Car Accident Lawyer in Carrollton, TX | GoSuits Injury Law

• What should you do right after a car crash in Carrollton, TX?
• How do Texas fault and comparative responsibility rules affect your claim?
• How long do you have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
• What compensation can you seek after a crash in Denton, Dallas, or Collin County?
• What insurance applies in Texas car, rideshare, and uninsured driver collisions?
• What makes truck accident cases different on I-35E, SH 121, or PGBT?
• How is evidence gathered and preserved in a Carrollton car crash case?
• Where might your case be filed and what should you expect in a Texas civil lawsuit?
• How do settlements and healthcare or government liens work in Texas?
• What if the at-fault driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
• What common defenses might the other side raise in a Texas auto case?
• How do contingency fees and case costs usually work for a Carrollton car accident case?
• How do wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims work in Carrollton, TX?
• Why is contacting a DFW car accident lawyer early so important?
• How can GoSuits Injury Law help and where do we practice?
• Authoritative resources cited

What should you do right after a car crash in Carrollton, TX?

If you are involved in a collision on I-35E, Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121), President George Bush Turnpike (SH 190), Belt Line Rd, Trinity Mills, or anywhere in Carrollton, your safety comes first. Move to a safe location if you can do so safely, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries. Call 911 to request police and medical help. Texas law requires drivers involved in crashes to stop, exchange information, and render reasonable aid when someone is injured.

• Duty to stop and remain at the scene when a crash results in injury or death: see Texas Transportation Code § 550.021.
• Duty to stop and exchange information for crashes involving only damage: see § 550.022.
• Duty to give information and render aid: see § 550.023.
• Immediate crash reporting requirements to local law enforcement: see § 550.026.
• When police must make a written report of a crash: see § 550.062.

Practical steps you can take after you call 911:

• Photograph vehicle positions, damage, debris, skid marks, traffic signals, weather, and lighting conditions. Include road signs and nearby businesses in Downtown Carrollton, Castle Hills, Indian Creek, Hebron, Josey Ranch, Addison, Farmers Branch, Lewisville, Plano, The Colony, or Coppell that may have exterior cameras.
• Collect names, contact information, and insurance details for all drivers, plus contact information for witnesses.
• Note the exact location and direction of travel, such as northbound I-35E near Belt Line Rd or eastbound PGBT near Josey Ln.
• Seek medical evaluation promptly even if you feel okay. Symptoms can appear later, and records help connect injuries to the crash.
• Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Stick to facts when speaking with police.
• Notify your insurer as soon as reasonably possible, keeping your statements factual.

Texas has faced at least one traffic fatality every day since November 7, 2000, a stark reminder that even familiar commutes can turn serious in a moment. See Texas Department of Transportation.

If you or a loved one is hurt, a car accident lawyer in Carrollton can help investigate, preserve evidence, and communicate with insurers while you focus on your health. These cases often turn on details gathered early, especially when responsibility is disputed.

How do Texas fault and comparative responsibility rules affect your claim?

Texas uses a modified comparative responsibility system. You can recover damages reduced by your percentage of responsibility, as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible. If you are 51 percent or more responsible, you cannot recover damages from the other party.

• This rule is set by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001.
• Fault allocation among multiple parties is governed by Chapter 33, which addresses proportionate responsibility, contribution, and settlement credits.

What this means for you in practical terms:

• For plaintiffs: Evidence of the other driver’s speeding, distraction, tailgating, unsafe lane change, or intoxication can be critical. So can countering claims that you were speeding on SH 121, failed to yield at a Trinity Mills intersection, or followed too closely on I-35E.
• For defendants: You will want to document the plaintiff’s conduct, road conditions, sudden emergencies, or third-party fault such as a roadway hazard or a vehicle defect, and request proportionate responsibility allocations to all responsible actors.
• For both sides: Early scene photos and data from vehicles, event data recorders, dashcams, and nearby businesses along Belt Line Rd or PGBT can shift the responsibility analysis.

How long do you have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?

Texas generally provides two years to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage arising from a motor vehicle crash.

• Two-year limitations period: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003.
• Wrongful death actions also generally must be filed within two years: § 16.003 and Chapter 71.

If a governmental unit is involved, strict notice rules apply and can be shorter than two years:

• Texas Tort Claims Act notice requirement is generally within six months of the incident: § 101.101.
• Certain city charters or ordinances may set earlier notice deadlines that can still apply under state law: § 101.101(b).

There are exceptions that can extend or shorten deadlines, including for minors or claims involving product defects. The safest approach is to speak with a Carrollton personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so evidence can be preserved and deadlines are tracked.

What compensation can you seek after a crash in Denton, Dallas, or Collin County?

In a Texas civil case, recoverable damages depend on the evidence and legal theories. Common categories include:

• Medical expenses reasonably related to crash injuries. Texas law permits proof of the reasonableness and necessity of medical bills through affidavits in some situations: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 18.001.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity. Texas requires proof of loss of earnings net of income taxes in certain cases: § 18.091.
• Property damage to your vehicle and personal items.
• Non-economic damages such as physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and disfigurement where supported by evidence.
• Exemplary damages in appropriate cases, subject to proof and statutory caps. See definitions and caps in § 41.001 and the cap formula in § 41.008.

For wrongful death under Chapter 71, certain family members may recover damages such as pecuniary loss and loss of companionship, and an estate may pursue a survival claim for damages the person could have recovered had they lived. See Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71.

A Carrollton car accident attorney can help document the impact of injuries on your daily life, work, and family, and address defenses such as proportionate responsibility or mitigation.

What insurance applies in Texas car, rideshare, and uninsured driver collisions?

Texas law addresses several kinds of coverage that may apply after a Carrollton crash on I-35E, SH 121, or PGBT.

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What minimum liability insurance must Texas drivers carry?

Texas requires 30/60/25 minimum liability limits, which means:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 total per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

See the Texas Department of Insurance overview of minimum auto liability requirements: TDI. Minimum limits often do not cover the full cost of serious injuries, so additional coverages can be important.

How do PIP and MedPay work in Texas?

• Personal Injury Protection is offered on Texas auto policies and can pay medical bills and some lost income regardless of fault. See TDI: Auto insurance coverages and Texas Insurance Code § 1952.151.
• Medical Payments coverage is optional and pays medical expenses without wage benefits. See TDI.

What is UM/UIM coverage and why does it matter?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is designed to pay when an at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. Texas insurers must offer UM/UIM, and you can reject it in writing if you choose not to carry it. See Texas Insurance Code § 1952.101 and related provisions.

UM/UIM claims often require proving the other driver’s liability and damages, and they can involve unique policy requirements. A Carrollton personal injury lawyer can navigate those steps and timelines.

How does rideshare (Uber, Lyft) coverage work in Texas?

Texas law specifies coverage amounts for transportation network company drivers, which depend on the driver’s app status:

• App on, not yet matched with a rider: at least $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. See Texas Insurance Code § 1954.052.
• Matched with a rider or during a trip: at least $1,000,000 for death, bodily injury, and property damage. See § 1954.053.

If you were hurt in a rideshare crash in Carrollton, coverage can stack across the driver’s personal policy, the rideshare policy, and your own UM/UIM. The facts and timing matter, especially on busy corridors like I-35E or SH 121.

What happens if a governmental vehicle is involved?

Claims involving city, county, or state vehicles follow the Texas Tort Claims Act. Damage caps and notice rules apply:

• Liability caps for municipalities generally include $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, plus $100,000 for property damage. See Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 101.023.
• Notice requirements are strict. See § 101.101.

What makes truck accident cases different on I-35E, SH 121, or PGBT?

Crashes with commercial trucks and 18-wheelers often involve federal safety rules, corporate policies, and electronic data that must be preserved quickly. Common issues include hours-of-service compliance, driver qualification, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement.

• Hours of Service limits for property-carrying drivers are set by 49 C.F.R. Part 395, including the 11-hour driving limit and required rest breaks.
• Electronic logging device and records of duty status retention requirements are found at 49 C.F.R. § 395.8, including a six-month retention period for certain records.
• Commercial driver’s license standards are set in 49 C.F.R. Part 383.

On corridors like I-35E and SH 121, truck traffic is heavy. Preserving electronic control module data, ELD data, dispatch texts, and inspection records can be decisive. Both plaintiffs and defendants benefit when key data is preserved early through litigation holds and prompt investigation.

How is evidence gathered and preserved in a Carrollton car crash case?

Evidence wins or loses cases. In Carrollton, much of what you need can be gathered quickly with the right requests:

• Police crash reports and supplemental reports for Denton County, Dallas County, or Collin County collisions, along with bodycam, dashcam, and 911 recordings when available.
• Photographs, surveillance video from nearby businesses in Downtown Carrollton or along Belt Line Rd, and dashcam footage.
• Vehicle data from event data recorders showing speed, braking, and seatbelt status.
• Medical records and billing affidavits under § 18.001 to streamline proof of damages.
• Cell phone records where distraction is suspected.

Texas allows formal discovery in civil cases, governed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Evidence. You can find statewide rules on the Texas Judicial Branch site. Preservation letters and early motions can help prevent loss of recordings or electronic data. Defendants can likewise request medical, employment, and social media records when relevant to evaluate claims.

Where might your case be filed and what should you expect in a Texas civil lawsuit?

Carrollton spans Denton, Dallas, and Collin counties. Depending on where the crash occurred or where defendants reside, a case may be filed in the appropriate county’s district or county court. Justice courts may hear smaller claims.

• Texas trial courts structure and jurisdiction are explained by the Texas Judicial Branch.
• Justice Courts have civil jurisdiction up to $20,000. See Texas Government Code § 27.031.

What to expect:

• Pleadings: Plaintiffs file an original petition, defendants file an answer, and parties may assert cross-claims or third-party claims to bring in other responsible parties.
• Discovery: Interrogatories, document requests, depositions, and expert disclosures under Texas rules. Many courts encourage or order mediation.
• Pretrial: Motions can shape what the jury sees. Medical bill affidavits and counter-affidavits under § 18.001 are common.
• Trial: Texas civil juries typically require a five-sixths verdict in district court, though procedures vary by court. See Texas rules on the Texas Judicial Branch site.
• Appeal: Post-judgment motions and appeals follow strict deadlines and standards of review.

A local Carrollton car accident lawyer familiar with Denton County, Dallas County, and Collin County practices can guide you through these steps.

How do settlements and healthcare or government liens work in Texas?

Settlement funds may be subject to liens or reimbursement claims. These must be identified and addressed before funds are disbursed.

• Hospital liens: Texas law allows hospitals and certain providers to claim a lien for emergency care provided within 72 hours after an injury. See Texas Property Code Chapter 55.
• Medicare: The Medicare Secondary Payer Act requires repayment of conditional payments from settlements. See 42 U.S.C. § 1395y(b) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance at CMS.
• Medicaid and certain ERISA plans may also assert reimbursement rights depending on plan language and state or federal law.

Properly handling liens can help avoid delays and post-settlement disputes. Counsel can negotiate with providers and coordinate with Medicare or Medicaid as needed.

What if the at-fault driver was uninsured or fled the scene?

Uninsured motorist and hit-and-run situations happen on busy DFW corridors. Your options may include:

• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage under your own policy, if you purchased it. See Texas Insurance Code § 1952.101.
• Personal Injury Protection benefits that may help with medical costs and some lost income regardless of fault. See § 1952.151.
• Rideshare or employer coverage if the at-fault driver was on the job or in a rideshare status.

For hit-and-run claims, prompt reporting to police and your insurer can be important. An attorney can help gather camera footage from nearby businesses in Carrollton and contact potential witnesses.

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What common defenses might the other side raise in a Texas auto case?

Defendants and insurers may raise several defenses, and plaintiffs should be ready to address them with facts and law:

• Comparative responsibility under § 33.001, arguing you share fault for speeding, inattention, or violating a right-of-way rule.
• Failure to mitigate damages, claiming you delayed treatment or did not follow medical recommendations.
• Preexisting conditions or alternative causes for your injuries.
• Policy defenses in UM/UIM or PIP claims based on notice, cooperation, or exclusions.
• Liability caps or immunities for governmental entities under the Texas Tort Claims Act, see Chapter 101.

Evidence, credible medical documentation, and adherence to procedural rules help address these defenses from either side of the case.

How do contingency fees and case costs usually work for a Carrollton car accident case?

In many personal injury cases, lawyers work on a contingency fee. This means the fee is a percentage of the recovery and is paid at the end of the case, if there is a recovery. Case costs such as filing fees, records, experts, and depositions are usually advanced by the law firm and reimbursed from the recovery as outlined in your fee agreement. If there is no recovery, you should understand how your agreement treats advanced costs.

Discuss percentages, when they may change, and how costs are handled before signing. A clear written agreement helps you avoid surprises and keeps everyone aligned.

How do wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims work in Carrollton, TX?

When a crash causes the loss of a loved one in Carrollton, immediate family may bring a wrongful death action. The estate can also bring a survival claim. These actions are governed by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71 and typically must be filed within two years, see § 16.003.

Catastrophic injury cases such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or severe burns require careful life-care planning and vocational analysis to document future costs and losses. Coordination with treating providers and forensic economists is common. Defendants often request independent medical examinations and vocational assessments, which your counsel can manage.

Why is contacting a DFW car accident lawyer early so important?

Early action helps because:

• Evidence disappears. Surveillance video on a business along Josey Ln or Belt Line Rd might overwrite in days.
• Commercial carrier records have retention periods under federal rules. See 49 C.F.R. § 395.8 for ELD record retention.
• Notice deadlines apply for city, county, and state claims under § 101.101.
• Insurers start building their case immediately. Getting your side documented early levels the field.

A local auto accident lawyer in Carrollton can help you understand options, coordinate medical documentation, and protect your claim while you recover.

How can GoSuits Injury Law help and where do we practice?

Your search for a car accident lawyer Carrollton or car accident attorney Carrollton TX likely means you want clear answers and a plan. A free consultation with a personal injury lawyer can help you:

• Understand Texas fault and insurance rules that apply to your facts.
• Identify all potentially responsible parties, from negligent drivers to employers and bars under dram shop laws.
• Preserve time-sensitive evidence such as camera footage, vehicle data, and commercial logs.
• Estimate medical, wage, and future care needs with a practical roadmap for the claim.

GoSuits Injury Law represents clients across Texas, including Carrollton, Denton County, Dallas County, Collin County, and the greater Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. We also handle cases across nearby communities such as Farmers Branch, Addison, Lewisville, The Colony, Plano, and Coppell.

We use a technology-driven approach from day one. Our proprietary case software helps us collect records faster, analyze liability data, and track lien resolution so your case moves without unnecessary delays. This platform centralizes crash scene data, policy limits information, and medical updates, helping us move from intake to demand with fewer bottlenecks.

Innovation matters in litigation. Our team leverages data mapping for collision corridors like I-35E and SH 121, applies automated evidence requests to preserve video from local businesses, and uses structured medical summaries that align with Texas evidentiary rules, including affidavits under § 18.001. We bring courtroom experience to negotiations, which can help when insurers evaluate risk. Trials are sometimes necessary. When that happens, having a team with substantial trial experience can influence strategy, discovery, and settlement posture.

Our lawyers have 30 years of combined experience handling Texas personal injury litigation, including rear-end collisions, rideshare incidents, multi-vehicle crashes on PGBT, truck accidents along I-35E, catastrophic injury claims, and wrongful death actions. We have obtained meaningful recoveries for clients in a range of cases, and you can review representative results here: GoSuits prior cases. Past outcomes depend on facts and law, and results vary with each case.

Practice areas include:

• Car and auto collisions across DFW
• Truck and commercial vehicle crashes
• Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft
• Wrongful death and survival claims
• Catastrophic injury matters

If you are looking for a Carrollton car accident lawyer near me, we are available to talk about what happened and how we can help. A free consultation can clarify timelines, evidence needs, and insurance paths so you can make informed decisions.

Authoritative resources cited

• Texas Transportation Code, Duties After Accident and Crash Reporting: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.550.htm
• Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Proportionate Responsibility: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.33.htm
• Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Limitations: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.16.htm#16.003
• Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Wrongful Death: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.71.htm
• Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Exemplary Damages: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.41.htm#41.008
• Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Medical and Wage Proof: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.18.htm#18.001; https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.18.htm#18.091
• Texas Tort Claims Act, Notice and Caps: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.101.htm
• Texas Government Code, Justice Court Jurisdiction: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.27.htm#27.031
• Texas Property Code, Hospital Liens: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.55.htm
• Medicare Secondary Payer Act: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/1395y; CMS overview: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coordination-benefits-recovery/overview/medicare-secondary-payer
• Texas Department of Insurance, Auto Coverages and Minimums: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html; https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/buying-auto-insurance.html
• Texas Insurance Code, UM/UIM and PIP: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.1952.htm#1952.101; https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.1952.htm#1952.151
• Texas Insurance Code, Rideshare Insurance: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.1954.htm
• Texas Judicial Branch, About Texas Courts and Rules: https://www.txcourts.gov/about-texas-courts/; https://www.txcourts.gov/rules-forms/rules-standards/
• TxDOT End The Streak: https://www.txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns/end-the-streak.html
• NHTSA, Economic Cost of Crashes: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/economic-cost-of-motor-vehicle-crashes
• FMCSA and eCFR, Trucking Regulations: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-395; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-383; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-395.8
• Texas State Law Library, Car Accidents Guide: https://guides.sll.texas.gov/car-accidents