Car accidents happen every day in Dallas. Some are minor. Others leave people with serious injuries and big bills. After a crash, you might wonder: “Should I hire a lawyer?”
The answer often depends on how bad the accident was and who’s at fault. But even in minor crashes, talking to skilled car accident lawyers can help protect your rights and financial security and help you pursue the full compensation you might be entitled to.
Common Injuries in Dallas Car Accidents
Dallas is one of the busiest cities in Texas. With major highways like I-35, I-20, and the Dallas North Tollway, crashes happen often, and many cause serious injuries. In 2023 alone, there were more than 31,600 collisions in Dallas that caused 6,700 suspected injuries and 205 deaths.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Concussions and more serious brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries like lacerations and bruises
Even a minor crash can leave you in pain for weeks. More severe injuries may require months or years of treatment with lasting consequences.
Why Legal Help Matters After a Car Crash
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, even when you’re seriously hurt. They may not offer enough money to cover all your costs. A lawyer knows how to deal with these tactics and fight for what you’re really owed.
You should strongly consider hiring a lawyer if:
- You were hurt in the crash
- Your car was badly damaged
- You missed work because of the accident
- The other driver is blaming you
- The insurance company is offering a low settlement or none at all
In Texas, you have rights after an accident. A personal injury lawyer helps you understand those rights and takes action to get you fair compensation.
What a Car Accident Attorney Can Do for You
A car accident lawyer does much more than fill out paperwork.
Here’s how a lawyer can help you after an accident:
- Explain your legal rights and options with personalized legal advice
- Investigate the crash to find out what really happened
- Collect police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence to prove who was at fault
- Defend you against attempts to unfairly blame you or minimize your injuries
- Calculate the full value of your damages, including future costs
- Negotiate a fair settlement agreement
- Take your case to court, if necessary
In Dallas, most personal injury lawyers accept cases with a contingency fee agreement. You do not pay attorneys’ fees or a retainer out of pocket. Your attorney receives a percentage of your settlement or award with no attorneys’ fees owed if they do not win your case.
Texas Law on Fault and Compensation
Texas uses a “modified comparative fault” rule. That means you can still get money even if the crash was partly your fault as long as you were not more than 50% responsible.
For example, if you’re 30% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can still recover $70,000. But if you’re 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover anything.
That’s why it’s important to have a lawyer on your side. The other driver’s insurance company will try to shift blame to reduce what they pay you. If they successfully argue that you are more than half to blame for the crash, you aren’t entitled to any compensation at all.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If someone else caused your crash, you can seek compensation for many types of losses.
These include:
- Past and future medical bills related to your accident
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Reduced earning potential if you can’t return to your job
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
- Reduced enjoyment of life
In rare cases that go to court, you might also get punitive damages. These damages don’t compensate for losses. They are designed to punish someone for malicious, grossly negligent, or intentional behavior like drunk driving.
What If You Don’t Hire a Lawyer?
You don’t have to hire a lawyer after a crash. But if you go it alone, be careful. Insurance companies may pressure you to settle quickly and for far less than your case is worth.
You could miss deadlines or make mistakes that hurt your claim. And once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more money, even if you later realize your injuries are more serious.
Having a lawyer levels the playing field. It shows the insurance company you mean business.
When Should You Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer?
Right away. Texas gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. But the sooner you act, the better your chances of building a strong case. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses may forget what they saw. A lawyer can get started fast to protect your claim and ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Jeff Benton, founder of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers, is a dedicated Dallas car accident attorney who represents clients in all personal injury cases and has recovered millions for his clients. Contact our Dallas office today for a free consultation.
