If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, you need an attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies have one goal: pay you as little as possible. A skilled Dallas accident attorney levels the playing field and ensures your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are taken seriously.
Varghese Summersett represents accident victims across the Dallas area. With offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Southlake, our personal injury team has the resources and experience to take on insurance companies and negligent parties. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why You Need a Dallas Accident Attorney
The days and weeks after an accident can feel overwhelming. You’re dealing with injuries, mounting medical bills, and pressure from insurance adjusters who want you to settle quickly. Many people don’t realize that the first offer from an insurance company is almost always far below what the case is actually worth.
An experienced accident attorney knows how insurance companies operate. They know the tactics adjusters use to minimize payouts, and they know how to push back. More than that, they understand what your claim is actually worth because they’ve handled hundreds of cases like yours.
Dallas County sees thousands of traffic accidents every year. The Texas Department of Transportation reported over 4,500 serious injury crashes in Dallas County in 2023 alone. Behind each of those numbers is a person whose life was disrupted by someone else’s negligence.
Schedule a free consultation with our Dallas personal injury lawyers today.
Types of Accident Cases We Handle in Dallas
Our Dallas accident attorneys represent clients who have been injured in a wide range of incidents. Each type of accident presents unique challenges, and our team has the experience to handle them all.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the most common source of personal injury claims in Dallas. Whether you were rear-ended on Central Expressway, T-boned at an intersection in Oak Cliff, or sideswiped on LBJ Freeway, we can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Truck Accidents
Collisions involving commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers. These cases require investigation into the trucking company, driver logs, maintenance records, and federal safety regulations. Our Dallas truck accident lawyers have handled complex trucking cases throughout North Texas.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face extreme vulnerability on Dallas roads. Even accidents that seem minor can result in serious injuries when there’s no protective barrier between rider and pavement. Our team understands the bias that sometimes exists against motorcyclists and works to ensure our clients receive fair treatment.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Dallas has seen an increase in pedestrian accidents as more people walk and bike in urban areas. Drivers who fail to yield, run red lights, or drive distracted put pedestrians and cyclists at serious risk. These accidents often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
Rideshare Accidents
Accidents involving Uber and Lyft present unique insurance challenges. Multiple policies may apply depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. We know how to identify all available insurance coverage in rideshare accident cases.
Injured in an accident? Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the insurance company.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Texas law allows accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Understanding what you can claim is essential to ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.
Economic Damages
These are the out-of-pocket costs directly tied to your accident. They include medical expenses (both past and future), lost wages if you missed work, reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, property damage to your vehicle, and any other quantifiable financial losses.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.0105, you can recover reasonable and necessary medical expenses. This includes ambulance fees, emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and ongoing treatment for chronic conditions resulting from the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all losses come with a receipt. Texas law recognizes that accident victims suffer real harm that can’t be easily calculated, including physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement or scarring, and loss of consortium (the impact on your relationship with your spouse).
Unlike some states, Texas does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. This means juries have discretion to award compensation that truly reflects the harm you’ve experienced.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, you may be entitled to punitive damages. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.008, punitive damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus an equal amount of non-economic damages up to $750,000. These damages are designed to punish especially reckless behavior, such as drunk driving accidents.
Get a free case evaluation to learn what your claim may be worth.
How Fault Works in Texas Accident Cases
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. If you are found 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
If you share some fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you were 20 percent at fault for the accident, you would receive $80,000.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto accident victims to reduce what they have to pay. They may argue that you were speeding, distracted, or failed to take some action that could have prevented the collision. Having an attorney who can investigate the accident and counter these arguments is essential to protecting your recovery.
Learn more about modified comparative negligence in Texas and how it affects your claim.
What to Do After an Accident in Dallas
The steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation later. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a collision in Dallas.
First, seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies an excuse to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
Second, report the accident to police. In Dallas, you can file a report through the Dallas Police Department. A police report provides an official record of the accident and often includes the officer’s assessment of fault.
Third, document everything. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Save all medical records, bills, and correspondence with insurance companies.
Fourth, be careful what you say. Do not admit fault at the scene, even if you think you might have been partially responsible. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that can be used against you.
Fifth, contact an experienced accident attorney. The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected you are. An attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, preserve evidence, and begin building your case immediately.
Been in an accident? Protect your rights by speaking with a lawyer today.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Your Claim
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Every dollar they pay in claims is a dollar that doesn’t go to their bottom line. This creates an inherent conflict between your interests and theirs.
Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They use a variety of tactics to reduce or deny claims. They may question whether your injuries are as serious as you claim. They may argue that you had pre-existing conditions that explain your symptoms. They may delay processing your claim in hopes that you’ll accept a lowball offer out of desperation.
One common strategy is to call you shortly after the accident, when you’re still shaken and don’t fully understand the extent of your injuries. They may offer a quick settlement that seems reasonable at the time but is far below what you’ll actually need for medical care and other expenses.
Another tactic is to request a recorded statement and then use your own words against you. Something as simple as saying “I’m fine” when asked how you’re doing can be twisted to suggest your injuries aren’t serious.
Our attorneys know these games. We’ve spent years fighting insurance companies and holding them accountable. We handle all communication with adjusters so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing. And we have the resources to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get you fair compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. This deadline is set by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003.
If you fail to file a lawsuit before the deadline expires, you lose your right to recover compensation forever. Two years may seem like plenty of time, but building a strong case requires investigation, gathering evidence, consulting experts, and negotiating with insurance companies. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more time we have to develop your case.
Some exceptions can shorten or extend this deadline. If a government entity was involved (such as a city bus or a road defect caused by negligent maintenance), you may need to file a notice of claim within six months. If the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations may be tolled until they turn 18.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Your Case May Be Worth
Every accident case is different, and there’s no formula that predicts exactly what your claim will be worth. However, several factors typically influence the value of a case.
The severity of your injuries matters. Cases involving permanent disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or other catastrophic injuries are generally worth more than cases involving soft tissue injuries that heal completely.
The clarity of fault matters. If the other driver’s negligence is obvious (for example, they ran a red light or were driving drunk), the case is stronger. If fault is disputed, it may be harder to recover full compensation.
The available insurance coverage matters. Texas only requires drivers to carry $30,000 per person in liability coverage. If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, you may need to pursue additional sources of recovery, such as your own underinsured motorist coverage.
The impact on your life matters. How has the accident affected your ability to work, care for your family, and enjoy activities you used to love? Documenting these impacts helps demonstrate the full extent of your damages.
Studies consistently show that accident victims who hire attorneys recover significantly more than those who handle claims on their own, even after attorney fees. Insurance companies know which claimants have representation and which don’t, and they adjust their tactics accordingly.
What to Expect When You Hire Varghese Summersett
When you hire our firm, you’re not just getting an attorney. You’re getting a team of more than 70 legal professionals committed to fighting for your recovery.
We start with a free consultation where we listen to what happened, answer your questions, and explain your options. There’s no pressure and no obligation. If we believe we can help you, we’ll take your case on contingency. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win.
Once retained, we handle everything. We investigate the accident, gather evidence, obtain police reports and medical records, and identify all potentially liable parties. We handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
We’re not afraid to take cases to trial. While most personal injury cases settle out of court, insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to trial and which aren’t. Our willingness to litigate gives us leverage in negotiations.
Our Dallas personal injury lawyers have recovered millions for accident victims across North Texas. We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economists when needed to build the strongest possible case.
Call (214) 903-4000 to schedule your free consultation.
Where Dallas Accident Cases Are Heard
If your case proceeds to litigation, it will typically be filed in Dallas County. Civil cases are heard at the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building in downtown Dallas. The specific court depends on the amount in controversy and other factors.
Dallas County has multiple district courts that handle civil cases, and each judge has different preferences and procedures. Our attorneys have practiced in Dallas County courts for years and understand the local legal landscape.
Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation before ever reaching trial. However, having an attorney who is prepared to try your case, and who is known in the local courts, strengthens your negotiating position.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dallas accident attorney cost?
At Varghese Summersett, we handle personal injury cases on contingency. You pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so our interests are aligned with yours.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Almost never. First offers are typically lowball figures designed to close your claim quickly and cheaply. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than initially thought. Always have an attorney review any settlement offer before accepting.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options. Your own auto policy may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that can compensate you. We can review your policy and identify all available sources of recovery.
How long will my case take?
The timeline depends on many factors, including the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate in good faith. Simple cases may settle in a few months. Complex cases involving litigation can take a year or longer. Learn more about personal injury case timelines.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible. Texas follows modified comparative negligence, which reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault but does not eliminate it entirely (unless you are more than half responsible).
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Get the Compensation You Deserve
You didn’t ask to be in an accident. You shouldn’t have to fight an insurance company alone while you’re trying to heal. Our Dallas accident attorneys are ready to take that burden off your shoulders and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
The consultation is free. The case evaluation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. Call (214) 903-4000 or contact us online to speak with a member of our team today.
