A car crash can upend routines, cause serious injuries, and leave lasting effects on your health and finances. When another driver’s carelessness leads to such losses, having a skilled Lancaster car accident lawyer can make a meaningful difference in how your claim is handled and the outcome you achieve.
DFW Injury Lawyers represents injured Texans with the goal of holding negligent drivers accountable and helping victims pursue fair financial recovery. If you’ve been hurt in a collision or lost someone you love in Lancaster, you can reach out to our team for a free consultation.
Key Takeaways: Lancaster Car Accidents
- Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages if you're less than 51% at fault for the accident.
- The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident, making prompt action essential.
- Texas is an at-fault state, so the responsible driver's insurance company is liable for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records plays a critical role in proving fault and maximizing your settlement.
- Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements, but having legal representation typically results in significantly higher compensation.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Lancaster?
Every decision you make after a collision affects your safety and your ability to file a successful claim later. These steps help protect your health and your rights.
Call 911 and Request Police Assistance
Law enforcement should always document the scene. A police report often becomes a key piece of evidence that details who was involved, what likely caused the crash, and any citations issued. Officers who respond will also ensure the area is safe and emergency medical care is provided if needed.
Seek Medical Attention Even If You Feel Fine
Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. A medical exam creates an official record that links your injuries to the accident, which becomes valuable evidence later.
Document the Accident Scene
Use your phone to photograph vehicle positions, license plates, damage, road signs, and weather conditions. Try to capture wide-angle shots and close-ups. The more visual information you have, the harder it is for an insurer to dispute your claim.
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Request names, contact details, license numbers, and insurance information from everyone involved. Avoid discussing blame or fault while doing so.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the crash as soon as you can. Provide basic details, but avoid speculating about fault or giving recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Even a simple apology may be interpreted as admitting liability. Let investigators and attorneys determine responsibility based on the facts.
What Types of Car Accidents Are Common in Lancaster?
Accidents in Lancaster occur in many forms, often influenced by local traffic patterns and road design.
Rear-End Collisions
Traffic congestion along West Main Street and near Interstate 35E frequently leads to rear-end impacts. These crashes often result from distracted driving or following too closely.
Intersection Accidents
Busy intersections like Pleasant Run Road and Bluegrove Road can become sites of side-impact crashes when drivers run red lights or fail to yield.
Highway and Freeway Crashes
High-speed crashes on I-35E or State Highway 342 often cause severe injuries. Speeding and unsafe lane changes contribute to many of these collisions.
Drunk Driving Accidents
When a driver operates a vehicle while impaired, the results can be devastating. Drunk driving accidents are preventable and often result in both criminal and civil liability.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Phone use, eating, or adjusting navigation systems can divert attention just long enough to cause a crash. Texting while driving remains a major cause of accidents throughout Lancaster.
How Is Fault Determined in Texas Car Accidents?
Fault determines who pays for your losses. Texas law focuses on evidence and percentages of responsibility.
Texas Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Under this rule, you can recover compensation if you’re less than 51% responsible. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you’re 20% at fault, your recovery may be reduced to $80,000.
Role of Police Reports in Establishing Fault
Police reports often describe the sequence of events, witness names, and any violations. While not absolute proof, they influence insurance adjusters and juries when determining who was responsible.
How Traffic Violations Affect Liability
Breaking traffic laws, such as speeding or running a stop sign, often indicates negligence. When a driver violates a law and causes harm, liability becomes easier to prove.
Multiple Party Liability Cases
Some accidents involve several vehicles or entities. For example, a trucking company might share blame if poor maintenance contributed to a crash involving its driver.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Lancaster Car Accident?
A successful claim aims to offset financial and personal losses caused by the collision.
Economic Damages
These include measurable costs like hospital bills, future medical treatment, lost income, and car repairs. Keeping all receipts and records helps document your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
These relate to quality of life losses such as pain, anxiety, loss of companionship, or reduced enjoyment of activities. These damages acknowledge how an accident changes daily living.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence
If the at-fault party acted with extreme disregard for others’ safety, a court may award punitive damages to discourage similar conduct.
Property Damage Claims
This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Texas?
Timing plays a major role in personal injury cases. Waiting too long may prevent you from pursuing compensation.
Texas Two-Year Statute of Limitations
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could bar you from taking legal action.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
Certain situations, such as accidents involving minors or government vehicles, may alter filing deadlines. Consulting an attorney helps clarify your timeline.
Why Acting Quickly Protects Your Rights
Evidence can fade and witnesses may become difficult to locate over time. Acting quickly allows your lawyer to preserve details while they’re fresh.
What If the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?
Uninsured drivers create additional complications, but legal options still exist.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Texas
This optional coverage protects you when an uninsured driver causes a crash. It pays for your medical care, lost income, and other covered losses.
Underinsured Motorist Claims
If the other driver’s policy doesn’t cover all your losses, underinsured coverage can help fill the gap up to your policy limits.
Legal Options Against Uninsured Drivers
In some cases, you can pursue the at-fault driver personally through a lawsuit, although collecting payment can be difficult without assets or income.
How Do Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims?
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, even when liability is clear. Knowing their tactics helps you protect your interests.
The Claims Process Timeline
After you report the crash, an adjuster investigates, reviews records, and estimates damages. Negotiations may follow, and settlements can take weeks or months depending on complexity.
Common Insurance Company Tactics to Reduce Payouts
Adjusters may argue that your injuries were preexisting, dispute medical bills, or downplay your pain. They sometimes offer low initial settlements hoping you’ll accept quickly.
Why Recorded Statements Can Harm Your Claim
Insurers often ask for recorded statements soon after an accident. Anything you say can be used to reduce your claim. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with your attorney.
When Insurance Companies Act in Bad Faith
If an insurer unreasonably delays, denies, or underpays your claim, you may have grounds for a bad faith lawsuit.
What Evidence Strengthens My Car Accident Case?
Strong evidence creates a clear link between the crash, the at-fault driver, and your losses.
Police Reports and Official Documentation
Police reports, citations, and official diagrams support your account of the crash.
Medical Records and Treatment History
Consistent medical documentation proves the extent of your injuries and connects them directly to the collision.
Photographic and Video Evidence
Photos, dashcam footage, or surveillance video provide visual proof of what happened and how severe the impact was.
Witness Testimony
Statements from bystanders or other drivers often clarify events leading up to the crash.
Expert Witnesses and Accident Reconstruction
In serious cases, experts may analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and scene data to recreate the event and support your claim.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Working with DFW Injury Lawyers allows you to focus on healing while our team handles the legal details.
Thorough Investigation of Your Accident
We collect evidence, speak to witnesses, and work with experts to build a detailed case that supports your claim.
Handling All Communication with Insurance Companies
Our team manages calls, letters, and negotiations so insurers deal directly with us instead of you.
Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim
We evaluate current and future losses, including medical treatment, reduced earning ability, and lifestyle changes.
Negotiating Maximum Settlements
We push for fair resolutions supported by evidence. If insurers underpay, we continue advocating for better outcomes.
Taking Your Case to Trial When Necessary
If insurers refuse to act responsibly, we prepare your case for court to hold the negligent party accountable.
Working on a Contingency Fee Basis
Our firm only receives payment when we successfully resolve your case through settlement or judgment, allowing you to pursue your claim without upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lancaster Car Accident Claims
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value depends on your medical expenses, lost wages, and how your injuries affect your daily life. Each case is unique, so accurate valuation requires reviewing all evidence and costs.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Even minor crashes can lead to hidden injuries or disputed claims. Consulting a lawyer helps ensure your rights and losses are properly addressed.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You may still recover damages under Texas’s comparative negligence rule as long as your share of fault is under 51%. Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
The process varies. Straightforward claims might resolve in a few months, while those involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take longer.
Will I have to go to court?
Most claims reach settlement before trial, but our attorneys prepare every case as if it could go to court to strengthen your position during negotiations.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Lancaster, TX, Now
Personal injury cases in Texas require prompt action to preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines. The sooner you contact DFW Injury Lawyers, the sooner our team can begin protecting your interests. We’ve helped many Lancaster residents pursue fair outcomes after serious collisions, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Call (469) 449-9966 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a dedicated Lancaster personal injury Lawyer today.