Personal Injury Rights Guide for Rowlett, Texas Victims

Introduction: Why Rowlett, Texas Residents Need a Local Personal Injury Guide

Rowlett, Texas—situated along Lake Ray Hubbard and bisected by State Highway 66 and the President George Bush Turnpike—has grown rapidly in recent years. More commuters, construction projects, and mixed-use developments have inevitably led to a higher risk of motor-vehicle crashes, slip-and-falls, dog bites, and work-related injuries. According to crash statistics reported to the Texas Department of Transportation, both SH-66 and PGBT see hundreds of collisions annually in Dallas and Rockwall Counties, the two counties that share jurisdiction over Rowlett. When an accident happens, injury victims often face immediate medical bills at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lake Pointe or nearby Dallas trauma centers, lost wages, and insurance company pressure. This guide explains, step by step, how Texas personal injury law protects you and what you can do right now to safeguard your claim.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

Negligence and Duty of Care

Under Texas law, an at-fault individual or company that breaches a duty of reasonable care and causes injury may be held liable for the victim’s damages. Negligence can arise from distracted driving on Dalrock Road, failure to maintain safe premises at a Lake Ray Hubbard marina, or inadequate workplace safety protocols on a construction site near Downtown Rowlett.

Statute of Limitations

The most critical deadline is the two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, codified at Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code (TCPRC) §16.003(a). If you do not file suit within two years from the date of injury, your claim is generally barred. Certain exceptions—such as the discovery rule in toxic exposure cases—apply, but they are narrow and fact-specific.

Comparative Fault

Texas follows a modified comparative fault system known as “proportionate responsibility,” set out in TCPRC Chapter 33. If you are found less than 51 percent at fault, your damages are reduced by your own percentage of responsibility. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you recover nothing. Because insurance adjusters may try to shift blame, documenting the scene and retaining counsel quickly is essential.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Texas

Motor-Vehicle Collisions

• Car accidents on SH-66, I-30, PGBT, and local service roads.

• Motorcycle crashes intensified by road construction between Rowlett and Rockwall.

• Commercial truck wrecks involving 18-wheelers transporting goods between the Port of Houston and North Texas warehouses.

Texas requires all motorists to carry minimum liability insurance under Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) guidelines. Unfortunately, minimum coverage is often insufficient for severe injuries.

Premises Liability

Property owners in Rowlett—including retail centers on President George Bush Turnpike and lakeside restaurants—owe lawful visitors a duty to correct or warn of unreasonably dangerous conditions. Typical claims involve slip-and-fall accidents, negligent security, and drowning incidents at boat docks.

Workplace and Construction Injuries

Texas is the only state that does not mandate private employers to carry workers’ compensation. Non-subscribing employers along IH-30 construction corridors may be sued directly for negligence.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Rowlett’s leash laws (Municipal Code Chapter 6) require owners to restrain animals in public spaces. Repeated bites or a history of aggressive behavior can increase liability exposure.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Required Auto Insurance Limits

TDI rules set the minimum at $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage (30/60/25). You may also stack Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if you opted in.

Damage Categories

• Economic damages: medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and future earning capacity.

• Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement.

• Exemplary damages: also known as punitive damages, governed by TCPRC §41.003 and capped by §41.008.

Limitations on Medical Liens and Subrogation

Hospitals such as Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lake Pointe may perfect a lien under TCPRC §55.002, but the lien cannot exceed reasonable and necessary charges and attaches only to a third-party settlement, not your personal assets.

Attorney Licensing and Fee Rules

Personal injury attorneys must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and comply with the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Contingency fee agreements must be in writing under Rule 1.04.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

1. Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation

Even if injuries appear minor, a prompt evaluation at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lake Pointe or an approved urgent-care facility documents causation and prevents insurance disputes.

2. Notify Law Enforcement and Obtain a Crash Report

In a vehicle collision, call 911 or the Rowlett Police Department. The resulting Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) provides key evidence.

3. Preserve Evidence

• Photograph the accident scene, injuries, skid marks, and vehicle damage.

• Collect names and contact information of witnesses.

• Save medical bills, prescriptions, and employment records showing lost time.

4. Report the Claim but Limit Recorded Statements

Texas insurance policies require prompt notice, but you are not obligated to give a recorded statement to the adverse carrier without counsel.

5. Calculate Damages Accurately

Include future surgeries, rehabilitation, and reduced earning capacity supported by expert testimony. A life-care planner or economist may quantify long-term costs.

6. Comply With Filing Deadlines

Mark the two-year statute of limitations on your calendar. In claims against a governmental unit (e.g., City of Rowlett), you must also send notice within six months per TCPRC §101.101.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

Complex Liability or Severe Injuries

Cases involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or multiple at-fault parties require specialized litigation skills and expert networks.

Disputed Fault or Lowball Offers

If the insurer alleges you were more than 50 percent at fault, a seasoned personal injury lawyer Rowlett Texas can marshal evidence—traffic-camera footage, crash reconstruction—to rebut the claim.

Statutory Deadlines Looming

Once limitations expire, no attorney can reopen your rights. Contact counsel early to allow adequate discovery and mediation before trial.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Medical Facilities

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lake Pointe, 6800 Scenic Drive, Rowlett, TX 75088

• City of Rowlett Fire Rescue EMS, Station 1 (Advanced Life Support)

Government and Court Contacts

Rowlett Police Department Accident Reports: Rowlett Official Website

• Dallas County and Rockwall County District Courts for filing civil actions

Legal Assistance

If you need a referral, the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service can verify an attorney’s standing. Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Texas attorney about your specific situation.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and legal consultation.