If you were injured in a car accident in Dallas, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The days and weeks after a serious crash are overwhelming. You’re dealing with injuries, missed work, insurance adjusters, and mounting bills. You need answers, and you need someone in your corner who knows how to fight for what you deserve.
At Varghese Summersett, our Dallas car accident lawyers have the experience and resources to take on insurance companies and hold negligent drivers accountable. With more than 70 team members across four Texas offices, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.
Why You Need a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, and they have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect their bottom line. They may pressure you to give a recorded statement, accept a quick settlement, or sign documents that limit your rights.
An experienced car accident lawyer levels the playing field. We investigate the crash, gather evidence, document your injuries, and build a case designed to maximize your recovery. We handle all communication with the insurance company and fight for fair compensation through negotiation or litigation.
Many accident victims underestimate the value of their claim. What seems like a straightforward injury can lead to months of physical therapy, chronic pain, or an inability to return to your previous job. A lawyer ensures that every current and future cost is accounted for before you agree to any settlement.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dallas Car Accident?
Texas law allows car accident victims to recover both economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover the financial losses you can calculate, while non-economic damages address the ways the accident has affected your quality of life.
Economic Damages
These are the out-of-pocket costs directly tied to your accident and injuries:
- Emergency room visits and hospitalization
- Surgery, medication, and medical devices
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical care for ongoing treatment
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job
- Property damage to your vehicle
Non-Economic Damages
Some losses cannot be measured with a receipt, but they are just as real:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse)
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, the available insurance coverage, and how the accident has disrupted your life. Our Dallas car accident attorneys will evaluate every aspect of your case to pursue the maximum compensation available.
Get a Free Case Evaluation Today
How Fault Works in Texas Car Accident Cases
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20 percent at fault, you would receive $80,000. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the injured person to reduce or deny claims. They may argue you were speeding, distracted, or failed to take evasive action. Our lawyers know these tactics and work to establish the other driver’s negligence through police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction when necessary.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Dallas
Dallas is one of the most congested cities in Texas, with high-speed highways like I-35E, I-635, and US-75 running through the metroplex. Crashes happen for many reasons, but negligence is almost always a factor. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, eating)
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Failure to yield or running red lights
- Unsafe lane changes and improper passing
- Fatigued driving
- Poor weather conditions combined with excessive speed
Establishing what caused the crash is essential to proving liability. We conduct thorough investigations to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Dallas
The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. If you have been involved in an accident, try to do the following:
At the scene: Call 911 to report the accident. Move to a safe location if possible. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers. Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.
Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, do not show symptoms right away. Delayed pain after a car accident is common, and a medical record linking your injuries to the crash is essential for your claim.
Report the accident: Texas law requires you to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The responding officer will file a crash report, which becomes an important piece of evidence.
Avoid recorded statements: The other driver’s insurance company may call you quickly and ask for a recorded statement. You are not required to give one, and anything you say can be used to reduce your claim. Politely decline and let your attorney handle all communication.
Contact a lawyer: The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your rights will be. We can begin preserving evidence, talking to witnesses, and dealing with the insurance company on your behalf.
Talk to a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer Now
What Your Case May Be Worth
There is no simple formula for calculating the value of a car accident case. Every claim is different. However, several factors influence how much compensation you may receive:
Severity of injuries: Serious injuries that require surgery, long-term care, or result in permanent disability are worth more than minor injuries that heal quickly.
Medical expenses: The cost of your medical treatment, both past and future, is a major component of your claim.
Lost income: If you missed work or cannot return to your previous job, lost wages and reduced earning capacity add to your damages.
Impact on daily life: If the accident has affected your ability to enjoy hobbies, spend time with family, or perform routine tasks, these losses are compensable.
Available insurance coverage: The at-fault driver’s policy limits can affect how much you can recover. If their coverage is insufficient, you may be able to file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim under your own policy.
Clarity of fault: Cases with clear evidence of the other driver’s negligence are typically easier to resolve and often result in higher settlements.
Insurance companies often make lowball offers early in the process, hoping you will accept before you understand the full extent of your injuries. We advise clients to wait until they have reached maximum medical improvement before settling, so we have a complete picture of the damages.
The Claims Process and Timeline
Understanding what to expect can reduce stress and help you make informed decisions. Here is a general overview of how a Dallas car accident claim unfolds:
Investigation: We gather evidence, obtain the police report, review medical records, and interview witnesses. If needed, we work with accident reconstruction experts.
Medical treatment: You continue treating for your injuries. We monitor your progress and document all related expenses.
Demand package: Once you have reached maximum medical improvement, we prepare a demand letter outlining your injuries, damages, and the compensation you are seeking.
Negotiation: The insurance company responds, and negotiations begin. Most cases settle during this phase. We fight for every dollar you deserve and advise you on whether any offer is fair.
Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit. Dallas County civil cases are heard at the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building in downtown Dallas. Litigation can take additional time, but it sends a clear message that we are prepared to go to trial if necessary.
Resolution: Whether through settlement or verdict, we work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering any compensation, so it is important to contact a lawyer promptly.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Your Claim
Insurance companies are businesses. Their profits depend on collecting premiums and paying out as little as possible. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims, and they use a variety of tactics to do so:
Disputing fault: They may argue you were partially or fully responsible for the accident.
Questioning your injuries: They may claim your injuries are pre-existing, not as serious as you claim, or unrelated to the crash.
Delaying the process: By dragging out negotiations, they hope you will become desperate and accept a low offer.
Offering quick settlements: Early offers are almost always below the true value of your claim. They want you to settle before you know the full extent of your damages.
Using your words against you: Recorded statements and social media posts can be twisted to undermine your case.
Having a lawyer changes the dynamic. Insurance companies know that represented claimants are more likely to file suit and take cases to trial. This often leads to higher settlement offers and fairer treatment.
Protect Your Rights. Schedule a Free Consultation.
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
When you hire our firm, you get a team that is committed to fighting for you. We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no hourly fees.
Our Dallas personal injury attorneys bring the same level of preparation to every case. We investigate thoroughly, communicate clearly, and advocate aggressively. If the insurance company will not offer fair compensation, we are ready to take your case to court.
With offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake, we serve clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and across Texas. Our team includes attorneys with decades of experience handling serious injury cases, and we have the resources to go up against any insurance company or corporate defendant.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but our track record reflects our commitment to obtaining the best possible results for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
Under the Texas statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation. Certain exceptions can extend or shorten this period, so consulting a lawyer early is important.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Texas does not require drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage, but many policies include it. We can review your policy and help you understand your options.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
In most cases, no. Initial offers are typically far below the true value of your claim. Insurance companies hope you will accept before you fully understand your injuries and damages. We advise clients to consult with a lawyer before accepting any settlement.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This arrangement allows accident victims to get quality legal representation without any financial risk.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Insurance companies often try to inflate your fault percentage, which is one reason having a lawyer is so important.
Dallas Personal Injury Practice Areas
Our Dallas injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation
Vehicle Accidents
Other Injuries
Injured in Dallas? Get a free consultation.
Contact a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer Today
A serious car accident can change your life in an instant. You deserve a legal team that will fight to hold the responsible party accountable and recover the compensation you need to move forward. At Varghese Summersett, we are here to help.
Call (214) 903-4000 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We will review your case, answer your questions, and explain your options. There is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we win.
