What to Do After a Crash in Dallas

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By LawGC

What to Do After a Crash in Dallas

A car crash in Dallas (or anywhere) can create problems that go beyond damage to your vehicle. Medical bills arrive fast. Insurance adjusters want statements before you even have time to process what happened. And if your injuries are more serious than they first appeared? The financial consequences can last for years. This is why many seek support from experts. You get clarity, legal protection, and a realistic understanding of what compensation might be available.

Why Do You Need Legal Help If You Crash?

Texas has a fault-based insurance system in place. You must prove that the other driver caused the collision before you can recover damages from them or their insurer. Liability can be disputed, and evidence disappears quickly. Insurance companies push for fast and low settlements, which often don’t reflect real long-term medical needs. 

With a Dallas car accident attorney, you can strengthen your position. They can secure evidence and protect you from mistakes when speaking with adjusters. They will also make sure all deadlines are met under Texas law. 

Deadlines are particularly important when claiming for injuries involving delayed symptoms like whiplash, concussion, or back and neck damage. These are all common outcomes in Dallas traffic collisions. In Texas, the statute of limitations is two years. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Dallas

Dallas consistently reports high numbers of traffic collisions. Urban congestion, traffic on the I-35E, distracted driving, and speeding are all contributory factors. Typical causes here:

  • Drivers using phones behind the wheel
  • Driving impaired
  • Not yielding at junctions
  • Making unsafe lane changes
  • Tailgating on major highways
  • Fatigue during long commuter routes

Finding out the cause of a crash helps insurers decide who is legally responsible. An attorney can review police reports, dash-cam footage, black-box data, and witness statements to build a clear picture of what happened. 

What Can You Claim Under Texas Law?

Many injured drivers underestimate what they can recover. Texas law allows compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and follow-up visits
  • Lost wages: This also includes future earning capacity if injuries affect long-term work
  • Property damage: This includes repairs or replacement of your vehicle
  • Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional impact. 
  • Wrongful death damages: For when families lose a loved one.

The value of a claim can increase significantly when injuries are permanent or require ongoing treatment. An attorney ensures the full financial impact is documented before settlement negotiations begin.

What To Do Immediately After a Crash

If you are involved in an accident in Dallas, these steps can help protect your health and your claim:

  • Call 911: Make sure a police report is filed
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries appear hours later
  • Document the scene: This includes taking both video and photo evidence 
  • Exchange details: Be sure to exchange information with the other driver
  • Avoid discussing fault at the scene: This could complicate the process with insurance later on
  • Notify your insurer: Avoid giving detailed statements until you’ve had legal guidance 
  • Speak to an attorney: Do this before accepting any settlement offer

How Will an Attorney Strengthen Your Case?

An attorney will do everything on your behalf so you can focus on recovery. Typically, they will:

  • Investigate the crash
  • Secure evidence
  • Communicate with insurers for you
  • Calculate the full value of your damages
  • Negotiate for a fair settlement
  • File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to pay what the case is worth
  • Prepare for trial if required

Many cases resolve without court, but having a law firm prepared to litigate increases your power of negotiation. 

Endnote

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better; the Texas time limit is strict and some evidence (like CCTV footage) will disappear within a few days. Speak with a lawyer early to prevent mistakes and position yourself for a strong outcome.

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