FAQs

Straight talk is good business.

Answers from Cole, Cole, Easley & Sciba, P.C.

When You Have Been Injured

Our Victoria attorneys would like to help you if you don’t know what to do. If you’d like our help, contact us to give us some information about you and your circumstances. You can also call our offices at (361) 678-3233 to schedule a free case consultation. Se habla español.

While we have the means to take on any opponent, we always prioritize the personalized, client-focused representation you would find at a smaller boutique firm.

Our FAQs

  • Gather as much information as you can and preserve evidence. Remember, in most accidents, the negligent party will quickly notify his/her insurance company and act to limit liability.
    • Insurance company adjusters work quickly and efficiently to reduce their risk. If you wait too long to start protecting yourself, you may allow the other party or their insurance company to gather evidence you need. They may speak with witnesses and obtain physical evidence before you can even think about what you need to do. It is common for us to be called by someone who has had a serious injury but didn’t want to contact a lawyer. Many people put off contacting a lawyer in the hope of feeling better (“This soreness will go away with time.”) or because they believe the other side will treat them fairly. Regrettably, too often we find that an injured party’s claim is barred because they simply waited too long or evidence they need had vanished. It is a fact of life that, while injured parties and their families are recovering or grieving, the other side is working diligently to protect their interests and limit their liability.
  • Identify witnesses.
    • Get their names, addresses and phone numbers. After the passing of time, witnesses often disappear or are unwilling to get involved or give accurate statements of what they saw or heard.
  • Call an attorney you know and trust and who has financial resources necessary to handle your claim.
    • If you don’t know an attorney, and many people don’t, ask trusted friends or advisors whom they would call if they needed a lawyer. Like most lawyers, we do not charge fees for initial consultations related to injury cases.
  • Do not talk to the other side’s adjustor or their attorney until you have spoken with your attorney.
    • Remember, if you enter into an agreement with them or sign a release or other document before getting the advice of a lawyer, you may unknowingly limit or prevent your right to a fair recovery. In order to protect yourself and your loved ones, do not make an agreement or sign a document until you have discussed the matter with an attorney of your choice.

“Truck accident cases are often far more complex than typical car accident claims.

Commercial trucks are subject to federal regulations, driver qualification requirements, maintenance standards, and hours-of-service rules.

In addition to the driver, there may be multiple responsible parties, including the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or vehicle manufacturers.

Critical evidence such as electronic logging data and onboard computer information can disappear if it’s not preserved quickly.

Because of these complexities, truck accident cases require immediate investigation and a thorough understanding of the trucking industry.”- Attorney Jim Cole

“A wrongful death claim arises when someone loses their life because of another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct.

In Texas, certain surviving family members may seek compensation for losses such as lost financial support, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.

No amount of money can replace a loved one, but the legal system provides a way for families to seek accountability and financial security after a tragic loss.

These cases are often emotionally difficult, and having experienced legal guidance can be invaluable.”- Attorney Jim Cole

“Here at Cole, Cole, Easley, and Sciba we work on a contingency fee basis.

Which means you don’t pay attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, the attorney receives a percentage of any recovery obtained on your behalf.

If there’s no recovery, there’s no attorney’s fee.

This arrangement allows injured individuals to pursue justice regardless of their financial situation and ensures that your attorney’s interests are aligned with yours.

At our firm, we’re always happy to explain exactly how the fee structure works before you make any decisions.”- Attorney Luther Easley

“The simple answer is: as soon as possible.

The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the sooner evidence can be preserved, witnesses can be interviewed, and mistakes can be avoided.

Many people wait until they encounter problems with the insurance company, but by then valuable opportunities may have been lost.

Even if you’re not sure whether you have a case, a consultation can help you understand your rights and options.

The sooner you get answers, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your claim.”- Attorney Luther Easley

“People often want to know exactly what their case is worth, but the reality is that every case is different.

The value of a claim depends on several factors, including your medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and whether your injuries have affected your ability to work or enjoy life.

A broken arm and a traumatic brain injury are obviously going to be valued differently. The strength of the evidence and available insurance coverage can also impact the case.

The best way to determine value is to have an attorney review the facts and understand the full extent of your injuries before any settlement discussions begin.”- Attorney Kristyn Koch

“In Texas, most personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. That means you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

However, there are important exceptions. Cases involving government entities, minors, or certain wrongful death claims can involve different deadlines and notice requirements.

Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and locate witnesses. In some cases, missing a deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation altogether.

That’s why it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury.”- Attorney Kristyn Koch

“This is a concern we hear all the time.

Texas follows what’s called a modified comparative responsibility rule. In simple terms, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.

For example, if a jury determines you’re 20% responsible for an accident, your recovery may be reduced by that percentage.

However, if you’re found to be more than 50% responsible, you generally cannot recover damages.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injured victims. That’s one reason why having an experienced attorney investigate the facts can make a significant difference.”- Attorney Chuck Cole

“In most cases, the first settlement offer is not the best offer.

Insurance companies often try to resolve claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Early offers are frequently made before the full extent of your injuries is known.

Once you accept a settlement, you typically give up the right to pursue additional compensation—even if you later discover you need more treatment.

Before signing anything, it’s important to understand the long-term impact of your injuries and the true value of your claim.

A quick settlement may sound appealing, but it can be a costly mistake.”- Attorney Chuck Cole

“The moments after a crash can be overwhelming, but the steps you take can significantly impact your case.

First, seek medical attention—even if you think you’re okay. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.

Second, call law enforcement and make sure a report is created.

Third, take photographs of the vehicles, the scene, your injuries, and anything else that may be relevant.

If there are witnesses, get their contact information.

And finally, avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. What you say early on can affect your claim later.

The more evidence you preserve, the stronger your case may be.”- Attorney Evan Anders

“One of the most common questions I hear is, ‘Do I really need a lawyer?’ The answer depends on the severity of your injuries and what’s at stake.

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys whose job is to protect their bottom line. Insurance companies make money in two ways, collecting premiums and paying as little as possible on claims. They’re not looking out for your interests. When you’re injured, you’re dealing with medical treatment, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. The last thing you should have to do is negotiate with an insurance company on your own.

A personal injury attorney helps level the playing field. We investigate the accident, gather evidence, work with medical providers, calculate the full value of your damages, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Most importantly, we help you avoid accepting a settlement that’s far less than your case is actually worth.” –Attorney Evan Anders

“When people think about damages, they usually think about medical bills. But compensation can include much more.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover damages for lost income, reduced earning capacity, future medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life.

The goal of a personal injury claim is to compensate you for the full impact the injury has had on your life—not just the bills you’ve already received.

Every case is unique, which is why a thorough evaluation is so important.” – Attorney Will Sciba

“Unfortunately, not every driver on Texas roads carries adequate insurance.

If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still have options. Many insurance policies include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, commonly called UM/UIM coverage.

This coverage can help pay for your damages when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance.

Determining what coverage is available often requires a detailed review of all applicable insurance policies.

That’s why it’s important not to assume you have no case simply because the other driver lacks insurance.”- Attorney Will Sciba

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We communicate with clients clearly and tell them candidly what they can expect, given the specifics of the case.

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We believe in giving back to the Victoria community. We support various organizations financially and with our time.

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In 1954, Emmett Cole, Jr., returned to the crossroads area to found our practice after working a year at a Houston law firm.

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We have provided effective, ethical legal representation throughout Texas and nationwide for more than 50 years.

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