Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being injured in an accident?
Your first priority is always safety and medical attention. Right after that, if you are able, take photos of the scene, the vehicles, or the hazard that caused your injury. Exchange information with anyone involved, gather witness contact details, and report the incident to the proper authorities (like filing a police report or an incident report with a business). Avoid admitting fault or giving detailed statements to insurance adjusters until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
What steps should I take next to protect my injury claim?
Seek a formal medical evaluation right away, even if you feel okay—some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Keep a detailed log of your physical symptoms, missed workdays, and medical appointments. Crucially, save every piece of paperwork, including medical bills, discharge papers, and property damage estimates. Do not post about your accident or recovery on social media, as insurance companies frequently monitor these accounts.
How do I preserve evidence before it disappears?
Evidence can vanish quickly. Take high-resolution photos and videos of your injuries as they heal, and keep the clothing or footwear you wore during the incident in an unwashed state. If your accident happened at a business or a busy intersection, your legal team needs to send a formal "spoliation letter" immediately to legally demand that surveillance footage or commercial vehicle black box data be preserved before it is overwritten.
What happens during my initial consultation with a personal injury attorney?
This is a confidential strategy session where we look at the facts of your accident. You’ll walk us through what happened, and we will review any photos, accident reports, or medical records you’ve gathered. We will evaluate the strength of your case, explain your legal options, and outline the next steps for dealing with the insurance companies so you can focus entirely on your recovery.
How does the personal injury claims process work from start to finish?
The process generally follows four main stages:
- Investigation & Medical Treatment: We gather all evidence while you focus on reaching maximum medical improvement.
- The Demand: We compile your medical records, bills, and proof of lost wages into a comprehensive demand package for the insurance company.
- Negotiation: We negotiate back and forth to secure a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair payout, we file a lawsuit to fight for your rights in court.
What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company calls me?
You are under no obligation to give a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company, and it is highly recommended that you don't. Adjusters are trained to look for statements that minimize your injuries or shift blame. Politely inform them that you are retaining counsel and direct them to speak with your attorney instead.
How do local courts and dynamics in the San Angelo and West Texas area impact my injury case?
In smaller jurisdictions and rural West Texas counties, understanding local commercial traffic patterns (such as heavy oil field trucking on regional highways) is critical. Local driving conditions, distinct corporate presences, and regional court schedules all influence how insurance companies evaluate claims in this area, making local geographic and legal familiarity a major asset to your case.
What makes Jeff Chandler Law different from other personal injury firms?
We take your personal injury case personally. We aren't a high-volume "settlement mill" where your file is passed off to an assistant you've never met. From day one, our experienced attorneys work directly on your case, building a personalized strategy, maintaining open communication, and aggressively fighting to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your recovery.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for my injury claim?
It costs nothing upfront. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means our initial consultation is completely free, and we advance all the investigation and litigation costs required to build your case. We only get paid if we successfully secure a financial settlement or court verdict on your behalf. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us an attorney fee.
Will I have to go to court for my personal injury case?
Not necessarily. The vast majority of personal injury claims are successfully settled out of court through aggressive negotiation with the insurance companies. However, we prepare every single case as if it is going to trial. If the insurance provider refuses to offer a fair payout that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for your rights.