What To Do After a Car Accident in Dallas
A car crash can leave anyone shaken. Whether it happened on I-35E, the Dallas North Tollway, or a busy downtown street, what you do next can affect your health and your claim.
Here’s what to do right away:
1. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor to document injuries.
2. Contact law enforcement to file a report with the Dallas Police Department.
3. Gather information. Take photos, exchange contact and insurance details, and note witnesses.
4. Avoid recorded statements with insurers until you understand your rights.
5. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible. A Dallas car accident attorney can review your situation and explain next steps.
Quick legal guidance can make the process easier and help you avoid costly mistakes later.make your accident recovery even more stressful.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Dallas
Dallas traffic is heavy, and wrecks happen every day. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were more than 35,000 crashes in Dallas in 2024, resulting in thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities.
Some of the most common causes our car crash lawyers in Dallas see include:
- Distracted driving (phone use, GPS, or eating while driving)
- Speeding and unsafe lane changes
- Running red lights or stop signs at intersections
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Following too closely (tailgating)
Many tollway crashes occur along I-635 or the Dallas North Tollway, where high speeds and congestion often lead to multi-vehicle collisions.
Common Injuries After a Dallas Car Accident
Auto accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Some are visible right away; others develop over time. Our Dallas accident lawyers assist clients facing:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Cuts, bruises, and internal organ injuries
- Chronic pain or post-traumatic stress
Medical documentation is critical. The more clearly your injuries are connected to the crash, the stronger your claim will be.
Who May Be Liable After a Dallas Car Accident
Liability in a Dallas car wreck isn’t always straightforward. More than one person or entity may share responsibility for your injuries.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The at-fault driver
- The vehicle’s owner, if different from the driver
- A manufacturer that sold a defective part
- A mechanic or repair shop that performed faulty work
- A government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions
Our firm investigates every detail — police reports, medical records, witness statements, and available video — to identify everyone who may be responsible.
Understanding Negligence in Texas
Texas law requires drivers to act with reasonable care on the road. When they don’t, and their actions cause injury, that’s negligence.
To recover compensation, your claim must show:
1. The other driver owed you a duty of care.
2. They breached that duty (for example, by texting while driving).
3. Their breach caused your injuries.
4. You suffered measurable losses such as medical bills or lost income.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover damages. If you’re 50% or less responsible, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

What Compensation Can Cover
After a serious motor vehicle accident in Dallas, bills and stress can build up quickly. Compensation, also known as damages, is designed to help you recover financially and emotionally.
Depending on your case, you may be able to pursue:
- Medical expenses (past and future treatment)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Every case is different. Our Dallas car accident lawyers evaluate damages using your medical records, pay stubs, and expert analysis to make sure nothing is overlooked.
How The Godsey Law Firm Helps After a Car Accident
As a Dallas personal injury law firm, we manage every stage of your case from start to finish. Our goal is to give you clarity, confidence, and fair compensation.
Here’s how we help:
1. Free consultation. We’ll review your case and explain your legal options.
2. Evidence gathering. We collect crash reports, witness statements, and other documentation.
3. Medical coordination. We help ensure your treatment and records are properly organized.
4. Claim management. We handle communication and negotiation with insurers.
5. Trial preparation. If fair compensation isn’t offered, we’re ready to represent you in court.
We believe strong cases are built on preparation and clear communication. You’ll always know where your case stands and what happens next.
Texas Deadlines for Filing a Car Accident Claim
Texas law gives most injury victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Missing that deadline can mean losing your right to compensation.
Some situations — such as claims involving government vehicles — have even shorter notice periods. That’s why it’s important to contact a Dallas car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the wreck.
What Steps Can You Take To Stay Safe on the Road?
The Texas Department of Transportation recommends several safe driving tips to keep you safe on Dallas roads:
- Always obey traffic signals, posted speed limits, signs, and markings. This ensures the safety of everyone on the road.
- Be courteous to other drivers.
- Stay alert, eliminate any distractions, and focus on driving when behind the wheel. Put your phone away or turn it off.
- Slow down in poor weather.
- Pass carefully when it’s legal and safe.
- Never drink and drive or drive while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, or medications that cause drowsiness.
- Slow down or move over for flashing lights, including law enforcement vehicles, emergency vehicles, and tow trucks that may stop along the side of the road.
What Our Clients Say
Our Team of Attorneys are Available 24/7
Our legal team, located in Dallas and Houston, understands the steps that need to be taken to help accident victims get their life back on track. We will stand by your side throughout the entire legal process, fighting the insurance companies and the negligent driver responsible in order to provide you the money and justice you deserve. Click or call us today to begin your case.
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