Frequently Asked Questions

A personal injury claim is a legal case filed when someone is injured due to another person’s or entity’s negligence. It allows the injured party to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights

The IRS cannot tax you on any monies you won in compensatory damages in a settlement or jury verdict of a personal injury claim in Texas involving your physical injuries directly. What this means, is if it has something to do with your injuries, you are not going to pay taxes on it. There are some exceptions.

At Angel Reyes & Associates, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid when you get paid.

Seek medical attention immediately, document the scene with photos, collect witness information, file a police report if applicable, and contact a personal injury attorney before speaking to any insurance companies.

If you’ve been rear-ended, seek medical attention even if you feel fine — some injuries take days to appear. Document the accident scene, exchange information with the other driver, file a police report, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

Car accident settlements in Texas vary widely based on factors like severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and liability. Minor injuries may settle for $10,000-$25,000, while serious injuries can result in settlements of $100,000 or more. Every case is unique.

Texas law requires you to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. A police report is also valuable evidence for your insurance claim or lawsuit, so we always recommend filing one.

Yes, absolutely. Even if you feel fine, many injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately. Delaying medical treatment can also hurt your claim, as insurance companies may argue your injuries aren’t serious.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help cover your damages. An attorney can help you explore all available sources of recovery.

Truck accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties (driver, trucking company, manufacturer), federal regulations, electronic logging devices, and often catastrophic injuries. The trucking company’s insurance team begins working immediately to limit liability.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules on hours of service, maintenance requirements, weight limits, driver qualifications, and drug/alcohol testing. Violations of these regulations can be key evidence in your case.

Truck accident settlements tend to be significantly higher than car accident settlements due to the severity of injuries involved. Settlements can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the circumstances.

Call 911 immediately, seek medical attention, document the scene and the truck (company name, DOT number, license plate), get witness information, and contact an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence in truck cases can disappear quickly.

Yes. In many cases, the trucking company can be held liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, failure to maintain vehicles, or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations. This is important because companies typically have larger insurance policies.

If you’re injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you may be covered by the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy, which can provide up to $1 million in coverage. The process for filing a claim can be complex, so legal guidance is recommended.

Rideshare companies carry liability insurance that varies based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. When the driver is actively transporting a passenger, coverage is typically up to $1 million. Coverage is lower when the driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride.

Rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, which can complicate direct lawsuits. However, you can make a claim against their insurance policy, and in some cases, the company itself may bear liability. An attorney can evaluate your specific situation.

If the rideshare driver caused the accident, you can file a claim against the rideshare company’s commercial insurance and potentially the driver’s personal insurance. Documentation and witness statements are critical in these cases.

Yes. Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries, and there can be bias against motorcyclists. Insurance companies may try to argue the rider was at fault. Having an experienced attorney who understands motorcycle cases is crucial.

Yes. Texas law requires motorcycle riders to carry minimum liability insurance: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. We recommend carrying more than the minimum.

Texas law requires helmets for riders under 21 and those without proper training or insurance. Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, you may still recover damages, though it could potentially reduce your settlement if the defense argues it contributed to your injuries.

Common motorcycle accident injuries include road rash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods.

Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. However, these minimums are often insufficient for serious accidents.

UM/UIM coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages. Texas insurers must offer this coverage, and we strongly recommend carrying it.

We recommend consulting with an attorney before giving any recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used to reduce your claim.

Settlement timelines vary widely. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while complex cases involving severe injuries can take a year or more. It’s important not to rush a settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.

Yes, you can switch insurance companies at any time. Most policies don’t have cancellation penalties, though you may want to time the switch to avoid gaps in coverage.

Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry significantly higher insurance minimums than passenger vehicles. Depending on what they haul, trucks must carry between $750,000 and $5 million in liability coverage.

Multiple insurance policies may apply: the trucking company’s commercial policy, the driver’s policy, and potentially cargo insurance. Identifying all available coverage is critical to maximizing your recovery.

Because truck accident claims involve serious injuries and high damages, insurance companies deploy teams of adjusters, investigators, and attorneys immediately to protect their financial interests. Having experienced legal representation levels the playing field.

Cargo insurance covers damage to the goods being transported. If improperly secured cargo caused or contributed to your accident, the cargo insurance policy may be an additional source of recovery for your injuries.