What should I do immediately after a personal injury accident in Dallas?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Document the accident scene with photos, gather witness contact information, and file a police report if applicable. Contact a Dallas personal injury lawyer within 24-48 hours to protect your legal rights and preserve evidence.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Dallas?
Most Dallas personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Legal fees typically range from 33-40% of your settlement or court award. You only pay if your lawyer wins your case.
What types of personal injury cases do Dallas lawyers handle?
Dallas personal injury attorneys handle car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, defective product claims, and wrongful death cases. They also represent clients in dog bite attacks and premises liability cases.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas?
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. This deadline starts from the date of injury or discovery of the injury. Missing this deadline typically bars you from recovering compensation, making early legal consultation crucial.
What compensation can I recover in a Dallas personal injury case?
You may recover economic damages including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
No, initial settlement offers are typically much lower than your claim's true value. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. A Dallas personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case's worth and negotiate for maximum compensation based on all your damages.
How do I choose the best personal injury lawyer in Dallas?
Look for attorneys with specific experience in your type of case, strong track records of successful settlements and verdicts, positive client reviews, and clear communication styles. Schedule consultations with multiple lawyers to compare their approaches and fee structures.
What evidence do I need for my personal injury case?
Gather medical records, accident reports, photographs of the scene and injuries, witness statements, and documentation of lost wages. Your lawyer will help collect additional evidence like expert testimony, surveillance footage, and professional accident reconstruction reports.
How long does a personal injury case take to resolve in Dallas?
Settlement negotiations typically take 3-12 months, while cases going to trial can take 1-3 years. Case complexity, injury severity, and defendant cooperation affect timeline. Your lawyer will work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while maximizing compensation.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you receive 80% of total damages.