the collision. Police will be dispatched, and an officer will investigate the factors that contributed to causing the wreck to determine who was at fault and file a crash report.
Request Medical Care
If you feel any pain or new sensations after the collision—even something as small as lightheadedness or a headache—request an ambulance. Certain medical conditions don’t manifest until later but can be detected during an initial assessment.
Gather and Preserve Evidence
Take photos and videos of the scene and surrounding area, e.g., the position of the vehicles, tire marks, broken glass, deployed airbags, nearby surveillance cameras, etc. Be sure to get contact info from any eyewitnesses.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
As soon as you can, notify your car insurance company (not theirs) of the car wreck. Make sure to tell the claims adjuster if you were injured in the collision. Do not speak to the other party’s insurance without legal representation.
Purchase the Crash Report
You will need a copy of the crash report to process your insurance claim. Reports are usually available for pickup from local law enforcement agencies within 7–10 days of the crash or can be purchased online at www.txdot.gov.
How Insurance Companies Minimize Payouts
Most people assume that filing an insurance claim after an injury is straightforward. You provide the facts, the insurer pays what’s fair, and you move on. In reality, that process is rarely so simple. Insurance companies exist to make money. Their business model is based on limiting payouts, not offering full compensation to every injured person who files a claim. Even when the facts seem clear, adjusters are trained to find ways to reduce the amount paid or avoid paying at all.
Quick Settlement Offers That Undervalue Your Claim
One of the first tactics insurance companies use is speed. Adjusters often contact you just days after the injury with a settlement offer. These offers may seem generous at first, especially if you’re worried about missed work or growing medical bills. But they are often calculated to resolve the case before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you accept a settlement, you likely give up your right to pursue any future compensation—even if additional treatment or complications arise.
Questioning the Severity of Your Injuries
Another common strategy is to cast doubt on how badly you were hurt. Adjusters may suggest that your injuries were pre-existing, that your treatment wasn’t necessary, or that you waited too long to seek care. They may even review your social media activity to try to prove that you’re not as injured as you claim. These tactics are meant to minimize what they owe, not to uncover the truth about your recovery.
Searching for Inconsistencies and Delaying Progress
Insurance adjusters may ask for repeated statements or unnecessary documentation. These requests are often designed to create delays or catch inconsistencies. If your story varies slightly between conversations, they may use that to challenge your credibility. This back-and-forth can wear down injured people and pressure them into accepting less than what they’re owed, just to move on.
How Our Firm Protects You From These Tactics
Our team understands how insurance companies operate, and we take proactive steps to protect your case from the start. We help you gather and organize medical records, lost income documentation, impact statements, and expert evaluations when needed. This documentation provides clear support for your claim and prevents the insurer from minimizing your losses.
We also handle all communication with adjusters. That means you don’t have to worry about what to say, how to respond, or whether a request is reasonable. Our firm tracks every deadline and challenge so that nothing falls through the cracks—and if the insurance company fails to act in good faith, we’re prepared to escalate your case in court.
You Don’t Have To Face Insurers Alone
Having the right legal team changes how your case is treated. Once an insurance company knows you’re represented, their approach often shifts. They understand that we won’t accept a low offer and that we know how to prove what your injury is truly worth. That leverage gives you power—and peace of mind.
Our goal is to protect you from the stress and confusion that often comes with an injury claim. With Patterson Law Group in your corner, you can focus on your recovery while we work to secure the compensation you deserve.
What You Can Recover in a Texas Personal Injury Claim
Injuries affect more than just your physical health. They can also disrupt your income, strain your relationships, and create lasting emotional burdens. Texas personal injury law allows victims to pursue compensation for these losses, with the goal of helping you move forward—not just cover short-term expenses.
The value of your claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, your ability to work, and how your life has been altered. Our firm works closely with you to calculate what your case is truly worth and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Medical Expenses (Past and Future)
You can recover the cost of all medical treatment related to your injury. This includes ambulance transport, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up appointments. If your condition requires long-term care, home modifications, or ongoing therapy, we help calculate those future costs as well.
Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity
If your injuries kept you from working, your claim can include lost wages for the time you missed. In more serious cases, we also account for how the injury may reduce your ability to earn income over time—especially if you’ve had to change jobs, reduce hours, or leave your field entirely.
Pain and Suffering
This type of compensation reflects the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injury. Texas law recognizes that long-term pain interferes with your ability to enjoy life, care for your family, and perform basic daily tasks. These damages are based on the intensity and duration of your suffering.
Emotional Distress
Many injuries cause mental and emotional harm alongside physical damage. You may experience anxiety, depression, flashbacks, or fear related to driving, working, or being in public. These emotional impacts are valid and can be included in your personal injury claim.
Property Damage
If your car, bicycle, or other property was damaged in the incident, you may recover the cost to repair or replace it. In motor vehicle cases, this often includes towing fees, rental car costs, or out-of-pocket payments for damage not covered by your insurance.
Funeral and Burial Expenses (Wrongful Death)
When an injury results in a loved one’s death, certain family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. This can include funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and the emotional suffering caused by the death.
Our team takes the time to evaluate each of these areas fully. We help clients document their losses, work with professionals to project future needs, and present claims backed by detailed evidence. You only have one chance to recover what you need—our job is to make sure that recovery reflects the full extent of your loss.
Why Time Matters: Understanding the Texas Statute of Limitations
In Texas, the clock starts ticking the moment an injury occurs. The standard statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. If you fail to file a claim within that window, you may lose the right to recover compensation entirely—even if your case is valid and supported by strong evidence.
Some exceptions do exist, but they are narrow. For example, claims involving minors or individuals who were incapacitated may qualify for extended filing deadlines. However, these cases are rare and often complex. The safest course of action is to begin the legal process as early as possible.
Delaying action can also weaken your case. Over time, evidence may disappear, witnesses may forget what they saw, and documents can be lost. Insurance companies often benefit from this delay, using it to reduce payouts or deny claims outright. Early legal involvement ensures that your rights are protected and your case is built on solid ground.
Even if you’re not ready to file right away, speaking with a personal injury attorney can give you a clearer picture of your options and deadlines. We help clients understand the legal timeline, preserve evidence, and stay ahead of critical dates.
How Our San Antonio Injury Lawyers Build Strong Claims
Behind every successful personal injury case is a structured, evidence-driven approach. At Patterson Law Group, we take that responsibility seriously. We understand that your future may depend on the outcome of your claim, which is why we treat every case with urgency, care, and purpose. From the first conversation forward, we focus on building a strong foundation using transparency, strategy, and consistent communication.
We begin by listening. Your experience, injuries, and concerns shape how we approach your case. From there, we take deliberate steps to secure the evidence and documentation needed to support your claim and protect your rights:
- Accident documentation. We collect police reports, photos, and video footage when available. These records establish what happened and help show liability.
- Medical evidence. We gather your medical records, bills, and treatment summaries to demonstrate the full scope of your physical injuries and how they affect your daily life.
- Witness interviews. Testimonies from bystanders or passengers often provide key support. We track down and speak to witnesses while their memory of the event is still fresh.
- Expert consultation. When appropriate, we bring in medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, or life care planners to clarify technical aspects of your case.
- Loss analysis. We document how your injury has changed your work life, home life, and long-term mobility or health. This includes missed wages, physical limitations, and emotional toll.
Throughout the process, we stay in close contact with you. You won’t be left wondering where things stand or who to call. We provide regular updates, explain your options clearly, and handle insurance negotiations so you can focus on healing. And if your case requires litigation, we prepare thoroughly and stand beside you at every stage.
Our approach isn’t reactive—it’s proactive. That’s what helps us build strong claims that reflect the real impact of your injury and support the compensation you deserve.
Client-First Representation With Support Beyond the Case
Legal help should mean more than paperwork and court filings. When you’re recovering from a serious injury, you need a team that understands the daily stress you’re under and offers practical help, not just legal advice. That’s the foundation of our approach at Patterson Law Group.
We help clients get their vehicles repaired, work through insurance red tape, and connect with trusted doctors and specialists. We provide honest guidance about your case and realistic timelines so you always know what to expect. If you’re missing work, struggling with bills, or unsure how to organize your documentation, we step in to lighten the load.
We’ve designed our entire process around one idea: clients deserve to be treated like people, not files. That means listening when you need to vent, checking in on your progress, and making sure you feel supported throughout the process. We never disappear once papers are signed. We remain available, accessible, and committed to helping you move forward in every way we can.
This level of service isn’t an extra—it’s built into everything we do. When you choose our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re partnering with a team that shows up when it matters most.
Start Your Journey to Justice With a Free Consultation
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, injured on someone else’s property, or dealing with the loss of a loved one, our firm is here to help. We understand the pain, the uncertainty, and the frustrations that come with a serious injury. We also know how to guide you through it.
The first step is a conversation. No pressure. No cost. Just a chance to tell your story, ask your questions, and hear how our team can support you. You’ll speak directly with an attorney who understands personal injury law in Texas and who is ready to listen.
You’ve been through enough already. Let us help you move forward with clarity, compassion, and strength. Contact Patterson Law Group today to schedule your free consultation. We’re here when you’re ready—and we’re ready when you are.
Related Pages
- San Antonio Amputation Injury Lawyer
- San Antonio Aviation Accident Lawyer
- San Antonio Boat Accident Lawyer
- San Antonio Burn Injuries Lawyer
- San Antonio Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
- San Antonio Child Injury Lawyer
- San Antonio Fall from Height Accident Lawyer
- San Antonio Golf Cart Accident Lawyer
- San Antonio Hotel Injury Lawyers
- San Antonio Neck Injury Lawyer
- San Antonio Negligent Security Lawyers
- San Antonio Passenger Injury Lawyers
- San Antonio Railroad Accident Lawyer
- San Antonio Scaffolding Accident Lawyer
- San Antonio Spinal Cord Injuries Lawyer
- San Antonio Traumatic Brain Injuries
