Central Texas Personal Injury FAQs
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident anywhere in Central Texas, Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP (SYT) is here to help. Based in Waco, we represent individuals and families across the region in serious injury and wrongful death cases. Our firm is more than just a group of attorneys; we are advocates, neighbors, and members of this community, deeply committed to protecting the rights of Central Texans.
We believe that informed clients make the best decisions, and part of our mission is to help you understand your rights, your options, and what to expect during the legal process. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury cases in Central Texas. If you have additional questions or are ready to discuss your specific situation, we invite you to reach out for a free case review.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
After any accident, your health and safety always come first. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as internal trauma, concussions, or soft-tissue injuries, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time. We want to ensure you get the treatment you need as soon as possible so your injuries don't worsen. Medical documentation also provides a critical record that supports your future claim.
Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP as soon as possible. The earlier we can begin investigating, preserving evidence, and communicating with insurance companies on your behalf, the stronger your case will be. You should avoid giving recorded statements or signing any documents from insurers before speaking with a member of our team, as doing so could jeopardize your right to full compensation.
Our team can guide you through every step, from medical care coordination and evidence collection to dealing with adjusters and preparing your case for trial if necessary.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident or injury. This means you generally have two years to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
However, there are exceptions. For example, claims involving minors, government entities, or delayed discovery of injuries may follow different (and sometimes shorter) timelines. Because these deadlines are strict and fact-specific, it’s crucial to speak with a knowledgeable SYT attorney as soon as possible. We’ll review your case, determine the applicable deadlines, and ensure your rights are protected.
What Compensation Can I Recover After an Accident?
The compensation available in a Central Texas personal injury claim depends on the specific facts and damages involved in your case. Generally, recoverable damages fall into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the measurable financial losses you’ve suffered, such as medical expenses, hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and property damage.
Non-economic damages compensate for the human and emotional impact of your injuries, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, or the loss of companionship in wrongful death cases.
In some instances where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional, such as a drunk driving or gross negligence case, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish wrongful behavior and deter future misconduct.
At SYT, our attorneys carefully analyze every detail of your case to ensure you seek the maximum compensation available under Texas law. We aim to hold all potential parties who acted negligently responsible.
What If I Was Partly at Fault for the Accident?
Texas follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if you were partially responsible for an accident, you may still recover compensation, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for a car accident and your total damages were $100,000, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Determining fault can be complex, and insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize their payouts. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we conduct thorough investigations, consult accident reconstruction experts, and gather the evidence necessary to challenge unfair fault claims. Our goal is to protect your right to full and fair compensation, even when liability is disputed.
What Evidence Is Most Important in a Personal Injury Claim?
Evidence is the foundation of every successful personal injury case. The most critical types of evidence include:
- Accident scene evidence: photographs, videos, police reports, and witness statements.
- Medical documentation: emergency room records, doctor evaluations, test results, and treatment plans.
- Employment and financial records: documentation of lost income, reduced work capacity, or career impact.
- Expert testimony: from medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or safety experts.
At SYT, we know how quickly valuable evidence can disappear. Surveillance footage can be overwritten, vehicles repaired, and witnesses’ memories fade. That’s why we act quickly to secure and preserve every piece of relevant evidence, building a strong case that reflects the full scope of your injuries and losses.
What Makes Scanes Yelverton Talbert Different from Other Central Texas Law Firms?
What truly sets Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP apart is our trial-ready approach. We don’t just handle cases, but we prepare every claim as though it will go before a jury. This level of preparation not only gives our clients a strategic advantage in negotiations but also ensures that, if a trial becomes necessary, we’re ready to stand and fight.
Many firms rush toward quick settlements. At SYT, we believe that your recovery and your dignity come first. We take the time to understand your injuries, your family’s needs, and your long-term goals. We’ve earned a reputation across Waco and the surrounding region as trusted advocates who deliver both compassionate support and formidable courtroom advocacy.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?
After an accident, you may be contacted by an insurance company, either your own or the at-fault party’s. While it might seem harmless to answer questions or provide a statement, speaking to insurance adjusters without legal guidance can put your claim at serious risk. Insurance companies are trained to protect their bottom line, and they often use subtle tactics to reduce the amount they may have to pay. Even well-intentioned comments, incomplete answers, or minor inaccuracies in your statement can be used to question the severity of your injuries or your level of responsibility for the accident.
At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we strongly advise clients not to give recorded statements, sign releases, or agree to any settlement offers before consulting with us. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating these interactions and can communicate with insurers on your behalf. By having us handle all correspondence, calls, and settlement negotiations, you ensure that your rights are fully protected and that your claim reflects the true extent of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impacts.
Our Commitment to Central Texas Clients
At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, our commitment to Central Texas goes beyond providing legal representation; it’s about standing with our neighbors through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. We are proud to have a team of compassionate, highly skilled trial lawyers who take the time to understand the full impact of an injury or accident on a client’s life. We recognize that recovery is not only physical but also emotional, financial, and psychological. Catastrophic accidents and serious injuries often disrupt every aspect of daily life, from the ability to work and support a family to maintaining independence and personal dignity.
We approach each case with deep empathy and individualized attention, treating every client as more than just a case file. Our attorneys sit down with clients and their families to listen carefully to their experiences, understand their needs, and learn about their long-term goals. This level of personal care allows us to craft a strategic legal approach tailored to each client, ensuring that the compensation we pursue truly reflects the life-altering consequences of the accident.
When you choose SYT, you gain advocates who fight relentlessly for your rights and future. We guide you through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence and documenting your injuries to negotiating with insurers and preparing for trial if necessary. Our team is with you every step of the way, fighting for justice, protecting your interests, and helping you rebuild your life with confidence and dignity.
We are deeply rooted in Central Texas, and we understand the communities, roadways, workplaces, and environments where these accidents occur. This local expertise, combined with our trial experience, gives our clients a strategic advantage and a partner who will fight tirelessly to ensure they receive the full compensation and justice they deserve. At SYT, we measure our success not just by verdicts and settlements, but by the peace of mind, security, and renewed hope we help restore to the families we serve.
Get Started with a Free Case Review
If you’ve been injured in Central Texas, whether in a car accident, workplace incident, or any situation caused by negligence, don’t wait to learn about your rights. Fill out our free case review form or call our office today to speak directly with one of our attorneys.
Our team will listen to your story, evaluate your claim, and help you understand your legal options at no cost and with no obligation. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we’re ready to stand up for you because your recovery, your rights, and your future matter.
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“I would like to give a big thanks to the law firm myself and to Joel Shields who represented me on my case. All cases are different, yes indeed. But one thing for sure, they are dedicated to each one of them. I am forever grateful to them for their work and dedication. For that I’m back on my feet again!”
Dannj Herr
Client
