Dallas Car Accident Attorneys

Seeking Justice for Car Crash Victims in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Motor vehicle collisions kill thousands of Texans every year. While no one plans on being in a car accident, knowing your rights is critical to holding negligent drivers accountable after an unexpected injury. This is especially true in Dallas, which has the worst traffic fatality rate among the ten largest U.S. cities. Whether you were hit by a negligent motorist, T-boned by an Uber driver, or rear-ended by an inattentive truck operator, you deserve compensation for medical care, lost wages, and other losses. 

That’s where our seasoned attorneys come in. At J. Alexander Law Firm, we know how frustrating it can be to recover from a wrongful injury. From affording hospital bills to securing time off work, our car accident lawyers are committed to seeking justice on your behalf, freeing you to focus on your health and well-being during this challenging time. With a proven track record of results and over $10 million recovered for injured Texans, our firm can vigorously protect your rights while advocating for the fair settlement you deserve. 

If you were hit by a negligent driver, our Dallas car accident attorneys can fight tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable. Contact us online to discuss your case. 

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car crashes can occur out of nowhere. According to federal highway traffic safety data, Dallas saw approximately 15 deaths for every 100,000 people between 2017 and 2021. Even non-fatal collisions can leave victims with devastating injuries. Common injuries sustained from motor vehicle accidents include: 

What Causes Car Accidents?

Car crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, especially in the busy city of DFW. Common causes of car accidents include: 

• Drunk driving: Even with strict laws in place, drunk drivers still endanger countless lives on North Texas roads, increasing the likelihood of accidents. 
• Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds is extremely dangerous and reduces reaction time on the road, putting drivers at risk of severe injuries and even death.
• Reckless driving: Safe driving is essential to preventing accidents. Motorists who weave in and out of traffic, cut off other drivers, make unsafe lane changes, or engage in other reckless driving habits are more likely to cause accidents. 
• Distracted driving: Eating, drinking, texting, fiddling with the radio, adjusting temperature settings, and other distractions can lead to devastating collisions on Texas roadways. 

Do I Have a Valid Car Accident Claim?

If you were injured by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. In these cases, partnering with a skilled car accident lawyer can make all the difference. Your attorney can determine whether you have a valid claim by evaluating your case with a practiced legal eye, interviewing experts and eyewitnesses, gathering evidence to establish liability, and advocating for a just settlement. 

To successfully recover compensation in a car accident claim, the plaintiff is responsible for proving the following elements: 

1. Duty of Care

First, you must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care. Every driver on the road has a responsibility to practice safe driving and avoid operating their vehicles in ways that could injure others. 

While the court recognizes that all drivers have a duty to everyone else on the road, this doesn't mean that other drivers are 100% liable in car accidents. In some cases, multiple parties can share liability. For example, if a fatigued truck driver causes a wreck on a poorly maintained roadway, this can lead to additional responsible parties. 

2. Breach of Duty 

Next, you must demonstrate that the defendant breached their duty by acting negligently, such as speeding, driving while impaired, or not paying attention to the road. When evaluating your claim, the court will typically consider what a reasonable person would have done in similar circumstances to determine whether the defendant’s actions constitute negligence.

3. Causation

Then, you must establish the defendant’s breach as the cause of your injuries. For example, if you were hit by someone who was texting and driving at the time of the crash, your lawyer may argue that the accident would not have occurred if the other driver had responsibly paid attention to the road. 

4. Damages

Finally, you must show that you suffered compensatory harm (“damages”) as a result of the defendant’s negligent behavior. Put simply, if the accident didn’t result in compensatory damages, you may lack the legal grounds to file a claim. Common recoverable damages in car accident lawsuits include medical treatments, medication costs, hospital bills, property damage, physical therapy, scarring and disfigurement, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

Remember, merely sustaining injuries isn’t enough to recover damages in a car accident claim. Securing reliable representation is important to identify all liable parties, accurately calculate damages, and pursue maximum compensation. Our skilled litigators can guide your legal steps wisely and represent your best interests at trial if necessary to achieve a fair settlement.

Texas Auto Accident Laws

Texas follows a fault-based system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is financially liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the crash. In this system, injured parties can seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company, file a personal injury lawsuit, or file a claim with their own insurance company, depending on their coverage.

Texas also adheres to the comparative fault rule, specifically the "modified comparative fault" system. This means that if an injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them. For example, if someone is found to be 20% at fault for the crash, their total recovery will be reduced by 20%. However, if a person is more than 50% at fault, they are barred from receiving any compensation under Texas law.

Texas drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage. The minimum coverage is often referred to as 30/60/25, which means $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Although these are the minimum amounts required, they are often insufficient to cover serious accidents, making it important for drivers to consider purchasing additional coverage.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a car accident in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you wish to seek compensation through the courts, you must file your lawsuit within two years, or you will likely lose your right to do so. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as in cases where the injured party is a minor or when the accident involves a government vehicle, which might have different deadlines.

Reporting Requirements

Texas law requires that car accidents be reported to law enforcement if they result in injury, death, or significant property damage. If the police do not respond to the scene, the parties involved must file a Crash Report (CR-2) with the Texas Department of Transportation within ten days of the accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

While Texas is a fault state, insurance companies are required to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to drivers, although it can be declined in writing. PIP coverage provides compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. PIP is optional, but having it can provide immediate benefits without waiting for fault to be determined.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Navigating the aftermath of a serious injury can be overwhelming and stressful. While it can be confusing to know where to turn, knowing what steps to take after a collision is critical to seeking compensation. Here are five steps to take after a car accident: 

1. Seek medical attention: Regardless of the severity of your injuries after a car accident, seeking prompt medical care is essential to rule out serious harm. This can also establish formal documentation of the incident, which may serve as valuable evidence later on. 
2. Report the accident: If no one else has done so already, be sure to report the car accident to the local authorities. Law enforcement will typically create a police report for the accident, which can strengthen your claim.   
3. Exchange contact information: If possible, exchange contact and insurance information from other involved parties, including any eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur.
4. Document the accident: Take photos or videos to document the accident scene, such as your injuries, vehicle damage, landmarks or street signs, and other evidence that may be useful to your claim.
5. Consult with a Dallas lawyer: Seeking sound counsel is paramount to pursuing a fair settlement. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal intricacies of the claims process and build a robust case on your behalf. 

Compensation Available to Injured Motorists

Economic damages are meant to compensate the victim for tangible, out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. These include:

• Medical Expenses: Victims are entitled to recover costs for medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care if the injuries require long-term treatment.
• Lost Wages: If the accident causes the victim to miss work, they can be compensated for lost income. This includes wages already lost and any future loss of earning capacity if the injuries prevent them from returning to work or limit their ability to perform the same job.
• Property Damage: Compensation includes the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
• Other Out-of-Pocket Costs: This can include costs such as rental cars, transportation to medical appointments, or any other direct financial losses tied to the accident.

Non-economic damages cover the more subjective losses that are harder to quantify but still significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. These may include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and suffering experienced as a result of the injuries. This can also account for chronic pain if the injuries lead to long-term or permanent pain.
• Emotional Distress: Victims can recover compensation for the emotional trauma caused by the accident, which may include anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychological conditions.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries from the accident prevent the victim from participating in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed, they may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.
• Loss of Consortium: In cases where the victim’s injuries affect their relationship with a spouse or family, such as the loss of companionship or intimacy, their family members may also be able to seek compensation.

Personalized Representation for Wrongfully Injured Texans

At J. Alexander Law Firm, we understand the devastating financial, emotional, and physical tolls that come with an unexpected accident. That’s why our attorneys are dedicated to helping you get back on your feet after a wrongful injury. If you were injured by someone else’s negligence in North Texas, time is of the essence. When you contact our firm, you can expect compassionate counsel and individualized representation tailored to your specific case. As experienced trial attorneys, we never shy away from tough litigation if that’s what it takes to obtain a fair settlement. From filing your claim to negotiating with evasive insurance companies, you can rest assured that your rights are protected in and out of the courtroom.

Car accidents can leave victims in pain and unsure of where to turn. Call (214) 206-3264 to schedule a free consultation with our Dallas car accident attorneys.