Have you ever seen an acrobat on a tightrope? Their life depends on their balance, but a safety net below gives them the confidence to cross. After an accident, your life can feel like walking that tightrope. DFW Injury Lawyers is your safety net.
We offer you the expert help of a Lancaster personal injury lawyer to give you peace of mind as you face one of the most difficult times of your life.
If you or a loved one has been injured by someone else's carelessness or negligence, you are not alone. Our team of lawyers is here to help you regain control of your life. With over 50 years of combined experience, we bring the necessary strength and knowledge to every case. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can fight for you.
Why Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lancaster?
After an accident, you might think you can handle the insurance claim on your own. However, insurance companies are not on your side; their goal is to pay as little as possible. Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Lancaster is not just a good idea, it's essential to protect your rights.
An attorney with experience in Texas law understands how the local Dallas County courts work and can create a strong strategy for your specific situation.
Your lawyer acts as your advocate and strategist. We handle the complicated negotiations, gather the necessary evidence, and help you avoid common mistakes that could reduce the money you receive or delay your case.
Here are some key ways a lawyer can help you:
- Accident Investigation: Your lawyer will conduct a complete investigation to gather all evidence, such as police reports, scene photos, security camera footage, and witness statements.
- Negotiation with Insurers: Insurance companies have teams of lawyers. We level the playing field, handling all communication and fighting for them to offer you fair compensation that covers all your expenses.
- Calculation of Damages: We don't just focus on today's medical bills; we also calculate future costs, such as therapies, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you have endured.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers uses a detailed and strategic approach, ensuring you feel supported and represented by experts. We handle a wide variety of injury cases in Lancaster and the surrounding areas.
Car Accidents
Lancaster's streets and highways, like I-35E, can be dangerous. If you've been in a car accident, you could be dealing with serious injuries like whiplash, broken bones, or even a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our team of car accident lawyers in Lancaster is ready to take on the most complex cases.
We establish who was at fault and negotiate with insurers to protect your rights and ensure you receive the money you need to fully recover.
Truck Accidents
Accidents with large trucks or semi-trailers almost always result in catastrophic injuries. These cases are very complex due to federal and state regulations for the trucking industry. A Lancaster personal injury lawyer who understands these rules is crucial.
We investigate the driver's records, the vehicle's maintenance, and whether the trucking company violated any safety standards. Our goal is to hold all parties accountable, from the driver to the company, to get the maximum compensation for you.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable on the road. Often, drivers of other vehicles don't see them or fail to respect their space. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, insurance companies might try to unfairly blame you.
We fight against these biases. We analyze road conditions and witness statements to build a solid case that proves the other driver's negligence.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Walking or biking through Lancaster should be safe, but distracted drivers can cause serious accidents. If you were hit by a vehicle, we can help you. We will fight to prove the driver was negligent and to get you fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, pain, and suffering.
Slip and Fall (Premises Liability)
Property owners in Texas, such as stores, restaurants, and apartment buildings, have a duty to keep their premises safe. If you were injured by a wet floor, a broken stair, poor lighting, or another hazardous condition, you may have the right to a claim.
We will gather evidence to prove that the property owner knew about the danger and did nothing to fix it.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one because of someone else's fault is a devastating tragedy. While no amount of money can replace your loss, a wrongful death lawsuit can help alleviate the financial burden and bring a sense of justice.
As your lawyers in Lancaster, we will handle your case with the utmost compassion. We will fight to recover funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.
Crucial Steps to Take After an Accident in Lancaster
Your actions immediately following an accident can have a major impact on your ability to receive fair compensation. Stay calm and follow these steps:
- Get Medical Attention: Go to a doctor or the emergency room as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some serious injuries, like concussions or internal damage, do not show symptoms right away.
- Document Everything: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant hazardous conditions. Talk to witnesses and ask for their contact information.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Be careful what you say. Do not apologize or admit any fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police. Do not speak to the other party's insurance adjuster before consulting an attorney.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
Every case is unique, so the value of your claim in Lancaster depends on many factors. There is no simple calculator, but we evaluate the following points to determine fair compensation:
- Economic Damages: These are the direct and easy-to-calculate costs of your accident. They include all your medical bills (past and future), the wages you lost from being unable to work, and the loss of your ability to earn money in the future if your injury is permanent.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are harder to calculate but are equally important. They cover the non-financial impact of the accident on your life, such as physical pain, emotional suffering, mental anguish, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
- The Other Party's Negligence: If the other party acted in an extremely reckless manner, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, it may be possible to claim punitive damages, which aim to punish the wrongdoer.
An experienced injury lawyer in Lancaster will evaluate all these factors to ensure you ask for the maximum amount possible, whether through a negotiated settlement or a court verdict.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Lancaster?
In Texas, there is a law called the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, this law gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
This deadline is very strict. If you do not file your case within those two years, you will almost certainly lose your right to claim compensation forever. There are some very rare exceptions, which is why it is vital to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Contacting a lawyer quickly also helps to preserve important evidence before it disappears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases in Lancaster
What Exactly Is Considered a Personal Injury Under the Law?
A personal injury is any harm to your body, mind, or emotions caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another person or entity. It is not limited to just car accidents. It can include anything from a slip in a store to an injury from a defective product. The key concept is that someone else had a duty to act with care, they failed to do so, and their failure caused your injury.
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Case?
The duration of a personal injury case can vary greatly. A simple case with clear injuries and obvious fault might be resolved in a few months. However, more complex cases, especially those involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or disputes over who was at fault, can take one to two years, or even longer if they go to trial.
A good lawyer will work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the value of your claim.
Will I Have to Go to Court to Win My Case?
The vast majority of personal injury cases (over 95%) are settled out of court through negotiated agreements. Insurance companies often prefer to settle to avoid the uncertainty and costs of a trial.
However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, a good lawyer must be prepared to take your case before a jury. The willingness to go to trial is often what forces insurers to offer a fair settlement.
What if the Accident Was Partially My Fault?
Texas follows a proportionate responsibility rule (sometimes called modified comparative negligence). This means you can still recover money for your injuries as long as you are found to be no more than 50% at fault for the accident.
If you are found partially at fault (for example, 20% at fault), your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. It's a key reason to have a lawyer who can defend you and minimize any blame assigned to you.
Why Is It Better to Hire a Local Lancaster Lawyer?
Hiring a local Lancaster law firm offers you significant advantages. A local lawyer knows the community well, the dangerous roads like I-35E, and has established relationships with local experts and staff in the Dallas County court system.
This familiarity with the local judges and procedures can be invaluable. Additionally, the office's proximity makes face-to-face meetings and communication easier, ensuring a more efficient and personal collaboration between you and your legal team.
Ready to Fight for the Compensation You Deserve?
When you hire the personal injury lawyers at DFW Injury Lawyers, you can expect total dedication to your case. We are your partner and your advocate every step of the way.
Don't let an injury define your future. Contact DFW Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our Lancaster personal injury lawyer be the safety net you need to get your life back. Call us now.