If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas—whether it was a car crash, truck collision, slip and fall, or dog bite—you may be wondering what to do next. Will insurance cover it? Should you file a claim? Do you need a lawyer?
This guide breaks down the most important things to know about personal injury claims in Dallas, including how the process works, what types of compensation you can recover, and how an experienced attorney can help protect your rights.
What Qualifies as a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim arises when someone is harmed because of another person or company’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. These claims seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Common types of personal injury claims in Dallas include:
- Car and truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Slip and fall injuries
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Defective products
- Workplace injuries
- Wrongful death
To pursue a claim, the injured party must prove that the at-fault person or entity owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the injury.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim?
Technically, no—but it’s almost always a good idea. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. An experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer will know how to negotiate on your behalf and prevent costly mistakes.
A lawyer can help with:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Gathering evidence (photos, medical records, witness statements)
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Calculating full damages
- Filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered
If you’re dealing with serious injuries or high medical bills, legal representation could significantly increase your final payout.
What Should I Do After an Injury?
After any type of accident, take the following steps to protect your health and your case:
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Seek Immediate Medical Care
Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries—like internal bleeding or concussions—can take hours or days to appear. Medical records will also serve as key evidence in your claim.
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Document the Scene
Take photos or videos of the accident scene, visible injuries, vehicle damage, or any hazard (like a wet floor). Gather contact info from witnesses.
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Report the Incident
File a police report (for auto accidents), notify a store or property owner (for slip and falls), or complete a workplace injury report if the incident occurred on the job.
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Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Compensation depends on the nature of your injury, your medical needs, and the impact on your daily life.
Economic Damages:
- Emergency room and hospital costs
- Surgery, rehab, and follow-up care
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages from missed work
- Future lost earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium (in wrongful death cases)
- Scarring or disfigurement
In rare cases, Texas law may allow punitive damages to punish gross negligence or intentional harm.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Texas?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the injury. However, there are some exceptions:
- For claims involving government entities, notice must be given within 6 months
- For minors or disabled individuals, the timeline may be extended
- For delayed discovery (e.g., defective medical products), the clock may start later
Waiting too long can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer early in the process.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take?
Each case is different. Some claims are resolved in a matter of months, while others can take over a year—especially if the case goes to trial.
Factors that affect the timeline:
- Severity of your injuries
- Length of medical treatment
- Disputes over liability
- Willingness of the insurance company to settle
- Whether a lawsuit is filed
While it can be frustrating to wait, rushing to accept a low settlement could leave you without the resources you need to fully recover.
How Is Fault Determined in Texas?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means:
- If you are 0–50% at fault: you can recover compensation, but it will be reduced based on your share of the blame
- If you are more than 50% at fault: you cannot recover any compensation
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000. A good lawyer can help gather evidence to minimize your share of fault and maximize your recovery.
Common Personal Injury Scenarios in Dallas
Motor Vehicle Accidents
High-speed roads like I-635 and I-30 are frequent sites of car crashes and rear-end collisions. If you’ve been injured in a car or truck crash, visit our Dallas truck accident attorney page for more details on next steps.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. Wet floors, poor lighting, or broken stairs can result in serious injuries.
Dog Bites
Under Texas law, dog owners may be held liable if they knew their dog was dangerous or failed to control it.
Workplace Accidents
If a third party (e.g., contractor or equipment manufacturer) contributed to a workplace injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim outside of workers’ compensation.
Is My Case Worth It?
The value of your claim depends on a variety of factors, including:
- The extent of your medical treatment
- The impact on your ability to work
- The emotional toll of your injury
- Whether long-term care is required
- Liability and available insurance coverage
During your free consultation, your attorney can give you a better idea of what your case may be worth.
What External Resources Can Help?
The Texas Department of Insurance offers helpful information about accident claims and your rights as a consumer. It’s a great place to learn more about how insurance works in personal injury cases.
Why Choose Zinda Law Group?
Zinda Law Group has handled thousands of personal injury cases throughout Texas—including right here in Dallas. Clients choose us because we offer:
- Free, no-obligation consultations
- No fees unless we win your case
- Aggressive representation backed by trial experience
- Local knowledge of Dallas courts and insurers
- A client-first approach from start to finish
Our firm is led by Jack Zinda, a nationally recognized personal injury attorney known for securing results in high-stakes litigation.
Talk to a Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Call 800-863-5312 or visit https://www.zdfirm.com/contact-us/ to schedule your free consultation with a Dallas personal injury attorney today.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
