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Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer
Providing Dedicated Representation to Crash Victims Since 1976
Car accidents often result in extremely serious injuries that range from broken bones and loss of limbs to back injuries and disfigurement. Victims of car wrecks usually face significant medical bills, severe pain, and the inability to work for an extended period. In extreme car accident cases, these car accidents result in fatal injuries.
You might be entitled to legal compensation if you experienced an injury because of a negligent driver in Fort Worth. While some personal injury victims choose to represent themselves, having an experienced Fort Worth car accident lawyer represent you can make a big difference in the amount of compensation you recover. Our Fort Worth personal injury law firm has been serving the community since 1976 and can help you next.
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How Much is Your Car Accident Case Worth?
Every car accident is different. Therefore every car accident will have a different value. There are no hard and fast rules which dictate how much an insurance settlement will be or how much a jury will award. The value of your Fort Worth car accident case will ultimately depend on the strength of your accident case and the specific circumstances of your injuries. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a Fort Worth car accident attorney to get a more accurate representation of your eligible compensation.
Factors that may influence your Fort Worth car accident case’s value include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical treatments
- The number of wages and income your injuries have caused you to lose
- The amount of evidence and documentation proving the cause of the car accident
- The strength of your legal representation
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Texas
All states limit the time you have to take legal action after being harmed by another party. This is commonly referred to as a “statute of limitations,” which sets a hard deadline on all personal injury claims in Texas, including those related to car accidents. This helps ensure significant evidence doesn’t get lost and that any witnesses called to testify are recalling recent memories.
How Long Do You Have to Sue for a Car Accident in Texas?
In Texas, you have two years to file a lawsuit against the person or party responsible for your car accident in pursuit of compensation. If you do not file a personal injury claim before the statute of limitations expires, you lose your fight to seek legal action. Since the statute of limitations can make or break your auto accident case, it is vital to act quickly after a car crash and retain powerful legal representation to ensure that you are compliant with all applicable deadlines.
Is Texas a No-Fault State?
Texas is not a “no-fault” state for car insurance. On the contrary, it is considered an “at fault” or “comparative fault” state, which means that insurance companies will evaluate fault in a car accident before providing coverage, and the “at-fault” drivers’ insurers will cover any damages.
In other states, “no-fault” coverage allows insurers to provide coverage to their respective parties, no matter who is at fault.
Because they will be expected to cover the damages of any car accident they cause, Texas drivers are required to carry these policy minimums:
- $25,000 for property damage
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
If you carry insurance in Texas, your policy will pay for the other party’s medical bills and property damage whenever a car accident is your fault. Similarly, if the other party causes a collision, their insurer will pay for your lost property and medical treatments.
Sometimes, the fault is split into percentages. For example, a 50% fault accident is considered a “no-fault” accident, and each party’s insurer will take care of them privately. If someone else is 100% at-fault for your auto accident, you will be able to collect 100% of the insurance payout, but your payout may be reduced if they are only 75% at fault.
Many Texas drivers prefer to pay for additional coverage, so they are fully covered in the event of an auto accident. One example of additional coverage is insurance for uninsured or underinsured drivers. When you carry this coverage, your insurer may be able to make up for whatever another party’s insurance policy cannot cover.
If you need help dealing with insurance companies, our law offices in Fort Worth, Texas, are here to help!
What is Modified Comparative Negligence
As we’ve discussed above, breaking fault down into percentages creates a unique negligence system in Texas. Even if someone else behaved carelessly, your actions could be brought into question if they weren’t 100% by the book.
For instance, if someone else was texting while driving, but you made an unsafe lane change, your lane change might be used against you when determining negligence, even though the other driver’s behavior was the primary cause of the auto accident.
We call this Texas law section “comparative negligence” or “proportionate responsibility.”
Unfortunately, comparative negligence can affect your settlement. However, with the help of our Fort Worth personal injury attorneys, you may be able to securely and fully establish the other party’s responsibility.
How to Properly Deal with the Insurance Company
Whatever you do, do not accept the first offer from an insurance company without consulting a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies try to limit how much they pay out, which can result in an offer that does not adequately cover your injuries. With experienced legal counsel by your side, you can be confident in receiving your fair share of compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and damages to your property.
Some things you should be aware of when dealing with insurance companies after a car accident:
- Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators, first and foremost. While they may seem friendly and helpful, they never forget that they are primarily concerned with protecting the insurance company’s interests.
- Insurance companies are not obligated to treat you fairly or promptly. Therefore, even if you and the other driver cooperate fully, they may deny your claim.
- Do not be surprised if the insurer asserts you are exaggerating your injuries or claims they are part of a pre-existing condition. Always keep copies of medical records about your treatment as evidence.
- Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can and will be used against you. So be mindful of what you say.
- If you do not accept the insurance company’s first offer, they may begin to ignore you or intentionally delay your claim. Hiring an attorney is the best way to keep your claim on track.
Can I File A Car Accident Claim After Insurance Pays?
Once you accept any insurance settlement, it is usually difficult to recover more compensation since most settlements state that the amount agreed upon will be the only money paid to the injured party. However, if you have already signed an agreement, you may still have options. Call an auto accident attorney at our Fort Worth law firm today to learn the next steps you can take.
Car Accident Cases We Handle
Several negligent and reckless actions can cause a car crash. Our Fort Worth law firm has handled many different car accident cases involving:
- Distracted Driving Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents
- Reckless Driving Accidents
- Rear-End Accidents
- T-Bone Accidents
- Trucking Accidents
No matter what caused your car accident or what types of vehicles were involved, we want to discuss your options to see if we can help you recover the compensation you are owed!
Why Hire Us?
At the Law Office of James M. Stanley, our Fort Worth auto accident team can fight to obtain the maximum compensation on your behalf. We approach every personal injury case with comprehensive investigations and diligent preparation.
No matter how your accident was caused or who was involved, we will not stop until we identify all responsible parties. In every case we take, we always prepare as if we are going to trial. This sends a message to the insurance companies that we are serious about your injury case.
We can help you craft the most compelling case by:
- Reviewing police reports
- Reviewing medical records of the treatment you received
- Interviewing witnesses
- Accessing traffic camera footage
- Investigating the history of the other driver
- Reviewing cell phone records
No Recovery, No Fee - Call (817) 591-4222
When you need practical and compassionate guidance, you can count on the Law Office of James M. Stanley. Even though car wrecks are common, your injuries should not be taken lightly. Secure legal representation from an experienced Fort Worth car accident lawyer immediately!
