Common questions about personal injury cases in Buda. Have a question not answered here? Call us anytime — no consultation fee.
01 Do I need a personal injury lawyer specifically in Buda?
Not necessarily. Most personal injury work happens via phone, email, video calls, and document exchange — so the attorney doesn't need to be physically in Buda. What matters is that they're licensed in Texas, familiar with Hays County courts, and experienced in cases like yours. We represent clients throughout Texas and New Mexico, including Buda, with the same dedication regardless of distance.
02 How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Buda?
You pay nothing upfront. We work on contingency — typically 33.33% of the recovery before a lawsuit is filed, 40% after litigation begins. Case expenses (expert witnesses, court filing fees, depositions) are separate and only paid from recovery. If we don't win, you owe nothing.
03 How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Buda?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, starting from the date of the accident. After 2 years, your claim is generally barred forever. But practically, you should act much sooner — evidence disappears within weeks (surveillance video, witness memories, vehicle data). Aim to consult an attorney within the first 30 days.
04 What kinds of cases do you handle in Buda?
Car accidents, truck accidents (18-wheelers), motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall, dog bites, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord), workplace injuries, Uber/Lyft accidents, insurance bad faith claims, and negligent security cases. We handle the full range of Texas personal injury law.
05 Will an attorney personally handle my Buda case?
Yes — one of our three attorneys (Shawn Barnett, Jonathan Perez, or Jeff Barnett) personally handles every case we accept. You won't be passed off to a junior associate or paralegal. We deliberately keep our caseload manageable so each client gets actual attorney attention.
06 What if my accident involves a commercial trucking company in Buda?
Commercial trucking accidents typically involve Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations in addition to state personal injury law. We have experience with these cases including spoliation letters to preserve truck black box data, hours-of-service violations, and multi-party liability (driver, trucking company, broker, shipper).
07 Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for my Buda accident?
Yes — Texas uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar rule. As long as you were 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 51%+ at fault, you cannot recover. This is why insurance companies aggressively try to shift blame to victims — to push you over the 51% threshold.
08 What should I do immediately after an accident in Buda?
(1) Get to safety; (2) Call 911 even for seemingly minor accidents; (3) Get medical care within 24 hours, even if you feel okay; (4) Photograph everything; (5) Get witness contact info; (6) Don't give recorded statements to the other driver's insurance company; (7) Contact a personal injury attorney before signing anything. See our complete First 7 Days After an Accident guide for detailed day-by-day steps.
