Questions & Answers About Auto Accident & Personal Injury Claims in Texas
What types of cases do personal injury law firms handle in Texas?
Car Accidents
Crashes involving passenger vehicles often caused by distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Truck Accidents
Serious wrecks involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, big rigs, or delivery vehicles such as Amazon, UPS, or FedEx, often resulting in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.
Motorcycle Accidents
Collisions involving motorcycles frequently cause severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries, given the limited protection riders have on the road.
Pedestrian Accidents
When pedestrians are struck by cars, trucks, or buses, the injuries are often life-threatening, leading to significant medical costs, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Also known as premises liability claims, these occur when someone is injured due to unsafe property conditions such as wet floors, uneven walkways, or inadequate lighting.
Product Liability Cases
Claims involving injuries caused by defective, dangerous, or poorly designed products, where manufacturers, distributors, or retailers may be held responsible.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Under Texas law, dog owners may be held liable if their pet injures someone, depending on the dog’s history and the circumstances of the attack.
Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Claims involving neglect, unsafe conditions, or abuse in long-term care facilities, where vulnerable residents suffer harm due to inadequate supervision or mistreatment.
Wrongful Death Claims
Filed by surviving family members when a loved one dies due to negligence, such as in fatal car accidents, unsafe property conditions, or workplace incidents.
Birth Injuries
Injuries to a baby or mother during childbirth due to negligence, often leading to serious and long-term complications.
Recreational Accidents
Cases involving boating incidents, cycling injuries, playground accidents, or other recreational activities, often due to unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or negligence.
Regardless of the type of injury, if negligence played a role, victims may be entitled to compensation. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Columbus can help determine the best legal strategy for your situation.
What types of damages can a personal injury lawyer in Dallas help me recover?
Medical expenses include current and future medical costs related to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages cover income lost while recovering, as well as future earnings if the injury affects long-term earning capacity.
Pain and suffering compensation accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Loss of consortium applies when an injury negatively affects a relationship with a spouse or partner, including loss of companionship or intimacy.
Property damage compensation covers damaged or lost personal property, such as a vehicle involved in a car accident, truck crash, or other collision.
Punitive damages may be awarded in rare Texas cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving or extreme negligence.
Rehabilitation costs include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other long-term medical treatments needed for recovery.
Loss of enjoyment of life applies when an injury prevents participation in hobbies, sports, or daily activities that were once enjoyed.
Emotional distress damages address PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other psychological effects caused by an accident or injury.
Wrongful death damages apply when a loved one dies due to negligence or misconduct. These may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering for surviving family members.
Permanent disability or disfigurement compensation is available for injuries resulting in amputation, paralysis, severe burns, or other lasting impairments.
A personal injury lawyer in Dallas can help determine the full extent of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation available under Texas law.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an accident in Fort Worth or elsewhere in Texas?
Certain circumstances can shorten or extend the deadline. For example, claims against a government entity often require formal notice within six months under the Texas Tort Claims Act. In rare situations, other exceptions may also apply depending on the specifics of the case.
Since missing the statute of limitations can prevent you from recovering compensation, it’s important to speak with an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney in Fort Worth or elsewhere in Texas can review your case, determine how much time you have to file, and take steps to protect your legal rights.
What is the average settlement for an auto accident or other personal injury claims in TX?
Here are some general guidelines for personal injury settlements in Texas:
Minor Injuries
For soft tissue injuries such as minor whiplash, sprains, or bruising from a car accident, motorcycle crash, or rideshare collision, settlements may range from $1,000 to $10,000. These cases usually involve medical bills and limited lost income.
Moderate Injuries
Injuries requiring more extensive treatment — such as broken bones, herniated discs, or prolonged recovery — often result in settlements ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. While these injuries can have lasting effects, they typically do not cause permanent disability.
Severe Injuries
When a crash results in catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability, compensation may range from $50,000 to several million dollars. These amounts often reflect the cost of ongoing care, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and a diminished quality of life.
Fatalities
In wrongful death cases involving fatal crashes in Texas, settlements or jury verdicts can reach well into the millions. Factors include the age and earning potential of the deceased and the emotional and financial impact on surviving family members.
Punitive Damages
Although rare in Texas, punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving intentional misconduct or extreme recklessness. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior, potentially increasing the total award.
Insurance Policy Limits
In many cases, the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits serve as a cap on compensation, especially if they lack personal assets. This makes it critical to work with an experienced car accident attorney in Columbus who can identify all potential sources of compensation, including underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.
Because every case is different, the best way to determine your potential settlement is to consult with a top personal injury lawyer in Texas. They can assess your situation, handle negotiations, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
How long do most truck accidents and other personal injury cases take?
Complexity of the Case
Simple cases with clear liability, such as rear-end collisions, typically settle faster. Cases involving disputed fault, multiple parties, or serious injuries like commercial truck crashes or rideshare accidents often take longer because they require deeper investigation and expert input.
Severity of the Injuries
Cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability generally take more time. Settlement discussions often don’t begin until the long-term medical impact and future costs are fully understood.
Medical Treatment Duration
Most Texas truck accident attorneys recommend waiting until the injured person reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling. MMI ensures the full scope of medical needs and future expenses are considered in any compensation.
Insurance Company Tactics
Some insurers may offer quick, low settlements to close a claim. Others delay or challenge liability, particularly in high-value cases involving commercial trucks, serious injuries, or wrongful death. This can significantly extend the timeline.
Legal Processes
If a lawsuit is filed, the case moves through stages such as discovery, motions, and scheduling. In Texas, court availability and procedural delays can affect how quickly a case proceeds.
Willingness to Settle
Negotiations move faster when both parties are open to resolution. If the at-fault party or their insurance provider refuses to offer fair compensation, a lawsuit may become necessary, which increases the time to resolution.
Going to Trial
Most injury cases in Texas settle before trial. Those that proceed to court, especially involving severe injury or wrongful death, can take several years, particularly if the case is appealed.
Jurisdiction and Court Backlogs
The location of the case matters. Courts in larger areas like Columbus may face scheduling delays due to a higher volume of cases.
Negotiation Delays
Disputes over fault, conflicting evidence, or disagreements about the value of the claim can slow down settlement. This is especially true in multi-vehicle crashes, rideshare collisions, or pedestrian accidents.
Because no two cases are the same, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney in Texas. An experienced truck accident lawyer or other personal injury attorney near you can help you understand your timeline, manage delays, and work toward the compensation you deserve as efficiently as possible.
How does Texas' comparative negligence law affect car accident claims?
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. But if you are found 51% or more at fault, you are not eligible to recover damages under Texas law.
This rule makes it especially important to work with an experienced Texas car accident lawyer who can build a strong case and help minimize your assigned fault.
How much does it cost to hire an auto accident lawyer in ?
If your claim is successful, the lawyer’s fee is deducted from the total compensation. If the case is not successful, you typically don’t owe any attorney fees. In many cases, lawyers will also advance costs such as court filing fees, expert witness expenses, and accident reconstruction, although these costs may be reimbursed from the final recovery.
Because each law firm may handle fees and expenses differently, it’s important to discuss payment terms during your free consultation with a Texas car accident lawyer. That way, you’ll fully understand how fees and costs will be handled in your specific case.
How do I prove negligence in a personal injury case?
Duty of care — The at-fault party had a legal responsibility to act in a way that prevented harm. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws, and property owners must maintain safe premises.
Breach of duty — The responsible party failed to meet that legal duty, such as a driver running a red light or a business failing to clean up a spill.
Causation — You must prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries. For example, if a distracted driver hits you at an intersection in Columbus or unsafe flooring in a store causes you to fall, their negligence must be the clear cause of the injury.
Damages — These are the losses you suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial or emotional impacts. Without documented damages, there is no valid claim.
Proving negligence often requires evidence such as witness testimony, surveillance footage, medical records, and expert opinions. A personal injury law firm in Texas can help gather the necessary proof to build a strong case and pursue the maximum compensation available.
How do I know if I have a valid car or truck accident claim?
Medical records, police reports, and witness statements can help establish a connection between the crash and your injuries. The severity of the injuries, how they affect your ability to work, and their impact on your daily life are all important factors in evaluating the strength of your case.
If an insurance company denies responsibility or offers a low settlement, speaking with a Texas personal injury attorney can help. A lawyer can assess the details of your case, determine whether you have a valid claim, and guide you in pursuing the full compensation you deserve.
Can I receive compensation if I was partially at fault for a slip and fall accident in Texas?
For example, if you slipped on a wet floor in a grocery store but were looking at your phone instead of noticing a visible warning sign, the court or insurance company might find you 20% at fault. If your total damages were $50,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $40,000.
Insurance companies and property owners often try to shift blame onto the injured person to reduce payouts. A slip and fall attorney in Columbus can help prove the property owner’s negligence, challenge unfair fault claims, and work to maximize your settlement.
What makes commercial vehicle accidents more complicated than regular car crashes?
Liability is one key issue. In a semi-truck crash, big rig wreck, or 18-wheeler accident, more than one party may be responsible. This can include the driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or even a third-party maintenance provider. Similarly, in delivery van accidents, tow truck crashes, or company-owned fleet vehicle incidents, the business that owns or operates the vehicle may also be held accountable.
Insurance coverage is another factor. Commercial vehicles are typically insured under high-limit policies, which means insurance companies may fight harder to reduce or deny claims. Top commercial truck accident lawyers in Columbus can investigate the crash, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate with insurance adjusters who may attempt to undervalue your case.
In addition, accidents involving Amazon, UPS, or FedEx trucks often involve strict delivery schedules and corporate pressure, which can contribute to driver fatigue or reckless driving. If federal trucking regulations were violated, proving those violations can strengthen your claim and increase the likelihood of receiving full compensation.
Because of these complexities, working with a skilled commercial vehicle accident attorney in Dallas or elsewhere in Texas can help ensure your rights are protected, all liable parties are identified, and you receive the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one were injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Texas, consulting a lawyer is a critical first step toward securing justice and financial recovery.
Who is responsible for my injuries as a passenger in a rideshare accident involving Uber or Lyft?
In Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and throughout Texas, Uber and Lyft provide third-party liability insurance, but only under certain conditions. If the driver was actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, the company’s $1 million liability policy may apply. If the driver was logged into the app but not yet assigned to a ride, the available coverage is lower, and the driver’s personal insurance may also be involved.
If another driver caused the crash — for example, in a rear-end, T-bone, or multi-vehicle collision — their insurance provider may be responsible. However, insurance companies often attempt to delay or minimize claims, making it critical to work with an experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney in Texas.
In some situations, Uber or Lyft themselves may share responsibility, especially if the rideshare driver had a history of reckless behavior, lacked proper screening, or violated company safety guidelines. These factors may come into play in cases involving distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
Because rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance layers, potential corporate liability, and time-sensitive filing requirements, it’s essential to speak with an Uber injury attorney or rideshare accident lawyer in Texas who can protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What if the dog bite happened on private property—do I still have a case?
If you were trespassing or provoking the dog, your ability to recover damages may be limited. However, if you were there legally and the owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent the bite, they may be held responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Unlike Connecticut, Texas does not have automatic strict liability for dog bites. Instead, Texas follows the “one-bite rule.” This means a dog owner may be held liable if they knew, or should have known, that their dog had dangerous tendencies (such as a prior bite) or if they were negligent in failing to control the animal.
Speaking with a dog bite injury lawyer in Texas can help you understand your rights and the full compensation you may be entitled to under Texas law.
Elite reviews
Editorially researched Highlights pros & cons
-
Anderson Injury Lawyers
Read review -
Turnbull Law Firm
Read review -
Lerner & Rowe
Read review