Texas Car Accident Lawyer

Our Texas car accident lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer offer award-winning legal representation to drivers, passengers, and families injured by someone else’s negligence.

Contact us today for a free consultation, so our legal team may begin building your winning car accident claim. 

Table of Contents

Why Choose Our Dallas Car Accident Attorneys?
Texas Car Accident Laws That Will Affect Your Claim
How Long You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Dallas, TX
What Can Be Compensated After a Car Accident
Who Can Be Found at Fault in a Texas Car Accident
The Car Accident Claims Process
Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Texas Car Accidents by the Numbers

Motor vehicle crashes occur on Texas roads at a near-constant rate. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the state recorded 4,150 traffic fatalities in 2024.

While the numbers have fluctuated and even decreased in recent years, the amount of auto accidents is very concerning for all drivers and road users in Dallas, Texas. Other key statistics include the following:

• 251,977 people were injured in reportable motor vehicle crashes across Texas in 2024
• Every 57 seconds, a reportable car crash occurs
• Every 2 minutes, someone suffers car accident injuries on a Texas road
• More than 50% of all traffic deaths occurred in rural areas, totaling 2,080 fatalities
• More than 32% of all fatal accidents were a result of single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes, resulting in 1,353 deaths
• 1,050 deaths occurred in or near intersections
• 1,053 fatalities involved a drunk driver, accounting for over 25% of all traffic deaths
• 380 deaths were linked to distracted driving
• 45.34% of vehicle occupants killed were not wearing a seat belt, where usage was known

For Dallas drivers specifically, heavy interstate corridors like I-35, I-30, I-20, and I-45 see some of the highest concentrations of crashes in North Texas, driven by dense commuter and commercial truck traffic. If you were hurt in one of these crashes, an accident lawyer in Dallas can help you understand your legal options.

Types of Car Accident Cases Our Dallas Personal Injury Attorneys Handle

Car accident cases can arise from a wide range of circumstances. At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, our experienced car accident attorneys handle the following:

• Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden braking in heavy traffic
• Intersection Crashes: T-bone and broadside collisions caused by red light or stop sign violations
• Highway and Interstate Pileups: Multi-vehicle crashes on I-35, I-30, I-20, and I-45 involving high speeds
• Drunk Driving Accidents: Crashes caused by a drunk driver or a driver impaired by drugs
• Distracted Driving Accidents: Crashes caused by texting, phone use, or other driver inattention
• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Accidents: Crashes where the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance coverage
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Cases where the other driver flees the accident scene

After a car crash, accident victims are entitled to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, insurance adjusters rarely offer a fair settlement up front, and pursuing further action can be difficult while recovering from physical injuries. Consult with our award-winning law firm to protect your car accident claim.

Why Choose Our Car Accident Attorneys in Dallas, TX

Choosing the right car accident attorney means choosing a dedicated legal team that understands Texas law and knows how insurance companies operate. Our core strengths that result in maximum payouts for clients include:

• Proven track record. Our experienced attorneys have built a proven track record representing clients throughout Dallas County, Fort Worth, and North Texas.
• Direct legal representation. You will work directly with your Dallas car accident attorney throughout the entire legal process, not a rotating cast of paralegals.
• Willing to go to trial. Our trial lawyer team prepares every personal injury case as if it is headed to court, which strengthens our position against opposing counsel during negotiations.
• Protecting your legal rights. From the initial free legal consultation forward, our legal team ensures your rights are protected at every stage.
• Serving Dallas and beyond. Our law offices serve clients throughout Dallas, Texas and North Texas.

What Injuries Can Be Compensated After a Car Accident?

A serious car crash can cause a broad range of car accident injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Regardless of severity, injured victims are entitled to seek compensation for damages arising from the incident. Common injuries that qualify for compensation include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranges from mild concussions to severe brain damage
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Can lead to partial or complete paralysis
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Often requires surgery and physical therapy
• Internal Injuries: May not be immediately apparent and require prompt medical attention
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions that cause pain and limited mobility
• Serious Injuries: Including disfigurement and long-term disability requiring ongoing medical treatment

If you suffered any of these car accident injuries, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.

Texas Car Accident Laws That Will Affect Your Claim

Texas has its own set of traffic and personal injury laws that shape how a car accident claim is handled. Understanding these rules under Texas law is critical to protecting your right to recover compensation.

Proportionate Responsibility (Modified Comparative Fault Rule)

Also referred to as “proportionate responsibility,” the state follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001.

If a plaintiff is found to be 50% or less at fault for a car crash, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. If a plaintiff is found to be 51% or more responsible, they are barred entirely from recovering compensation. This makes proving fault a central part of nearly every car accident lawsuit filed in Texas.

For example, if a driver is awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, they would recover the partial amount of $80,000.

Statute of Limitations and How Long You Have to File a Claim

The Texas statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including car accident claims, is two years from the date of the crash. Wrongful death claims carry the same two-year deadline. Failing to file within this period generally results in the complete loss of the right to seek compensation.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Under Texas Transportation Code Section 601.072, every Texas driver must carry minimum liability insurance coverage, commonly known as 30/60/25 coverage:

• $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
• $60,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
• $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident

This liability coverage only pays for the other driver’s injuries and property damage. It does not cover the at-fault driver’s own vehicle or medical expenses. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, drivers should consider purchasing insurance coverage above the state minimum, since these limits can fall short in serious accidents involving multiple vehicles.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Texas does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage, but insurers must offer both on every policy.

This matters because an estimated 14% of Texas drivers carry no insurance coverage at all, according to Insurance Research Council data, a figure higher than the national average.

Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage can be rejected only in writing, and both help accident victims recover compensation when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits.

Texas Distracted Driving and Texting Laws

It is illegal statewide to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating a moving vehicle. Texas is not a full hands-free state, so adult drivers may still make handheld phone calls, but several major cities, including Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, and Dallas, have local ordinances requiring fully hands-free operation within city limits.

Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any wireless device at all while driving, including hands-free systems. A violation of the texting ban can support a claim that a driver acted negligently after a crash, since breaking a safety statute can serve as evidence of reckless driving.

Move Over, Slow Down Law

Texas law requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, TxDOT maintenance vehicles, or other vehicles displaying flashing lights on the shoulder. Violations of this law remain common and continue to result in thousands of citations statewide each year.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Dallas, TX?

Under Texas law, injured drivers generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a car accident lawsuit.

Exceptions to the Filing Deadline

• The discovery rule may extend the deadline if an injury was not immediately apparent after the accident.
• Claims against government entities, such as a crash caused by a city vehicle or a hazardous road condition, require formal written notice, sometimes within as little as six months, depending on the agency.
• Minors and certain other individuals may have modified timelines under Texas law.

What Happens if I Miss the Deadline?

If a car accident lawsuit is not filed within the statute of limitations, the injured party generally forfeits the right to seek compensation, and courts will likely dismiss the case. Consulting an experienced car accident attorney early helps you avoid missing critical deadlines and preserve key evidence, such as police reports and black box data, before it disappears.

Damages Car Accident Victims Can Recover in Texas

A successful car accident claim should hold the at-fault driver accountable and fairly compensate accident victims for their losses. A fair settlement typically reflects the following categories of compensatory damages.

Economic Damages

• Current medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages and lost income
• Property damage to your vehicle
• Rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement and permanent disability

Punitive Damages

These losses may be awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving. Texas law places specific limits on punitive damages, so it is important to speak with an injury attorney about how these caps may apply to your case.

How to Prove Negligence in a Texas Car Accident Case

Recovering compensation requires proving fault on the part of the at-fault driver. Personal injury attorneys generally do this by demonstrating four elements of negligence:

1. Duty of Care: Every driver owes other motorists a duty to operate their vehicle reasonably and follow Texas traffic laws.
2. Breach of Duty: The at-fault driver failed to meet that duty, such as by speeding, running a red light, or texting behind the wheel.
3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the motor vehicle accident that resulted in the plaintiff’s injuries.
4. Damages: The auto accident resulted in quantifiable losses, such as medical bills, lost income, or physical pain and suffering.

Building a strong personal injury case often requires more than a police report. Car crash lawyers frequently work with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly how a crash occurred and to prove fault when liability is disputed.

Who Can Be Liable in a Dallas Car Accident?

Determining fault is often complex, especially when multiple parties are involved in a motor vehicle accident. Common individuals and entities who may be held liable include:

• Negligent Drivers: Speeding, distracted, drowsy, or impaired drivers
• Commercial Trucking Companies: Driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, or unsafe scheduling practices
• Vehicle Manufacturers: Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or airbags
• Government Agencies: Entities responsible for maintaining safe roads, signals, and signage
• Employers: Companies whose employees cause crashes while on the job
• Rideshare and Delivery Companies: Crashes involving Uber, Lyft, or delivery drivers

In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, making it important to work with an accident lawyer who can conduct a thorough investigation to identify every responsible party.

The Car Accident Claims Process

Working with an experienced car accident attorney simplifies the legal process and significantly improves the odds of recovering maximum compensation. The process generally follows this order:

1. Free Consultation

The injured person meets with a personal injury lawyer to discuss the crash and determine whether they have a valid personal injury case.

2. Investigation

The car accident lawyer investigates the accident scene to gather evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and black box data. This step may also involve accident reconstruction experts for serious accidents where fault is contested.

3. Demand Letter

The car accident lawyer drafts and sends a demand letter to the other driver’s insurance company outlining the damages and compensation sought.

4. Negotiation

If the insurance company pushes back, negotiations continue until a fair settlement is reached or litigation becomes necessary.

5. Litigation

If a settlement cannot be reached, the car accident attorney may file a car accident lawsuit and represent the client in court.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Dallas

Taking the right steps after a car crash helps protect your health and your personal injury claim.

1. Report the Accident

Contact 911 and request a police report from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Officers responding to the accident scene will typically ask for each driver’s license number and insurance information to complete the report.

2. Collect Evidence

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, gather witness contact information, and obtain a copy of the police report.

3. Seek Immediate Medical Care

Prompt medical care not only prioritizes health but also establishes a timeline of treatment through medical records, linking the crash to sustained injuries. It is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries do not seem severe at first, since some car accident injuries, including soft tissue injuries, are not immediately apparent. Follow up with medical treatment throughout your recovery.

4. Avoid Discussing the Case

Do not post about the crash on social media, and avoid giving detailed statements to your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company without legal guidance.

5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced attorney can gather evidence, manage insurance communications, and protect your legal rights from the outset, so you can focus on medical treatment and recovery.

Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Hiring a car accident lawyer is not always required, but pursuing a claim without one can be difficult and time-consuming.

Without legal representation, you are responsible for gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and potentially representing yourself in court, all while insurers rely on their own legal teams to minimize payouts.

The Risks of Not Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer

• Giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without guidance
• Posting details about the accident on social media
• Accepting an early settlement offer before the full extent of your injuries is known
• Underestimating total losses, including future medical expenses and lost income

When Should I Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?

It is advisable to consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident. Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and protects your claim from being undervalued or denied. Studies show that accident victims represented by an attorney typically recover significantly more compensation than those who handle claims on their own.

How to Find a Good Personal Injury Attorney

Selecting the right Texas car accident lawyer is essential for maximizing your compensation and securing quality legal representation. Key factors to consider include:

• Experience: A demonstrated record of favorable settlements and verdicts in car accident cases
• Reputation: Positive reviews on platforms like Avvo, Google, and FindLaw
• Accessibility: A contingency fee basis that removes upfront financial barriers

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Car Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?

In most cases, Texas law grants two years from the date of the crash to file a claim. However, there are circumstances in which the deadline may be shorter or longer, so it is best to speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible.

What factors affect my car accident case value?

Case value depends on the severity of your injuries, total medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, physical pain, emotional distress, and the degree of fault assigned to each party involved.

Do I have to pay attorney fees up front?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients pay nothing unless we recover compensation on their behalf. This allows accident victims to secure quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

How long will my case take to recover compensation?

Timelines vary depending on the severity of car accident injuries and case complexity. Many personal injury claims resolve in 6 to 18 months through negotiation, while cases that require litigation may take longer.

What if the other driver did not have insurance?

If you carry uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance company. An attorney can help evaluate all available sources of insurance coverage.

How Our Dallas Car Accident Law Firm Will Benefit Your Case

Our legal team handles the demands of your personal injury case so you can focus on recovery. Our services include:

• Thorough Accident Investigation: In-depth review of the crash and contributing factors
• Evidence Collection and Preservation: Securing police reports, medical records, and witness statements
• Claims Filing: Managing all documentation and deadlines
• Damage Assessment: Evaluating medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Insurance Negotiation: Aggressively pursuing a fair settlement with insurance companies
• Court Representation: Litigating your car accident lawsuit if fair compensation cannot be reached

Contact Our Dallas Car Accident Law Offices Today

Immediate action is crucial after a car crash, both for your well-being and your personal injury claim’s validity. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the two-year filing deadline does not typically pause.

Schedule a free legal consultation today to learn how our Dallas car accident attorneys can support you through this challenging time. You don’t have to handle the complicated legal proceedings or deal with the pushy insurance adjusters alone; Jeff’s got you.

Other Practice Areas Our Texas Personal Injury Law Firm Specializes In

Our award-winning legal team simplifies the claims process to ensure clients recover the maximum compensation. At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we specialize in the following personal injury cases:

• Texas Bicycle Accidents
• Texas Dog Bite Cases
• Texas Motorcycle Accidents
• Texas Pedestrian Accidents
• Texas Personal Injury Accidents
• Texas Slip and Fall Accidents
• Texas Truck Accidents
• Texas Uber and Lyft Accidents
• Texas Workplace Accidents
• Texas Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations

Speak with our personal injury attorneys today for a free case evaluation. For client convenience, we have locations throughout California and Arizona. 

• Bakersfield
• Corona
• Fontana
• Fresno
• Hesperia
• Monterey Park
• Phoenix
• Rancho Cucamonga
• San Jose
• Santa Ana
• Tustin
• Van Nuys
• Victorville
• Visalia