You know that feeling when you Google something important and get hit with the same robotic answer ten times in a row? “We fight for justice. We put clients first.” It all sounds the same. And honestly, if you’re the one dealing with an accident, medical bills, and stress that keeps you awake at 3 AM, canned lines aren’t what you need. Learn about the common injury law FAQ here in Brownsville.
What you need are answers. Straightforward, no-nonsense guidance from people who know the law inside and out, and actually care about how your case turns out.
That’s exactly what we’re doing here. At the Law Offices of Ignacio G. Martinez, we’ve been helping families across Brownsville for 17 years. Attorney Ignacio Martinez brings more than 25 years of experience to the fight. For us, law isn’t just paperwork or courtrooms. It’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with people who feel like life just turned upside down.
So grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s walk through the most common questions we hear from clients who’ve just been through an accident.
1. What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?
If you’ve just been in an accident, your brain is probably racing. You’re sore, your car might be totaled, and there’s this instant wave of panic: What do I do now?
Here’s a step-by-step guide, broken down simply:
- Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if it’s a small fender bender, make sure everyone is safe.
- Call 911. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it. The police report is often crucial for your case.
- Document the scene. Use your phone to snap pictures of vehicles, license plates, road conditions, traffic lights, and even your injuries. Details fade fast.
- Collect information. Names, numbers, insurance details, and witness info. Keep everything.
- See a doctor. Don’t tough it out. Adrenaline hides pain, and injuries can show up days later.
- Call a lawyer. The sooner you have someone protecting your rights, the better.
We’ve had clients who skipped one of these steps, like seeing a doctor right away, and later the insurance company tried to argue that their injuries weren’t connected to the accident. Every small detail protects you.
2. Do I Really Need a Lawyer for My Injury Case?
You’ve seen TV ads that make lawyers sound like superheroes, but maybe you’re thinking, Can’t I just handle this myself? Here’s the truth: insurance companies are not your friends. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They’ll sound sympathetic on the phone but then quietly look for ways to downplay your injuries or blame you for the crash.
A lawyer changes the entire dynamic. Suddenly, you’re not just a claim number. You have someone who knows their tricks and won’t let them get away with it. At our firm, we approach every case like it’s personal , because it is. When someone tries to shortchange you, we take it personally. Think of it this way: if you’re playing chess against a grandmaster, would you show up without knowing the rules?
3. How Much Will Hiring an Injury Lawyer Cost Me?
This question comes up in almost every consultation: How much is this going to set me back? Here’s the good news. You don’t pay us a dime upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- If you don’t win, you don’t owe us anything.
- If you do win, our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.
We set it up this way because we know you’re already juggling bills, car repairs, and time off work. The last thing you need is another expense. We carry the financial risk so you can focus on healing.
4. How Long Do Injury Cases Take in Brownsville?
The million-dollar question. Everyone wants to know when they’ll get their settlement check. Here’s the honest answer: it depends. Some cases resolve in a few months. Others stretch past a year. A few factors that impact the timeline:
- Your medical treatment: We don’t push for a settlement until we understand the full scope of your injuries.
- Insurance negotiations: Sometimes they’re quick, other times they dig in their heels.
- Whether we go to court: If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we’re fully prepared to fight in court.
We always remind clients: rushing a case can leave money on the table. We’d rather take the time to secure a fair settlement than accept the first lowball offer.
5. What Damages Can I Recover?
Here’s what most people don’t realize: compensation isn’t just about covering your ER bill. Texas law allows you to recover for multiple types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Reduced earning potential if your injuries affect your career
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
We’ve seen cases where the hidden costs, like long-term therapy or inability to return to the same job, were worth more than the hospital bills themselves. That’s why it’s critical to have someone fighting to uncover every angle.
6. What If the Accident Was Partly My Fault?
Don’t panic if you think you made a mistake on the road. Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule. Here’s how it works:
- If you’re less than 51% responsible, you can still recover compensation.
- Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If the jury decides you’re 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you’d still receive $80,000.
This is where a skilled lawyer makes all the difference. We work hard to minimize the percentage of fault pinned on you.
A Client’s Experience
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t trust lawyers at first. After my accident, the insurance adjuster kept brushing me off, and I thought maybe that was just how it worked. A friend insisted I call Ignacio Martinez, and I’m glad I did. From day one, they treated me like family. They explained everything clearly, never made me feel rushed, and fought hard until I got the settlement I actually deserved. They gave me back peace of mind during one of the hardest times of my life.” – Mariah R., Brownsville
What Makes the Law Offices of Ignacio G. Martinez Different?
There are plenty of lawyers in Texas. So why choose us?
- 17 years of service to the Brownsville community
- 25 years of legal experience from Attorney Ignacio Martinez
- Compassion-first approach: we treat every client with dignity and respect
- Thorough case preparation: no detail is too small
- Passion for justice that drives us every single day
We don’t just see a case. We see a person who deserves to be heard, respected, and protected.
Other FAQs People Ask All the Time
7. Will my case go to court?
Not necessarily. Many cases settle through negotiation. But we prepare every single case as if it’s headed to trial. That way, we’re ready if the insurance company refuses to play fair.
8. How much is my case worth?
It depends on your injuries, medical costs, and how the accident affects your life. After reviewing your case, we can give you a realistic estimate.
9. What happens if I don’t have health insurance?
You can still get medical treatment. In many cases, doctors agree to wait for payment until your case is resolved. We help connect clients with providers who understand how personal injury cases work.
10. What’s the deadline to file a case in Texas?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wait too long, and you lose your right to compensation. That’s why acting quickly matters.
Call the Law Offices of Ignacio G. Martinez Today
Every day that passes makes it harder to prove your case. Evidence disappears. Skid marks fade. Witnesses forget details. And the statute of limitations doesn’t wait for anyone.
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be. If you’ve been injured in Brownsville, don’t settle for cookie-cutter answers or empty promises. Choose a firm that treats you like family and fights like it’s personal. Call the Law Offices of Ignacio G. Martinez today for a free consultation.
Your fight is our fight. And we’ll stand by you every step of the way.
