Do I really need a lawyer after a Texas accident?

If you have injuries, lost wages, disputed fault, or an insurer pressuring you to settle, a Texas personal injury lawyer helps preserve evidence, value the claim correctly, and protect your rights.

How does Texas comparative negligence affect my case?

Texas uses modified comparative negligence. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover; if 50% or less, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

What is the statute of limitations in Texas?

Most Texas personal injury claims have a two-year deadline from the date of the crash. Some claims, including those involving government entities, have earlier notice requirements.

Will the insurer pay my medical bills as I go?

Usually no. Most bills are resolved through settlement or verdict. Your PIP/MedPay or health insurance may help in the meantime.

Can a lawyer increase my settlement?

Experienced attorneys uncover all liable parties and insurance, build medical and economic proof, and negotiate or litigate for full value—often exceeding unrepresented offers.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case

When a sudden accident disrupts your life in Texas, the challenges can be overwhelming—medical bills piling up, calls from insurance adjusters, time away from work, and the stress of navigating the legal system. Many people wonder whether hiring a personal injury lawyer is really necessary. The truth is, having an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer on your side can mean the difference between walking away with a fraction of what you deserve and securing the full compensation you need to rebuild your life.

At Francis Injury, we’ve helped clients across Fort Worth, Dallas, and throughout Texas stand up to powerful insurance companies and negligent corporations. Here’s why hiring a lawyer after a serious accident isn’t just an option—it’s often the smartest move you can make.

Texas Law Makes Personal Injury Claims Complex

Texas personal injury cases are governed by a mix of statutes, case law, and procedural rules. Victims without legal representation often miss critical deadlines or misunderstand their rights. A skilled attorney ensures your claim is handled correctly from the start.

Statute of Limitations: In Texas, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover compensation. If you are less than 50% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance Rules: Texas requires 30/60/25 liability coverage, but commercial policies in cases like truck accidents can be far larger and more complex to navigate.

Insurance Companies Aren’t On Your Side

After an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely reach out quickly. They may act friendly, but their goal is to save money—not to help you. Adjusters are trained to:

Convince you to give a recorded statement they can use against you.
Push for a fast settlement that undervalues your case.
Request broad medical authorizations to dig through unrelated history.
Argue that your injuries were pre-existing or exaggerated.

Having a Texas personal injury lawyer means you don’t face insurers alone. Your lawyer handles communications, fights lowball tactics, and ensures you don’t sign away your rights. Learn more in our guide on dealing with insurance companies.

Lawyers Know How To Prove Negligence

Winning a case in Texas requires evidence—often the kind only a lawyer can secure before it disappears. Attorneys at Francis Injury send spoliation letters to preserve black box data, camera footage, and trucking logs. We also work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to build the strongest case possible.

Police reports and 911 audio
Electronic logging device (ELD) and black box data in truck cases
Witness testimony and expert analysis
Medical records and long-term treatment plans

The Value Of Your Case Depends On Strong Representation

Compensation in a personal injury case covers much more than immediate medical bills. With experienced legal representation, you can pursue damages for:

Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Disfigurement and physical impairment
Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one (see our page on Texas wrongful death claims)

Local Experience Matters In DFW Courts

Personal injury law isn’t just about knowing statutes and legal principles—it’s about understanding how those laws are applied in real courtrooms. In North Texas, every county court has its own nuances, traditions, and unwritten rules. That means your choice of lawyer can have a major impact on how your case progresses. When you hire a firm deeply rooted in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, like Francis Injury, you’re choosing a team with hands-on experience across local jurisdictions, judges, and defense counsel.

Understanding Local Court Procedures

Each county in the DFW Metroplex—Tarrant, Dallas, Denton, Collin, and surrounding areas—operates with slightly different procedural expectations. Some courts may strictly enforce filing deadlines and discovery schedules, while others allow more flexibility. Some judges prefer concise written motions; others rely heavily on oral arguments. A lawyer unfamiliar with those preferences can easily misstep, creating delays or jeopardizing the strength of your case. Attorneys at Francis Injury have appeared before these judges countless times and know exactly how to tailor filings and presentations for each courtroom.

Local Knowledge Of Judges And Juries

Judges in Tarrant County may have different expectations than judges in Dallas County. Likewise, juries drawn from Fort Worth neighborhoods may view personal injury claims differently than jurors from Collin or Denton counties. Local lawyers recognize these differences and can prepare strategies accordingly. For example, a Fort Worth jury may be more skeptical of large non-economic damage awards, while a Dallas jury might be more open to considering the full impact of pain and suffering. Experienced trial lawyers can frame arguments in ways that resonate with local values, increasing the likelihood of a favorable verdict.

Familiarity With Local Defense Attorneys And Insurers

Most defense firms representing trucking companies, hospitals, or insurers in North Texas are repeat players in these courts. They know which strategies tend to work—and which don’t. The attorneys at Francis Injury have negotiated, mediated, and litigated against many of these same defense lawyers. That familiarity provides an edge: we anticipate their arguments, recognize their negotiation styles, and know when they’re bluffing versus when they’re serious. This allows us to push back against unfair tactics and secure stronger settlements for our clients before cases even reach trial.

Reputation Matters At The Negotiating Table

Insurance companies in Texas carefully track which law firms are willing to fight and which will fold under pressure. Firms with little courtroom experience often accept inadequate offers rather than risk trial. Francis Injury is known throughout Fort Worth and Dallas as a trial-ready firm. Our willingness to take cases to court—combined with a track record of strong verdicts—often compels insurers to put more money on the table during negotiations. Simply put, when defense lawyers know who they’re up against, it changes how they approach settlement discussions.

Community Connections Strengthen Your Case

Being based in the DFW area also means we have strong ties to local experts and resources. Whether it’s accident reconstruction specialists familiar with I-35 trucking corridors, medical experts from Dallas hospitals, or vocational experts in Fort Worth who can testify about future lost earning capacity, we know whom to call. These trusted relationships speed up case preparation and provide credible, locally recognized testimony that juries respect.

Examples Of Local Advantage

Consider a trucking accident on Loop 820 in Fort Worth. A local firm like Francis Injury understands how to obtain traffic camera footage from city sources, identify which trucking companies frequently operate along the I-35 corridor, and pinpoint medical providers in Tarrant County who can document the extent of your injuries. Similarly, in a Dallas County slip-and-fall case, our lawyers know how property owners and insurers in that jurisdiction typically defend claims and can counter those arguments with proven strategies. This depth of local insight can turn a difficult case into a successful one.

Accessibility For Clients

Choosing a local firm isn’t just about strategy in court—it’s about convenience and accessibility. Clients in Fort Worth and Dallas can meet us face-to-face, drop off documents at our office, and feel confident knowing their lawyer is nearby. That accessibility builds trust and allows us to provide personalized service at every step of the process. Out-of-town firms may rely heavily on phone calls or remote appearances, but having a local advocate means you have someone invested in your community and available when you need them.

Why Francis Injury Stands Out

With years of experience handling serious injury cases in North Texas, Francis Injury has built a reputation for aggressive advocacy and compassionate client service. Our attorneys are not only familiar with Texas law but also respected in DFW courtrooms. That combination of legal skill and local knowledge ensures that your case receives the strongest possible representation. Whether you’re facing a car accident, trucking collision, workplace injury, or wrongful death claim, we know how to navigate the unique challenges of North Texas courts to maximize your recovery.

Bottom line: Hiring a lawyer with local experience in DFW courts isn’t just a small advantage—it can be the deciding factor in whether you walk away with fair compensation or struggle with bills and lost wages. At Francis Injury, our deep understanding of Fort Worth and Dallas legal landscapes means we’re always prepared to fight for the results you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Really Need A Lawyer For Every Accident?

Not every accident requires an attorney, but if you suffered serious injuries, lost wages, or face disputed liability, having a lawyer in Texas is highly recommended.

What Does It Cost To Hire A Texas Personal Injury Lawyer?

Most firms, including Francis Injury, work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing up front, and fees come only from a successful settlement or verdict.

Can A Lawyer Really Get Me A Higher Settlement?

Yes. Studies consistently show represented claimants recover significantly more than those who go it alone. Lawyers know how to uncover hidden policies, document damages, and push back against low offers.

How Soon Should I Call A Lawyer After An Accident?

The sooner the better. Early involvement helps preserve evidence, stop insurer pressure, and avoid missed deadlines under Texas law.

Take Action Today

If you’ve been injured in Texas, don’t leave your recovery in the hands of an insurance company. Contact the team at Francis Injury today for a free case evaluation. We fight for victims across Fort Worth, Dallas, and throughout Texas.