If you have been injured in a car accident in the Dallas area that was caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you could be entitled to significant compensation. You should not have to pay for medical care bills, car repairs for your vehicle, and other financial losses because of an accident you didn’t cause.
The experienced Dallas car accident lawyers at The Wilhite Law Firm can review your case today and help you understand your legal options.
We Have Some of the Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas
At The Wilhite Law Firm, we provide exemplary client service and professional legal advice to accident victims across the Dallas area. We can help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a serious car crash. We will be ready to discuss the specifics of your case during a free, no-obligation consultation. Just contact one of our car accident attorneys now to get started.
How Do You Know If You Have a
Car Accident Case?
If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you might be eligible to seek compensation from them. To successfully recover compensation, you will need to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries. Some examples of negligent behavior include speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving.
If you are wondering whether you have a case, reach out to one of our car accident attorneys at The Wilhite Law Firm to discuss your collision and your legal options.
How Can a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer Make a Difference in Your Case?
It is not a good idea to try to tackle a severe car accident injury claim on your own. A seasoned Dallas auto accident attorney has the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the complexities of the claims and negotiation processes. If your case goes to trial, your attorney at The Wilhite Law Firm will represent you in court and advocate for your rights every step of the way. Contact our Dallas car accident lawyer now.
What can a car accident attorney at The Wilhite Firm do?
- Independently investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your case
- Speak to witnesses who saw the accident occur
- Consult with expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction experts
- Determine liability and identify all possible sources of compensation
- Document and calculate all damages you have suffered
- Negotiate for a full and fair settlement with the insurance company
- Argue your case in court, if necessary
If you have any other questions about the benefits of hiring an experienced Dallas car accident attorney to represent you, we’d be happy to answer them during a free initial consultation.
What Are the Steps for Filing a Dallas Car Accident Claim?
After you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Dallas, taking care of all the steps in a personal injury claim may seem daunting. However, understanding each step can help you manage your claim efficiently and effectively.
Here’s a straightforward guide to the typical legal steps in a Dallas car accident claim:
- Talk to an attorney – The first step is to meet with a Dallas car accident lawyer and have them evaluate your case. During this initial consultation, your attorney will examine the details of your collision, discuss your injuries, and advise you on the best course of action.
- Investigation of your claim – Once you hire an attorney, they will thoroughly investigate the auto accident to gather evidence. This may involve obtaining the police accident report, speaking with witnesses, and compiling medical records and other relevant documentation to build a strong case.
- Filing an insurance claim – After completing their investigation, your attorney will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This claim will outline the details of the accident and the compensation you are seeking.
- Negotiation with insurance companies – Next, there may be a series of negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your losses. It’s best to let your attorney handle these discussions and fight for the best possible outcome.
- Filing a lawsuit – If the insurance company will not agree to a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend taking the case to court. They will file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
- Discovery process – In the discovery phase of a lawsuit, both sides exchange information that supports their respective cases. This could include witness testimony, expert evaluations, depositions, and further evidence collection.
- Mediation and negotiation – Before going to trial, both sides have the opportunity to negotiate again with the help of a neutral mediator. This is another chance to settle the case without the risk of an unpredictable, costly court case.
- Trial – If mediation and negotiation do not lead to a settlement, the case will go to trial. During the trial, both sides present their arguments, and a judge or jury makes a final decision on what compensation (if any) you will receive.
- Appeal process – If either party is dissatisfied with the trial’s outcome, they can appeal the decision. This means your lawyer will petition a higher court and ask them to review the trial’s proceedings to determine if any legal errors could change the outcome. No new evidence can be introduced.
Car Accident FAQs
At The Wilhite Law Firm, we are always here to answer your questions after a crash. Here are some of the frequent questions people ask us.
If you are hit by an uninsured or a hit-and-run driver in Texas, you may still have options for securing compensation. Your auto insurance policy may include PIP (personal injury protection) coverage, which will help cover the cost of medical bills and other related expenses if you were injured in the collision. You may also have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that can provide payment for your losses.
Talk to an attorney as soon as possible if you are hit by an uninsured driver.
Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51 percent at fault for the collision. The amount of compensation you can receive will be reduced based on the amount of fault that you are assessed.
You will likely receive a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance company at some point. Remain calm – but proceed with extreme caution. The last thing you want to do is say anything that the insurance company could use against you.
Politely ask for the identity of the person with whom you are speaking. Don’t allow them to record you. Limit the amount of personal information you provide. Don’t provide any details about your injuries or about the accident. Instead, let them know that your attorney will be in touch.
You should resist the temptation to accept a quick settlement if the insurance adjuster offers one. An insurance adjuster may offer you a lowball settlement that seems generous but, in reality, is far less than you need and deserve. If you accept the settlement, you could end up paying for certain expenses out of pocket. It’s best to get a car accident attorney involved in negotiations, as they will know how to push back and obtain a fairer settlement.
At The Wilhite Law Firm, our car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t pay us a dime unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Dallas?
If you’ve been in a car accident in Dallas and have already left the scene to seek medical attention, you can still take important steps to protect your rights.
Here’s what you should do after a car accident:
- Document your injuries – Keep detailed records of your medical treatment and any symptoms you experience. Photos of your injuries can also help with a car accident claim.
- Get a copy of the police report – Contact the local police department to obtain a copy of the accident report. This document is crucial for your insurance claim and any legal action.
- Notify your insurance – Inform your insurance company about the wreck, but avoid discussing who caused it. Provide them with the facts and any documentation you have.
- Be careful online – You need to watch what you say about the accident until your case concludes. Insurance companies can find anything you post online and use it against you to deny your claim or reduce your compensation.
Talk to a lawyer – Speak with a car accident attorney to understand your rights and the best course of action. They can handle all the communication with insurance companies and guide you through the legal process.
What Are Common Injuries After
a Car Accident?
Car accidents can cause devastating personal injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis (paraplegia and quadriplegia)
- Internal injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
- Burns and disfigurement
- Traumatic amputation
How Is Fault Determined After a Car Accident?
Most car accident claims hinge on the concept of negligence, which means that someone failed to act with reasonable care. Proving negligence involves showing that the person at fault did not behave as a cautious person would under similar circumstances, and this behavior directly caused harm to someone else.
To successfully prove a car accident claim, certain types of evidence are crucial:
- Police report – This official report documents the details of the collision, including any immediate observations from the officers about fault or contributing factors. It often contains vital information that can help establish negligence.
- Witness statements – Statements from people who saw the accident can support a claim by describing what happened from an outside perspective.
- Photos and videos – Visual evidence taken at the time of the crash from the scene or after the fact, including damage to the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries, can help prove how and why the accident occurred.
- Medical records – These documents are essential to link the accident to the injuries you sustained. They provide a detailed account of your injuries, the treatment required, and their potential impact on your life.
- Expert testimony – Experts in accident reconstruction or medical professionals can provide authoritative insights into how the accident happened and the extent of your injuries.
Most Dallas car accident cases involve one clearly liable party, but what happens when you share fault for a crash? The good news in these cases is that Texas law allows you to seek compensation for your injuries even if you bear some responsibility for a car crash. As long as your share of fault for the crash is 50 percent or less, you still have a valid claim against the other driver.
However, your compensation in these cases is reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if the evidence indicates you are 30 percent to blame for an accident, you would lose 30 percent of your compensation. A knowledgeable attorney can help you find evidence to minimize your degree of fault for a car wreck and maximize your potential compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, a statute of limitations applies to personal injury cases and sets the maximum amount of time that a party has to initiate legal proceedings against another party after a car accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is two years. This means that from the date of the accident, you have exactly two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
If you do not file your lawsuit with the appropriate court within two years, then you will likely forfeit the opportunity to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. That’s why it is critical to speak with an auto accident attorney at The Wilhite Law Firm and get the ball rolling as quickly as possible after an accident.
What Are Common Types of
Car Crashes?
Some of the most common types of motor vehicle accident cases our firm handles include:
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone and side-impact collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Pile-up accidents
What Are The Leading Causes of
Auto Accidents in Texas?
While auto accidents have a wide variety of causes, in most cases, driver negligence is at least partly to blame. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Texas include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Unsafe lane changes
- Defective parts
What To Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Car Crash in Dallas
Being involved in a car accident can be frightening, stressful, and confusing. Those intense emotions can leave you unsure about what action to take first.
However, by following these steps, you can safeguard your rights after a car accident.
- Call 911 – Immediately call law enforcement to the scene. Police will make a detailed accident report that includes vital information such as an initial determination of fault, details about injuries and vehicle damage, contact information, witness information, and more.
- Seek medical attention – You should seek prompt medical attention after the auto accident, even if you don’t think you have been seriously hurt. Follow your doctor’s instructions and be sure to stick to your treatment plan.
- Take photos – If you are able, take photos and videos of the scene from various angles. Photo and video evidence can help prove the other driver’s fault during the claims process. Take photos of the license plate of each vehicle, the vehicles involved in the crash, etc.
- Talk to witnesses – If you can, speak to any witnesses who may have seen the accident. You should take down their contact information (phone numbers, etc.) so your lawyer can later get a statement from them.
- Save all documents – Maintain a file of all your medical records, medical bills, and expenses. This will help later as your attorney calculates the damages you are owed.
- Keep a journal – Keep a daily journal in which you record your level of pain and other symptoms. Chart your recovery over time. Make notes about how your injury is affecting your daily life.
- Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies can use anything that you say publicly about the accident against you. Don’t give them the opportunity to do that. Refrain from discussing the accident on social media until your case is resolved.
- Consult with a car accident attorney – Trying to handle a car accident claim on your own could have costly consequences. A car accident attorney will have the time and resources to fully investigate the accident while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Your car accident lawyer will also have the necessary skills to subvert any attempts by the insurance company to reduce or deny your claim in bad faith.
Legally Reviewed By
Robert Wilhite
Partner
Colorado & Texas
A Texas native, Rob is the firm’s Managing Partner in charge of Litigation, overseeing all the firm’s cases. He has guided numerous cases to noteworthy conclusions for his clients, including a $9 million recovery for a defective product.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Every car accident is unique, and how much your specific case is worth will depend on a variety of factors such as the seriousness of your injuries and whether you were partially at fault for the wreck.
If you have been injured in a crash that was caused by another driver, you can claim compensation for a variety of related damages, such as:
- Present and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including those stemming from hospital stays, treatment, physical therapy, tests, scans, and medications, as well as for lodging and meals when your treatment necessitates travel
- Lost wages, if you are unable to return to work due to your injuries, and loss of future income if your injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident, including emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Punitive damages, which may be awarded as a way to punish the at-fault party
An experienced car accident lawyer at The Wilhite Law Firm can document and calculate damages in your car crash case, so that you have an accurate picture of how much you may be owed. Your attorney will then use this information to seek a fair settlement from the insurance company.
See What Clients Say About The Wilhite Law Firm
- Jairo UD — Last year I was hit by a drunk person causing a lot of damage. I happily called Wilhite because the attorney assigned to my case fought hard for me.
- Jhonatan Giraldo —They got me a great compensation after a severe crash. They were always on my side.
- Ruben Jose Hermoza Caballero — They made the experience of being in a car accident a little less painful. Everyone was helpful.
Legally Reviewed By
Robert Wilhite
Partner
Colorado & Texas
A Texas native, Rob is the firm’s Managing Partner in charge of Litigation, overseeing all the firm’s cases. He has guided numerous cases to noteworthy conclusions for his clients, including a $9 million recovery for a defective product.
Talk to a Car Accident Attorney in Dallas Now
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision in the Dallas area, contact some of the best personal injury lawyers in Dallas at The Wilhite Law Firm to discuss your case. We will be ready to help you determine the best options for moving forward when you call us or reach out online. Our initial consultations are always free and confidential. Don’t wait to take steps to protect your rights.
