Car Accident Lawyers

A car accident in Dallas can change your life in a matter of seconds, leaving you with painful injuries, ongoing stress, and unexpected bills. In the days and weeks after a crash, it’s easy to feel lost or pressured by insurance companies who may want to settle quickly or shift blame. That’s why knowing your legal rights and options is so important.

Texas has specific rules about car accident claims, fault, and insurance that can affect how and if you’re compensated.

Working with a skilled Dallas car accident lawyer gives you the local experience and support you need to make smart choices, stand up to insurance adjusters, and focus on getting your life back on track.

To learn more about your options after a car accident and how to obtain the compensation you deserve, contact Ferrer Poirot Feller today to schedule a free consultation. 

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Common Causes of Car Accidents That Lead to Dallas Personal Injury Claims 

Understanding the common causes of car accidents that lead to personal injury claims can help injured parties know when they may have a claim. Choosing the Right Lawyer for You can make all the difference when navigating these cases, especially when accidents are caused by distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior.

Distracted Driving

When drivers take their eyes or mind off the road, even for a second, to send a text or adjust their GPS, it can lead to rear-end collisions, sudden swerves, or missed stoplights. Even a simple glance away can lead to accidents.  

Speeding

Dallas is known for heavy traffic and long commutes, which sometimes tempts drivers to push the speed limit. Higher speeds make it difficult to stop in time for traffic jams, increase the force of any impact, and give everyone less room to react to surprises on the highway. 

Drunk Driving

Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and cloud judgment. People who drive under the influence put everyone at risk, from late-night commuters to families out during the day. These crashes often leave victims with some of the most serious injuries seen on Dallas roads. 

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Sudden lane changes, tailgating, and racing to beat red lights are all forms of aggressive driving. These actions can cause multi-car pileups, dangerous rollovers, or force other drivers off the road entirely. 

Poor Road Conditions or Weather

Dallas sometimes deals with heavy rains, potholes, and unexpected ice. Poor maintenance and bad weather can quickly make safe driving impossible. Drivers might hydroplane, lose control, or get into avoidable wrecks simply because the road became dangerous with little warning. 

Commercial Vehicle or Truck Accidents

Dallas highways see plenty of big trucks and delivery vehicles. These large vehicles need more distance to stop and have major blind spots. Crashes with trucks often cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers in smaller cars due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. 

Knowing what can cause these crashes makes it easier to build your claim and recover what you need after an unexpected collision.

Texas Car Accident Laws Victims Should Be Aware Of

If you’ve been in a car accident in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, understanding the state’s specific rules is essential for protecting your rights and making sure you don’t miss important deadlines. Injury Lawyers Help Victims by guiding them through these rules, from filing deadlines to liability laws, ensuring their claims are filed correctly and on time. Here’s what you need to know about how Texas handles car accident claims:

Texas is an At-Fault State: Who Pays for Damages?

Texas uses a fault system for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the crash (and their insurance company) is generally responsible for paying for the property damage and injuries from the accident. If you’re hurt in a crash, you’ll usually file a claim against the other driver’s liability insurance, not your own. 

Modified Comparative Negligence Rule: How Fault Affects Compensation

When both drivers share some responsibility for the crash, Texas law uses a modified comparative negligence rule.

• If you are less than 51% at fault, you may recover damages. The court will reduce your award by your percentage of fault. For example, if you have $100,000 in damages but a jury finds you 20% at fault, your award reduces to $80,000.
• If you are 51% or more at fault, Texas law bars you from recovering any compensation from the other driver.

Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

If you want to file a lawsuit for a car accident injury in Texas, you generally must do so within two years of the date of the crash. This deadline is strict. Even if you have a strong case, waiting too long could mean you lose your right to recover any compensation at all.

In some cases, exceptions exist that can either shorten or extend the time you have to file your claim. Common exceptions include: 

• Discovery Rule: If your injury wasn’t discovered right away, the two-year clock starts when you learn about the injury or when you reasonably should have noticed it rather than on the date of the accident itself. 
• Injured Person Under 18: For minors, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday. This means a child has until age 20 to file a lawsuit. 
• Mental Incapacity: If the injured person could not manage their legal affairs due to mental incapacity, the deadline is put on hold and restarts once they regain sound mind. 
• Defendant Out of Texas: When the at-fault party leaves the state after the accident, the period they are gone doesn’t count toward the two-year limit. The deadline resumes once they return. 
• Claims Against the Government: If you file a claim against a Texas state agency, you must file a special notice within six months of your injury to preserve your right to sue. Claims against a municipality may require you to meet a much shorter deadline, sometimes as little as 45 or 90 days, depending on the city charter.
• Fraudulent Concealment: If the negligent person intentionally hides their fault, the statute of limitations is paused until you discover or should have discovered the truth about who caused your injuries.

If you have any questions about how long you have to file a claim, the best thing you can do is to reach out to a Dallas car accident lawyer right away. 

Reporting Requirements: When Do You Need to Report a Crash?

Some Texas car accidents must be reported to the police right away. You’re required to notify law enforcement if the accident causes injury, death, or if there’s property damage that appears to be $1,000 or more.

If police don’t come to the scene, you have 10 days to submit a Driver’s Crash Report (CR-2) to the Texas Department of Transportation. Failing to do so can hurt your chances of getting compensation and may even lead to penalties under state law. 

Knowing and following these Texas car accident rules ensures you don’t accidentally undermine your claim or miss out on what you’re owed during a stressful time.

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What Types of Compensation Are Recoverable in Dallas Car Accidents? 

After a car accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages, depending on how the crash affected your life and who was at fault. Texas law allows accident victims to pursue compensation that can help them recover financially, emotionally, and physically. Lawyers Can Help Maximize Your Compensation by identifying all potential damages, negotiating with insurers, and building a strong case that reflects the full impact of your injuries. Here’s a closer look at the types of compensation available in car accident claims:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are meant to repay you for actual, out-of-pocket expenses or financial losses caused by the accident. These are often the most straightforward damages because they’re tied to things easily measured in dollars. Some common examples include:

• Medical bills: Hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages: Time missed from work because of injuries, including lost salary, hourly pay, bonuses, and commissions
• Loss of future earning capacity: If your injuries make it difficult or impossible to work the same job (or any job) in the future
• Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, medical equipment or home modifications, and other accident-related costs 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover the intangible losses – things that are harder to measure but still change your life. Some examples include:

• Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress resulting from your injuries
• Mental anguish: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or fear caused by the accident or its aftermath
• Physical impairment: Loss of mobility, changes in your abilities, or permanent loss of function
• Loss of enjoyment of life: No longer being able to participate in hobbies, sports, travel, or everyday activities you once enjoyed
• Disfigurement and scarring: Permanent marks or changes to your body that affect your appearance or self-esteem
• Loss of consortium: The negative impact on your relationship with your spouse or family, such as loss of companionship, support, or affection 

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are different from economic or non-economic damages. Their purpose isn’t to compensate you, but to punish the at-fault party for especially bad behavior and to warn others not to do the same. In Texas, punitive damages can only be awarded in cases with clear evidence of fraud, malice, or gross negligence.  

Texas law allows injury victims to seek all these types of compensation, but you must prove your right to each with strong evidence.

How Can Our Dallas Car Accident Lawyers Help You? 

A Dallas car accident lawyer can make a real difference in your recovery after a crash by handling the toughest parts of your claim and standing up for your rights when insurance companies push back. Here’s how an experienced attorney can support you every step of the way:

Investigating the Accident

Your lawyer will dig into the details of the crash – interviewing witnesses, gathering police reports, examining photos and videos, and looking for any traffic or security camera footage. A thorough investigation can reveal who was at fault, uncover evidence that others might miss, and prevent the insurance company from unfairly shifting blame onto you. Call a Lawyer to start protecting your rights immediately.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often try to get you to settle fast or accept less than you deserve. A Dallas attorney knows their tactics and will step in to handle all communication for you. They’ll negotiate on your behalf, push for a fair settlement, and make sure you don’t get pressured into saying something that could hurt your case. 

Calculating Your Damages

An experienced Dallas car accident lawyer will look at your entire situation – not just the obvious medical bills, but also lost wages, future care needs, rehabilitation costs, and the emotional and physical pain that’s harder to put a number on. By building a comprehensive damages claim, your attorney works to make sure nothing is overlooked and you don’t leave money on the table. 

Filing Your Lawsuit and Meeting Deadlines

Texas law gives you only a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car crash. Your attorney keeps track of all deadlines, files the right paperwork with the court, and makes sure your case keeps moving forward, even if the insurance company tries to slow things down. 

Standing Up for You in Court

If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer can take your case to trial and advocate for you in front of a judge and jury. Their experience and knowledge is essential for securing the compensation you need. 

Giving You Peace of Mind

While you focus on healing, your Dallas car accident lawyer takes care of the legal stress. They’ll answer your questions, keep you updated, and explain your options so you always know where things stand.

When you have a dedicated attorney in your corner, you can be sure your rights are protected and your recovery gets the attention it deserves. Contact Us for a Free Consultation to learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.

Contact Ferrer Poirot Feller To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident and you’re feeling overwhelmed by paperwork, bills, or calls from insurance companies, you don’t have to handle it by yourself. The right legal support can make all the difference in protecting your rights and helping you get your life back on track.

Reach out to Ferrer Poirot Feller today to discuss your case, get honest answers, and find out how we can fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (888) 485-8844 as soon as you’re ready to get started. 

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