Carabin Shaw is one of the leading personal injury law firms in San Antonio. They have extensive experience in car accident cases, focusing on getting clients the compensation they deserve for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Specialization: Personal injury, car accidents, wrongful death, truck accident injury, 18-wheeler accidents.
Why choose them?: Carabin Shaw offers a free initial consultation, and their team is known for fighting aggressively for their clients’ rights.
The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Personal Injury Accident
When you’re involved in a personal injury accident—whether it’s a car crash on Loop 410, a slip and fall at a local store, or a construction site incident—your first priority is your health and safety. But once you’ve received medical care, your next step should be just as urgent: consulting with a personal injury lawyer.
At Carabin Shaw, we’ve seen firsthand how acting quickly after an accident can make the difference between a successful case and a missed opportunity. Here’s why time is not on your side when it comes to protecting your rights, gathering evidence, and securing compensation.
Immediate Medical Attention Strengthens Your Case
After an accident, many victims delay medical treatment, especially if injuries don’t seem serious right away. But even minor symptoms can worsen over time. Prompt medical attention not only safeguards your health but also provides critical documentation of your injuries. Got Injured In An Accident – CALL SHAW
Failing to seek treatment right away can create doubts in the eyes of:
- Insurance adjusters, who may claim your injuries weren’t caused by the accident
- Defense attorneys, who may argue that your injuries were exaggerated or unrelated
- When you act quickly to get medical care, your records serve as a clear timeline that connects the injury to the incident. This makes it harder for the insurance company to dispute your claim.
Evidence Fades—Fast
Physical and digital evidence are key to proving liability in a personal injury case. But the longer you wait, the more likely that evidence will be:
- Cleaned up (in a slip and fall or auto accident)
- Deleted or lost (such as surveillance footage or dashcam videos)
- Forgotten (witnesses’ memories fade quickly)
By contacting Carabin Shaw immediately after your accident, we can act fast to:
- Photograph the scene
- Secure video footage
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain official accident reports
Preserve Electronic Communication and Evidence
Timely action preserves the strongest version of your case before crucial evidence disappears.
Witness Statements Are Time-Sensitive
Witnesses can be one of your most potent allies in proving negligence. But people are hard to track down weeks or months after an event—and even when you find them, their recollections may be unclear.
The sooner we can speak with witnesses:
- The more accurate their accounts will be
- The more credible their statements are in court
- The less likely they are to be influenced by outside parties
Carabin Shaw’s legal team immediately begins locating and interviewing witnesses, preserving their statements for use in settlement negotiations or trial.
Statutes of Limitations Are Strict in Texas
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the incident. That may seem like plenty of time, but preparing a strong case can take months. Waiting too long risks:
- Losing your legal right to file a claim
- Missing court-imposed deadlines
- Forfeiting your ability to recover compensation
There are also exceptions. For example:
- Government claims (like injuries on city property) may have much shorter deadlines—sometimes as little as 6 months
- Minor plaintiffs may have extended deadlines, but it’s best to consult a lawyer right away
- Don’t assume the clock isn’t ticking. Our attorneys at Carabin Shaw evaluate all deadlines immediately to preserve your claim.
Insurance Companies Move Fast—So Should You
While you’re recovering from your injuries, the at-fault party’s insurance company is already working to limit its liability. They may:
- Offer a lowball settlement, hoping you’ll accept before realizing the full cost of your injuries
- Request a recorded statement to use against you
- Delay your claim to pressure you into settling for less
- When you delay hiring an attorney, you’re allowing the insurance company to get a head start. Acting quickly with Carabin Shaw ensures you’re not taken advantage of during this vulnerable time.
Early Legal Representation Maximizes Compensation
Many accident victims think they should wait until their injuries “stabilize” before hiring a lawyer. But the earlier we’re involved, the better we can:
- Document your injuries and recovery process
- Track medical expenses and future costs
- Identify all liable parties and available insurance policies
- Negotiate more effectively with insurance companies
- Prepare for the possibility of a trial
- The sooner we’re on the case, the more thorough and compelling your claim will be.
Your Statement Matters—But Timing Is Key
If you wait to give your side of the story, you risk being defined by the insurance adjuster’s version of events. Acting quickly allows your lawyer to:
- Help you write a clear, consistent account of what happened
- Prevent accidental misstatements or omissions
- Avoid giving premature statements to insurers without legal guidance
- At Carabin Shaw, we ensure that your voice is heard early and accurately, backed by documentation and evidence.
Fast Action Helps You Mentally and Financially
When accident victims act quickly, they often feel a greater sense of control and empowerment. Taking legal steps early can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety about mounting bills
- Prevent aggressive collection efforts for medical debt
- Reassure your family that you have a plan for recovery
- Letting our firm handle the legal process allows you to focus on healing, knowing your rights are being fully protected from the beginning.
Time is one of the most critical factors in a personal injury case. Waiting can lead to lost evidence, missed deadlines, and reduced compensation. Acting promptly after an accident—by seeking medical care, preserving evidence, and contacting a qualified personal injury lawyer—protects your health, your finances, and your legal rights.
At Carabin Shaw, we know how to act fast. Our San Antonio-based legal team is ready to begin investigating your case, preserving your claim, and pursuing full compensation on your behalf.
Don’t wait. Call us today for a free consultation. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.