Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident in Fort Worth?
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. A skilled lawyer from Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., can offer the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
With 50 years of experience helping injured Texans, our legal team understands the toll car crashes take on victims’ lives. Our goal is to make recovering financial compensation as efficient and hassle-free as possible. When you work with one of our car accident attorneys, you’ll get an experienced advocate who will manage your car accident claim from start to finish.
Ready to get started? Call (214) 999-9999 or fill out our online contact form for a free initial consultation with a Fort Worth car accident lawyer.
Why Hire a Lawyer to Represent You in a Fort Worth Car Accident?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you in your car accident claim can strengthen your case and protect your rights. Without an attorney, you might not know how to accurately value your claim, leading you to accept a settlement for far less than you deserve. Insurance companies want to minimize payouts, and they have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to do just that. You’re at a significant disadvantage without a legal professional on your side. A skilled lawyer can fight for fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. They can also handle all the communication and settlement negotiations so you can focus on healing.
Why Choose Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., for Your Fort Worth Car Accident?
Your choice of attorney is one of the biggest decisions you can make. Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., is an excellent choice for several reasons. We have been serving Texans for over five decades, and our long history in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas means we know the local courts inside and out, giving you a significant edge in your car accident case.
Our team is experienced, friendly, and easy to talk to. We know that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful, so we strive to make the legal process as comfortable and straightforward as possible. The dedication of our staff members is evident in their long tenure, with an average of 25 years at the firm, which speaks volumes about our stability and commitment to excellence.
We know that many of our clients are concerned about the perceived cost of hiring an attorney. Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., addresses this understandable worry by offering our services on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront charges to start your case, and you only pay if we successfully recover money for you. Our initial consultation is free, so you can discuss your options with a trusted attorney with no strings attached.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Worth?
In the aftermath of a Fort Worth car accident, you should take several key steps to protect your rights and prepare for a potential claim. Doing the right things now can significantly impact the outcome of any legal or insurance proceedings that might follow. Follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries are not immediately apparent.
- Keep a record of all medical visits and treatments.
- Contact a knowledgeable car accident attorney as soon as possible.
- Inform your insurance company about the crash. Do not speculate about fault, make a recorded statement, or sign release forms without talking to a lawyer.
- Request a copy of the police accident report once it’s available.
- Save receipts for any expenses related to the collision, such as medical bills and paystubs.
- Do not post about the accident on social media.
- Keep a journal documenting how your injuries affect your daily life.
How Our Attorneys Can Help With Your Fort Worth Car Accident Case?
After a car accident in Fort Worth, you need a strong advocate in your corner. The insurance company will work hard to minimize and deny even the most valid claims. Having an experienced lawyer fighting for your side can be just what you need to show the adjusters that you won’t be underpaid.
At Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., our car accident lawyers can guide you through every stage of the claims process and demand the full and fair compensation you deserve. We are a full-service law firm representing you from case open to case closed. You can count on us to:
- Investigate the car accident thoroughly, gathering crucial evidence to establish fault
- Evaluate the total value of your claim, considering all possible sources of compensation
- Handle all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf
- File all necessary paperwork and legal documents accurately and on time
- Consult with medical experts to assess the severity of your injuries
- Coordinating with accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case
- Negotiating with insurance companies to demand a fair settlement
- Challenging any unfair denials or lowball offers from insurance companies
- Preparing you for depositions and other legal proceedings
- Representing you in court if the case goes to trial
- Presenting a robust and solid argument to a judge or jury
Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident in Fort Worth
If someone else caused the Fort Worth car accident that injured you, they could owe you money for your:
- Medical expenses
- Long-term care expenses
- Transportation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Legal fees
What is the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Fort Worth?
The Texas statute of limitations on personal injury claims gives you two years from the date of a crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose the chance to sue for your car accident injuries. In some instances, the time limit to file a notice of claim could be even shorter. This means prompt action is critical. A lawyer will navigate these tight deadlines efficiently and effectively so you don’t forfeit your right to compensation.
Determining Liability in a Fort Worth Car Accident
Establishing fault for an auto accident is essential to receive compensation. While responsibility for an accident often falls on the drivers involved, there are cases where other parties are liable. In these situations, identifying everyone who might be to blame is essential for pursuing maximum compensation. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can investigate your claim and determine liability so you can seek compensation from every potential source.
Potentially liable parties in a Fort Worth car accident case include:
- Other motorists: Drivers are the most direct and common cause of car accidents. Other drivers can be liable if their negligent or wrongful behavior contributes to a wreck. This can include actions like speeding, driving under the influence, texting while driving, or otherwise failing to follow traffic laws.
- Other road users: Cyclists or pedestrians can also be liable for auto accidents if their actions contribute to them. For example, a pedestrian might be responsible if they suddenly enter traffic outside a crosswalk, leading to a collision. Similarly, if a cyclist runs a red light or rides the wrong way down a one-way street, they could be liable for any resulting crashes.
- Vehicle manufacturers: Motor vehicle accidents sometimes occur due to automobile defects beyond the driver’s control. If a defective part or design flaw played a role in the accident, the automaker or manufacturer could be liable. Examples of these kinds of defects include faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning airbags. Manufacturers must ensure their products are safe. Failing to do so can make them responsible for accidents.
- Government entities: Sometimes, the condition of the road itself is a significant factor in car accidents. If poor road maintenance, unclear signage, or faulty traffic signals contribute to a crash, the government entity responsible for road upkeep might be at fault. Suing a government entity involves specific rules and limitations, so hiring a personal injury lawyer with experience handling government claims is crucial.
- Property owners: Property owners must ensure their premises do not pose hazards to passing motorists. In some cases, an owner might be liable for an accident due to issues on their property that spill out onto the road. Examples include obstacles like unsecured debris or trees and shrubbery that obscure traffic signs.
Need to Discuss Your Car Accident? Contact Our Fort Worth, TX, Law Firm Today.
Ready to take action after a crash in Fort Worth? Let Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., help you on your path to recovery. Call us at (214) 999-9999 or fill out our online contact page for a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney in Fort Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fort Worth Car Accident Claims
Here are the answers to some common questions we receive about car accidents in Fort Worth, TX.
How Much Does a Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most Fort Worth car accident lawyers, including Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, do not charge any upfront fees for car accident cases. Instead, you pay a contingency fee if and when your attorney recovers compensation for your injuries.
A contingency fee is a predetermined percentage of any money you win. If you do not recover compensation, you usually owe no legal fees. The exact percentage of a contingency fee varies based on your case, whether it goes to trial, how much work your lawyer does, and other factors.
During your initial consultation with a Fort Worth car accident lawyer, make sure you ask about their fees and what percentage of your compensation they receive.
How Much Is My Fort Worth Car Accident Case Worth?
Your compensation in a Fort Worth car accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, how much work you miss, how your injuries affect your career going forward, and other elements specific to your situation. That said, many car accident victims leave money on the table because they don’t properly account for all of the collision’s current and future effects on their lives.
Your car accident attorney can help you calculate your losses thoroughly and pursue compensation for the following:
- Current medical expenses
- Future treatments you need
- Lost income while you heal
- Reduced future earnings due to a long-term injury or disability
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- The cost to repair or replace your car and other damaged property
Can I Get Compensation for Lost Wages If I Can’t Work After My Accident?
Your lost wages can be a significant portion of your compensation in a car accident claim. However, you must have proof of your lost income. To build the strongest possible case, collect and preserve the following evidence:
- Pay Stubs – You can use recent pay stubs to show your income from before the accident and how much money you lost during your recovery.
- Tax Returns or W-2 Forms – Tax documents help confirm your typical earnings in a given year, especially if your income often changes due to overtime, bonuses, or commissions.
- Employer Letter – Your employer can provide details about your role, pay rate, normal hours, and the dates your injuries kept you from working.
- Time and Attendance Records – Workplace logs can reflect your missed shifts, reduced schedules, or unpaid leave after the crash.
- Medical Records or Doctor’s Notes – Your medical provider can document your work limits after a collision and explain how your injuries prevent you from doing your typical job duties.
- Business Records for Self-Employed Work – If you’re self-employed, contracts, invoices, or profit statements can show how your injuries reduced your ability to earn income.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
You likely have options to recover compensation after a car accident, even if the other driver does not have insurance. One option is to use your own uninsured motorist coverage if your policy includes it. This coverage lets you seek payment for medical care, lost wages, and other losses from the crash. However, you must show that the uninsured driver caused the collision and that your injuries stem from the accident.
Texas does not require drivers to buy uninsured motorist coverage, so your policy might not include it. If this is the case, you may have the right to pursue a personal claim directly against the at-fault driver. One potential complication with these lawsuits is that a driver who doesn’t have liability insurance might not have many assets to pay for your losses.
Finally, you might have grounds for a claim against another party who contributed to the collision. For instance, if a mechanical defect in your vehicle or the other driver’s car caused the crash, you could sue the automaker or parts manufacturer. A car accident lawyer can review your insurance coverage, explain your options for recovering compensation, and help you decide which path makes sense for your case.
What If the Other Driver Fled the Scene (Hit-and-Run)?
Texas law requires any driver involved in an accident with injuries or deaths to stop at the scene, provide their insurance information, and offer “reasonable assistance.” A hit-and-run driver has broken the law, and you should give as much information about the driver and their vehicle to the police so that the authorities can look for the driver.
If the police catch the hit-and-run driver, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against them, just like after any other collision. However, the police don’t always find hit-and-run drivers, so you will likely need to find other sources of compensation.
Your uninsured motorist coverage might apply, in which case you can file a claim with your insurance company. A Fort Worth car accident attorney can also investigate the collision and identify other parties who may have contributed to the crash.
Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault for a Crash in Fort Worth?
Yes. The Texas comparative negligence statute allows you to recover compensation after a collision, even if you contributed to the accident, as long as your percentage of fault is 50 percent or less. If you are partly responsible for the crash, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 25 percent responsible for a collision for which you would have recovered $100,000, you would lose 25 percent of your compensation and recover $75,000 instead.
While this law lets you seek compensation even if you contributed to a car accident, insurance companies may try to use the statute to reduce your compensation or deny your claim entirely. A lawyer can collect evidence to minimize your level of fault and maximize your potential compensation.
What Happens If the Other Driver Blames Me for the Accident?
Take the following steps to protect your legal rights if the other driver blames you for a Fort Worth car accident:
- Call the police and request a crash report. The official record often includes witness statements, details from the crash scene, the responding officer’s conclusion about who caused the collision, any citations the officer issued, and other evidence that can support your claim.
- Seek medical care right away, and make sure you follow through with treatments. Having prompt medical records helps link your injuries to the crash.
- If you collected the names and contact details of any eyewitnesses, give that information to your lawyer. Witness accounts can provide a neutral perspective on the crash to deflect claims that you caused the accident.
- Do not discuss fault with the other driver or any insurers. Stick to clear, factual statements about what happened and what you observed.
- Contact a car accident lawyer immediately. Your attorney can review the facts, address fault disputes, and handle communications with insurance companies while your claim moves forward.
How Do I Deal with Insurance Adjusters After a Crash in Fort Worth?
The insurance companies are often the ones who control the purse strings in a car accident claim. Therefore, you must be careful when communicating with insurers to avoid saying anything that might jeopardize your claim. It’s best to let a lawyer talk to the insurance companies on your behalf, but if you must speak with an adjuster, take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Limit your statements to basic facts, such as the date, location, and vehicles involved. Avoid saying anything about who caused the collision.
- Do not give any recorded statements until a lawyer reviews your case. Adjusters often use recordings to pick at the details of your account and challenge your claim.
- Refrain from discussing your injuries in detail. Your symptoms can change quickly, and early comments you make might not reflect your condition later.
- Do not accept any quick settlement offers, as early amounts often fail to reflect the full extent of your medical costs and lost income.
- Keep copies of all letters, emails, and notes from phone calls to track what the insurer says about your claim.
- Refer the adjuster to your lawyer once you hire one. That way, your attorney can manage communication with the insurers and protect your interests.
Will My Case Have to Go to Trial?
Not necessarily. Most successful car accident claims resolve through negotiated settlements because trials and juries can be unpredictable, and insurance companies like to maintain control of the situation. However, a trial might be necessary if the insurance company won’t negotiate in good faith, argues that you caused the collision, or refuses to pay you fairly.
If going to trial is the right move, your lawyer will handle all the preparations and present your case to the judge or jury.
What If My Accident Involved a Commercial Truck Near the Fort Worth Stockyards?
Commercial truck accidents are often more complicated than typical collisions because truck crashes frequently cause more severe injuries, involve more potentially liable parties, and require knowledge of complex truck industry regulations. Accordingly, it’s even more important to hire an experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer. Your attorney can investigate the crash, identify who’s responsible, and hold them accountable.