San Angelo Car Accident Lawyer
Nationally Recognized Trial Attorneys
A car accident can become an insurance case before the tow truck leaves the scene.
The adjuster starts collecting statements, reviewing damage, and deciding what the claim may be worth. You may still be figuring out whether you can work tomorrow or how serious your injuries are.
Keith & Lorfing gives injured San Angelo residents their own head start. Our team brings more than 150 years of combined experience, former state and federal prosecutors, and experience from over 500 jury trials. We preserve evidence early, identify weaknesses before the insurer can use them, and prepare every claim with the courtroom in mind.
According to official reports, Texas averaged more than 12 traffic deaths per day in 2022. Crashes on roads such as US 67 and US 87 show that San Angelo is not removed from that risk.
Do not let the insurance company build the only version of what happened. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how Keith & Lorfing can protect your claim.
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Let us assist you in rebuilding your life after a car accident. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards your recovery.
Elements Needed For a Valid Claim
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in San Angelo, you might be wondering if you have a valid claim for compensation. Here are the key elements you need to know to determine if you have a case:
- Duty of Care: All drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws to protect others on the road. You need to establish that the other driver owed you this duty of care.
- Breach of Duty: Show that the other driver breached their duty by acting negligently or recklessly, such as by speeding, running a red light, or texting while driving.
- Causation: Demonstrate that the driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and resulted in your injuries.
- Damages: Prove that you suffered damages due to the accident, including physical injuries, emotional distress, lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage.
How to Get in Touch
Here’s how you can contact us:
- Online Inquiry Form: Fill out the contact form with your details and a brief description of your case. One of our attorneys will get back to you promptly to discuss your situation and the next steps.
- Call Us Directly: Speak with our experienced legal team by calling us at (325) 025-0143. We are available to answer your questions and provide immediate assistance.
Compensation You Can Seek
After a car accident in San Angelo, you may be entitled to various types of compensation depending on your case specifics:
Economic Damages:
- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, and future medical costs.
- Lost Wages: Compensates for income lost during recovery.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Covers reduced future earning potential due to long-term injuries.
- Property Damage: Pays for repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal property.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Includes transportation to medical appointments and hiring help for household tasks.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensates for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Emotional Distress: Covers psychological impacts like anxiety and depression.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensates for negative effects on your relationship with your spouse.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Covers the impact of injuries on your ability to enjoy daily activities.
Punitive Damages
In cases of particularly egregious or reckless behavior, you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct.
The amount of compensation can vary based on factors, such as:
- Severity and permanence of injuries.
- Degree of fault of the other party.
- Impact on daily life and ability to work.
- Quality of evidence and documentation.
Why Choose Keith & Lorfing as Your San Angelo Car Accident Lawyers
Keith & Lorfing does not have to claim it is trial-ready. Our attorneys have already handled more than 500 jury trials.
That experience affects how your case is prepared from the start. We know what evidence insurers challenge, where claims tend to break down, and what it takes to make an insurance company take a demand seriously.
Extensive Expertise: Our team brings more than 150 years of combined experience in personal injury law to car accident cases across West Texas.
Proven Trial Experience: With more than 500 jury trials behind us, we prepare every case with the courtroom in mind, even when a fair settlement is still possible.
Former Prosecutors on Staff: Several of our attorneys have served as state and federal prosecutors. That background helps us investigate facts, identify weaknesses early, and build cases that can withstand scrutiny.
Personalized Legal Strategies: We do not treat your case like a standard insurance file. We look at how the crash affected your health, work, family, and future, then build the strategy around those losses.
Resources to Take on Major Insurers: Our attorneys, investigators, experts, and support staff give us the resources to handle complex claims without cutting corners.
No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and you owe us no legal fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Accessible West Texas Representation: With offices throughout West Texas and flexible meeting options, you get local service backed by serious courtroom experience.
Keith & Lorfing gives San Angelo clients both: a firm that understands West Texas and a legal team prepared to take the fight as far as necessary.
Expert Advice From San Angelo Car Accident Attorneys
What to Do Immediately After Your Accident
- Check for Injuries: Immediately assess yourself and others for any injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.
- Relocate Vehicles: If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the traffic flow to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Report the Accident: Contact the San Angelo Police Department or local law enforcement to report the accident. Having an official police report is vital for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
- Gather Details: Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the collision.
- Obtain Witness Details: If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their accounts can be valuable for your claim.
- Take Photos and Videos: Use your smartphone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Visit a Doctor: Even if you feel fine, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and having medical records will support your claim.
- Report the Accident: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary details and cooperate with their investigation.
- Avoid Detailed Statements: Be honest but avoid giving detailed statements or accepting blame until you have consulted with a lawyer.
- Seek Legal Advice: Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, gather the necessary evidence, and build a compelling case.
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Collecting Evidence After a Car Accident
Gathering and preserving evidence after a car accident will help for building a strong case and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s a guide on the types of evidence you should collect:
- Police Report: Make sure to get a copy of the police report from the San Angelo Police Department or the responding law enforcement agency. This report provides an official account of the accident, including details about the involved parties, witness statements, and any citations issued.
- Photographic and Video Evidence: Use your smartphone to take clear photos and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture details such as vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
- Vehicle Damage: Take close-up shots of the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident
- Injuries: Photograph any visible injuries sustained in the accident.
- Witness Statements: Gather the names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident
- Record Statements: If possible, write down or record their statements about what they saw. Witness testimony can be invaluable in corroborating your account of the accident.
- Medical Records: Visit a healthcare professional immediately after the accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Document Treatment: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and follow-up visits. These records will serve as proof of your injuries and the associated medical expenses.
- Accident Reconstruction: In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts can provide a detailed analysis of the accident. They use evidence such as vehicle damage, skid marks, and other physical evidence to recreate the accident and determine fault.
- Document Lost Wages: If the accident caused you to miss work, provide pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to document your lost wages.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: For long-term injuries affecting your ability to work, gather evidence of your previous earnings and future earning potential.
- Keep a Journal: Maintain a personal journal detailing your injuries, pain levels, and how the accident has impacted your daily life. This can help demonstrate non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Save Receipts and Bills: Keep receipts and bills for all accident-related expenses, including medical costs, vehicle repairs, transportation, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Gather Insurance Details: Collect information about your insurance policy and that of the other driver(s) involved. This includes policy numbers, coverage details, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
- Medical Experts: Obtain testimony from medical professionals about the extent and impact of your injuries.
- Economic Experts: Engage experts who can testify about the financial impact of the accident, including future medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
- Keep Records: Maintain a file of all communication with insurance companies, medical providers, and any other parties involved in your case.
We understand how difficult it is to gather this kind of evidence after being involved in a car crash, which is why our San Angelo personal injury lawyers will carry the burden for you. Contact us today to find our more!
Two Years to File a Claim—Don’t Delay!
The statute of limitations sets the deadline for initiating legal action, and failing to adhere to this timeline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your accident claim. This applies to claims for bodily injuries, property damage, and wrongful death.
While the two-year deadline applies in most cases, there are exceptions that can extend or alter this timeframe:
- Discovery Rule: If your injuries or damages were not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered them.
- Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations typically begins when the minor turns 18. Therefore, they have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.
- Government Claims: If your personal injury claim is against a government entity, special rules apply. You must file a notice of claim with the government agency within six months of the accident, and the lawsuit must be filed within the standard two-year period.
A Note on Fees
To make quality legal representation accessible, we operate on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases:
- Risk-Free Representation: With a contingency fee arrangement, you don’t pay any legal fees upfront. We cover all the costs associated with building your case, including filing fees, expert witness fees, and investigation costs.
- No Win, No Fee: You only pay legal fees if we successfully secure compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award we obtain on your behalf. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
- Motivated to Win: Our interests are directly aligned with yours. We are motivated to maximize your compensation because our payment depends on the success of your case.
- Clear Terms: At the outset of your case, we will provide a clear and detailed explanation of the contingency fee agreement. You will understand exactly what percentage of the settlement or award will go towards legal fees, so there are no surprises.
Example Scenario:
Suppose you are awarded a settlement of $100,000. If the agreed-upon contingency fee is 33%, our fee would be $33,000, and you would receive the remaining $67,000. All costs and expenses we advanced would also be deducted from the settlement.
Why Choose Keith & Lorfing Over Other San Angelo Auto Accident Attorneys
When selecting legal representation for your auto accident case in San Angelo, it’s essential to choose a firm that stands out for its expertise, dedication, and results. Here’s why Keith & Lorfing should be your top choice over other auto accident attorneys:
- Successful Outcomes: Our firm boasts a strong track record of achieving favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients. With more than 500 jury trials under our belts, we know how to fight effectively for justice in the courtroom.
- Decades of Legal Expertise: With over 150 years of combined experience in personal injury law, our legal team has handled a vast array of complex auto accident cases. Our deep understanding of the legal landscape ensures that we provide knowledgeable and effective representation.
- Tailored Approach: We recognize that every case is unique. Our attorneys take the time to understand the specific details of your situation and develop customized legal strategies to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
- Client-Centered Care: At Keith & Lorfing, we understand the emotional and physical toll an auto accident can take on you and your family. We provide compassionate support and treat our clients with the respect and dignity they deserve throughout the legal process.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are only collected if we win your case, ensuring that you can pursue justice without financial risk.
- Unique Insights: Our team includes multiple attorneys who have served as state and federal prosecutors. This experience provides us with valuable insights and a strategic edge in handling your auto accident case.
- Multiple Office Locations: To better serve our San Angelo community, we have offices throughout West Texas, making it easy for you to access our services. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations to suit your needs.
- Timely Attention: We utilize modern business practices to ensure quick turnaround and response times. We understand the urgency of your situation and are committed to providing prompt and efficient legal services.
- Robust Team: With a strong team of attorneys and support staff, we have the resources necessary to handle even the most demanding cases. Our collective expertise and teamwork ensure high-quality service and client satisfaction.
- Recognized Excellence: Our dedication to legal excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including being named Best Lawyers in Abilene for 2023 & 2024. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier legal representation.
OUR STREAMLINED PROCESS
FASTER. SIMPLER. EASIER.
With access to your very own legal team, a network of medical professionals, and clear direction on how to maximize your recovery, we take the pain and hassle out of the equation:
- Step 1: Meet with our Legal Team – it’s free!
- Step 2: Seek Medical treatment – we’ll help.
- Step 3: Follow the checklist in your client portal.
- Step 4: We’ll Make ‘Em Pay!
- Step 5: Cash your check.
Other Locations We Serve
As expert Texas personal injury attorneys, we cover the entirety of West Texas, including but not limited to:
Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer in San Angelo Today!
One call can put the insurance company, evidence, deadlines, and next steps into experienced hands.
Keith & Lorfing brings more than 500 jury trials, former prosecutor experience, and over 150 years of combined legal experience to your case. We handle the legal work, protect your claim, and keep the process moving while you focus on your health, work, and family.
Your consultation is free. There are no upfront costs, and you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today to speak with a San Angelo car accident lawyer and find out what your next step should be.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards justice and recovery.
Strong Roots
In West Texas
We have made a conscious choice to represent individuals and families—not corporations or the elite. We are dedicated to helping family-oriented West Texans striving to give their children a better life.
Often, this means standing up to big insurance companies trying to short-change you.
Sometimes, it involves taking on powerful oil companies that attempt to intimidate our clients. No matter who the adversary is, our mission remains consistent: to level the playing field for people like you and me.
Our attorneys come from humble beginnings and understand the value of hard work. Our fathers and grandfathers were farmers, mechanics, laborers, firefighters, and servicemen. These roots instill in us a deep commitment to serving the hardworking people of West Texas every day.
This dedication to justice for hardworking Texans drives every decision we make, every client we represent, and every case we pursue. We are committed to standing by your side and fighting for your rights.
Trey Keith
Founding Partner Meet Trey
Russell Lorfing
Founding Partner Meet Russell
&
3 Things you’ll get With Keith & Lorfing
A Lawyer Will Answer Your Calls & Emails
You’ll Be Informed About Your Case Every Step of the Way
You’ll Be Treated With Compassion & Respect
Ask Russell a Question
At No Cost To You!
We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.