Dallas Car Accident Lawyer

At Hilliard Law, our team of experienced lawyers has been helping car accident victims for over 36 years. We are committed to taking a personalized approach to every case to address our client's unique needs with experience and care.

Automobile accidents are unexpected and can happen at any time. When you get in your car to run an errand, drive to work, or go on a road-trip, getting into a car accident is likely a far-off thought – it’s something you know could happen, but it’s not on the forefront of your mind until it does.

However, the number of car accidents that occur each year is higher than many would assume. According to data from The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), Texas experienced 3,520 fatal car accidents in 2020. The number of serious car accidents with injuries is even greater.  For those harmed in car accidents, the injury often negatively impacts work and home life. Working with an accomplished personal injury lawyer can help.  A skilled attorney can represent you in court, build a strong case on your behalf, and help you achieve the best possible resolution.

What Damages Can I Recover After My Dallas Car Accident?

Your compensation for your auto accident will be determined by your injuries and the overall impact the collision has on your life. Car accident victims are often eligible to receive compensation for the following costs:

• Repairing your vehicle damage
• Your alternative travel expenses
• Medical treatment for your injuries
• Income lost from missing work

Every auto accident has consequences, which could lead to financial losses and emotional damages that you may have to endure for a long time afterward. Fortunately, you can file a claim with your insurance or even a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to get reimbursed for those damages.

Compensatory damages should cover all losses you have endured due to the accident. Auto accident victims typically overlook how much their accident impacts them while attempting to estimate how much they need to recover in damages.

You may need a knowledgeable vehicle accident lawyer to evaluate a claim and determine the compensation you deserve.

Can I Still Get Compensation for Damages if I'm Found Partially at Fault for a Car Accident in Dallas?

Because Texas is a “fault” state for auto insurance, the other driver is typically held liable for paying for all of your damages if you were in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Accident victims may occasionally bear some blame for their collisions through their own negligence. They can still collect a portion of the damages award even though this disqualifies them from receiving the full amount.

Texas is a state that uses modified comparative negligence, so it allows for the recovery of proportionate damages. Under the modified comparative negligence rule, the plaintiff’s award for damages is reduced by a percentage equal to their proportionate amount of fault. You cannot, however, be mostly to blame for the accident.

Are There Any Limits on a Dallas Auto Insurance Policy?

In Texas, drivers must have minimum liability insurance to protect against bodily harm and property damage claims. Drivers must possess the following, per the Texas Department of Insurance:

• A minimum of $30,000 for each injured person
• A maximum of $60,000 per accident
• A minimum of $25,000 for property damage

The insurance provider for the liable motorist may make a lowball settlement offer, and in some cases, plaintiffs may need to file a lawsuit to get the total amount of compensation they need.

Is It Necessary to Inform My Auto Insurance Provider of the Accident?

In Texas, drivers must show evidence of their financial responsibility for any accidents in which they may be found to be at fault. Most drivers in Texas do this by getting auto insurance, and the state has set minimum standards for protection. Every auto insurance contract requires the policyholder to tell the insurer as quickly as possible after a crash.

However, Texas does not have laws mandating policyholders involved in auto accidents notify their insurance providers. If the insured fails to report a crash within a reasonable period, the insurer may decline compensation for the incident. The bottom line is that even if your car accident was minor, you should still report it to your auto insurance provider to be sure they will provide coverage for the accident in case you need it.

Call us at (361) 882-1612 or fill out our contact form.