Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys in Waco, TX 

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP (SYT), we understand that a serious car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you are facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, or other long-term consequences, you should know that you have legal options and help is available. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through this challenging time with compassion, clear advice, and relentless advocacy. We treat every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring you have the strongest representation possible while fighting to recover the compensation you need to move forward. 

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Do's & Don'ts After a Car Accident 


Knowing what to do after a car accident can protect your health, your legal rights, and your future. Our team at SYT has guided countless clients through these stressful situations, and we know that the smallest actions (or mistakes) can make a big difference.

Do call the police. 

Calling the police creates an official record of the accident, which can be crucial evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action. 


Do exchange info with the other driver. 

Sharing contact and insurance information ensures that claims can be processed properly and prevents confusion or delays later. 


Do talk to medical personnel extensively about your injuries. 

Providing detailed information to doctors helps ensure all injuries are documented and treated promptly, and it creates a clear medical record for your case. 


Do take images and videos of the accident scene, if you can. 

Photographs and videos capture critical details like vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs, which can strengthen your claim and protect your rights. 


Do gather witness contact info.

Witnesses can provide independent accounts of the accident, which can be vital in proving fault or countering disputes from insurance companies. 


Do talk to a car accident lawyer as soon as you can. 

Speaking with an experienced attorney from SYT early helps protect your rights, ensures deadlines are met, and gives you guidance on what to say and do next. 

Don’t move your car. 

Leaving your vehicles in place preserves the accident scene for law enforcement and investigators, helping establish how the collision occurred. 


Don’t worry if you’re too injured to collect evidence. 

Your safety and health come first; our team can step in to gather evidence and document the scene on your behalf if you are unable to do so. 


Don’t talk any more than you must. 

Providing unnecessary details can create confusion or be misinterpreted later; it’s best to stick to the facts and let professionals handle the investigation. 


Don’t talk with insurance adjusters. 

Insurance companies often try to minimize claims, and anything you say can be used against you. Our team can communicate on your behalf to protect your rights. 


Don’t tell anyone at the accident scene that you feel fine or unhurt. 

Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not appear immediately; statements that you feel fine can later be used to deny or reduce compensation. 

Compensation in Waco Car Accident Cases


What Determines the Value of a Car Accident Settlement? 

Settlement amounts are usually influenced by what you could be awarded if your case went before a jury. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP (SYT), we carefully review factors like the following to arrive at a fair settlement figure: 



  • Injury Severity: The more serious your injuries, the higher the potential settlement. Traumatic injuries like spinal cord damage, brain injuries, or broken bones often require long-term care, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical attention, which increases the value of your claim. 
  • Your Financial Losses: This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any reduced earning capacity caused by lasting impairments. Accurately calculating these losses ensures you are fully compensated for the financial impact of the accident. 
  • Noneconomic Losses: We also consider pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disruption to your daily life. These losses may not be easily quantified, but our team works with experts to ensure they are fully represented in your claim. 
  • Fault: Texas uses a comparative fault system, meaning your settlement may be reduced if you share responsibility for the accident. Our team investigates the crash thoroughly to accurately assess fault and maximize your recovery. 
  • Evidence and Documentation: Strong documentation, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction, can increase settlement value. At SYT, we gather and organize all critical evidence to build a compelling, trial-ready case. 

What Compensation May be Available in a Car Accident Settlement? 


The compensation you may receive after a car accident depends on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of the accident. At SYT, we carefully evaluate every detail to determine what damages you may be entitled to pursue. While every case is unique, the damages generally fall into two categories: 

Economic Damages 

Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses resulting from the accident, including: 




  • Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing or future treatment related to your injuries. Even injuries that are not immediately visible, like internal injuries or whiplash, are included. 
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost while you recover from your injuries. 
  • Reduced Earning Capacity: For injuries that permanently affect your ability to work, settlements may include compensation for decreased future earning potential. 
  • Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident. 

Noneconomic Damages 

Noneconomic damages address the physical, emotional, and lifestyle impacts of your accident that are harder to quantify but equally important: 



  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the accident. 
  • Emotional and Psychological Impact: Damages for anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress resulting from the accident. 
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the accident prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for this reduction in quality of life. 
  • Punitive Damages (in rare cases)If the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, Texas law allows for punitive damages, which are meant to punish and deter such behavior. 

Start With a Free Case Review

Get clarity, answers, and a path forward when you fill out our online personal injury case review form. Our experienced team will review your case, explain your options, and help you understand the next steps, at no cost and with no obligation.

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How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You?

Gather Critical Evidence 

Our team of dedicated attorneys collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert evaluations to build a strong case. 

Negotiate Settlements 

Our team will work to secure a settlement that fully reflects your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. 

Identify Responsible Parties 

We ensure that all potentially liable parties, including third parties and corporations, are held accountable. 

Meet deadlines

We make sure all important deadlines, including the statute of limitations, are met so you don’t lose your right to compensation.

Level The Playing field

Insurance companies often undervalue claims, and our team at SYT ensures your case is taken seriously. 

Reduce Stress

We handle complex legal processes so you can focus on recovery without added stress.

Gather Critical Evidence 

Our team of dedicated attorneys collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert evaluations to build a strong case. 

Negotiate Settlements 

Our team will work to secure a settlement that fully reflects your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. 

Identify Responsible Parties 

We ensure that all potentially liable parties, including third parties and corporations, are held accountable. 

Meet deadlines

We make sure all important deadlines, including the statute of limitations, are met so you don’t lose your right to compensation.

Level The Playing field

Insurance companies often undervalue claims, and our team at SYT ensures your case is taken seriously. 

Reduce Stress

We handle complex legal processes so you can focus on recovery without added stress.

FAQs 

We have addressed many of the most common questions we receive about personal injury cases, but we understand that every situation is unique. If you still have questions that were not answered here, we encourage you to fill out our online form. A member of our team will reach out to help you understand your options, answer your questions, and provide the guidance you need moving forward. 

  • If I get hurt, what should I do?

    If you are injured in an accident, your first priority should always be your health and safety. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries take time to appear, and early documentation can be important for both your recovery and your legal claim. If you are able, report the accident to the appropriate authorities and ensure an official report is created.  


    Once your immediate needs are addressed, consider reaching out to our team of personal injury attorneys at SYT. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and prevent common mistakes that could affect your claim. Our team can step in quickly to handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on healing while we work to protect your future. 

  • How do I know if I have a personal injury case?

    If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s actions or negligence, you may have a personal injury case. These cases can arise from car accidents, truck accidents, unsafe property conditions, defective products, or other preventable incidents. Because every situation is different, the best way to know for sure is to speak directly with an experienced personal injury attorney. By filling out our online contact form, our team can review the details of your accident, explain whether you may have a valid claim, and discuss your legal options at no cost to you. 

  • What Is Negligence in a Personal Injury Case?

    Negligence is the legal foundation of most personal injury claims in Texas. At its core, negligence occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care, and that failure causes harm to another person. In everyday terms, negligence means that an accident could have been prevented if the responsible party had acted responsibly.  


    To establish negligence in a personal injury case, four key elements must generally be shown. First, the at-fault party must have owed a duty of care. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely. Property owners have a duty to maintain premises that are reasonably safe. Second, that duty must have been breached through careless or reckless behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to fix a known hazard. Third, the breach must be the direct cause of the accident. Finally, the injured person must have suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, or physical and emotional pain. 


    Insurance companies often try to dispute one or more of these elements to avoid paying full compensation. They may argue that their policyholder acted reasonably, that the injuries were preexisting, or that something else caused the accident altogether. At SYT, our team understands how these defenses work and how to counter them. We investigate accidents thoroughly, gather evidence, consult experts when necessary, and build strong cases designed to clearly demonstrate negligence and accountability.  

    Proving negligence is not just about assigning blame; it is about securing the resources injured individuals need to recover and move forward. Our attorneys take the time to understand each client’s situation, explain how negligence applies to their case, and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the injury on their life.

  • How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?

    In most personal injury cases in Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, there can be exceptions depending on the circumstances of your case, especially if a government entity is involved or if the injured person is a minor. Because missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim (meaning you will not be able to ever receive compensation), it is important to contact our team as soon as possible so we can confirm the applicable time limits and protect your rights.

  • How long does a personal injury case take to resolve?

    The length of a personal injury case can vary widely depending on the facts, the severity of the injuries, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate in good faith. Some cases can be resolved through settlement, while others require litigation and trial. At SYT, our team prepares every case as if it will go to trial from the very beginning. This thorough preparation strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we are ready to advocate for you in the courtroom if a fair settlement is not offered. By completing our online case review form, our team can evaluate your situation and give you a clearer understanding of what to expect based on the specifics of your case. 

  • Do I have to go to court for a personal injury case?

    Not every personal injury case goes to court. In fact, many cases are resolved through negotiations or settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, going to trial may be necessary. Our team prepares every case as if it will be tried before a jury, which strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we are ready to advocate for you in court if needed.

  • What if I’m partially at fault for the accident?

    Texas follows a comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. However, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often attempt to exaggerate a victim’s role in an accident to minimize payouts. Our team works diligently to investigate the facts, challenge unfair blame, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

  • What are the minimum liability insurance limits in Texas?

    Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. While these limits may satisfy legal requirements, they are often insufficient to fully cover the damages caused by a serious accident. Our attorneys regularly handle cases where insurance coverage is inadequate, and we explore all available avenues for compensation to ensure our clients are not left paying out of pocket for someone else’s mistake.

  • What should I do if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

    If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options for recovery. Many insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our team can review your policy, explain your coverage, and handle communications with your insurance company to ensure your claim is handled fairly.

  • What is underinsured motorist coverage?

    Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to fully cover your damages. In these situations, your own policy may provide additional compensation. These claims can be complex, and insurance companies often resist paying them. At SYT, we know how to navigate these challenges and fight for the full value of your claim. 

  • What if my accident involved a government entity?

    Claims involving government entities often have shorter deadlines and special procedural requirements. These cases require careful handling and prompt action. If your injury involved a city vehicle, unsafe roadway conditions, or another government-related issue, it is important to contact our team immediately to ensure all legal requirements are met.

  • Who can be held responsible in a personal injury case?

    Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may fall on a negligent driver, a vehicle owner, an employer, a property owner, a manufacturer, or even a government entity. Identifying all responsible parties is a critical part of maximizing compensation, and our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to ensure no potential source of recovery is overlooked.  

  • What types of compensation can I recover?

    The compensation available in a personal injury case is designed to address the full impact an accident has on your life, not just the immediate expenses. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for current and future medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and any ongoing care your injuries require.  


    Injuries can also affect your ability to work, both in the short term and long term. Compensation may include lost income for time missed from work, as well as reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to return to your previous job or advance in your career. Beyond financial losses, Texas law recognizes the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life that often accompany serious injuries. These damages reflect the very real ways an accident can disrupt daily routines, relationships, and overall quality of life.  


    In cases involving severe or catastrophic injuries, compensation may extend even further to account for long-term disability, permanent impairments, future medical care, adaptive equipment, and modifications to your home or vehicle. When an injury changes a person’s life, the legal strategy must reflect that reality.  


    Our team works closely with medical professionals, vocational experts, and financial specialists to fully understand the scope of your injuries and losses. We take the time to look beyond the immediate aftermath of the accident and fight for compensation that reflects not only what you have already endured, but what you will need to move forward with security and dignity.

  • Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury case?

    While you are not required to hire a lawyer, having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to limit what they pay. Having SYT on your side helps level the playing field and ensures your case is handled with the seriousness it deserves. 

  • If the insurance company offers a settlement, why do I need a lawyer?

    An early settlement offer from an insurance company may seem appealing, especially as medical bills and other expenses pile up. However, these initial offers are often far lower than the true value of a claim. Insurance companies frequently make quick settlement offers before the full extent of an injury is known, and once a settlement is accepted, you typically cannot seek additional compensation later.  

     

    Having a lawyer ensures that any settlement offer is carefully evaluated with your long-term needs in mind. At SYT, we assess not only your current expenses but also future medical care, lost earning potential, and the overall impact the injury has on your life. Because we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, insurance companies know we are serious about pursuing full and fair compensation, which often leads to stronger negotiation outcomes.

  • What should I tell the insurance company if they call me?

    If an insurance company contacts you after an accident, it is important to be cautious. Adjusters may ask routine questions designed to limit their financial exposure. You are not required to provide a recorded statement or discuss fault or injuries without legal representation.  


    A safe and effective response is to provide basic identifying information and let the insurance company know that you are seeking legal counsel. Our team can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. This protects you from saying something that could be taken out of context and ensures that your claim is presented clearly, accurately, and from a position of strength.

Get Started Today

Don’t wait to get the justice you deserve. Take the first step today by reaching out to our team and letting us review your personal injury case.

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