Personal Injury Rights Guide – Lewisville, Texas

Introduction: Why Lewisville Residents Need a Texas-Specific Personal Injury Guide

With I-35E, State Highway 121, and two busy rail corridors running through the heart of Lewisville, Texas, local residents face a higher-than-average risk of traffic collisions, workplace injuries, and slip-and-fall accidents. Add severe North Texas storm seasons and nearby construction related to the growing Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, and it becomes clear why understanding personal injury lawyer lewisville texas resources is vital. This guide explains your rights under Texas law, outlines critical deadlines, and offers actionable steps—always with a slight but evidence-based tilt toward protecting injury victims.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

The Legal Definition of Personal Injury

In Texas, “personal injury” refers to physical or mental harm caused by another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. Common legal theories include negligence, strict liability (often in product-defect claims), and wrongful death (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §71.002).

Who May File a Claim?

• Injured individual – Adults harmed in an incident may file in their own name.
• Parents or guardians – May bring claims on behalf of minors.
• Estate representatives – May file survival or wrongful death actions for deceased victims.

Key Victim Rights Under Texas Law

• Right to pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain, mental anguish, impairment, and disfigurement (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §41.001).
• Right to a jury trial under the Texas Constitution art. I, §15.
• Right to comparative compensation even if partially at fault, so long as you are not more than 50% responsible (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §33.001).

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Lewisville and Across Texas

1. Motor-Vehicle Collisions

The Texas Department of Transportation recorded 470 crashes in Lewisville city limits in 2022 alone. Busy corridors such as I-35E and FM 407 are frequent hotspots, making lewisville accident attorney assistance crucial.

2. Commercial Truck Accidents

Logistics hubs near DFW International Airport mean heavy 18-wheeler traffic on State Highway 121. Truck cases invoke additional federal carrier safety regulations and often higher insurance limits.

3. Premises Liability (Slip, Trip, and Fall)

Retail centers like Music City Mall and facilities along Main Street must exercise reasonable care for patrons. Victims must show the owner knew or should have known of the hazard.

4. Workplace and Industrial Injuries

Texas allows employers to opt out of workers’ compensation, complicating claims. Non-subscriber employers can be sued directly for negligence under Tex. Lab. Code §406.033.

5. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Lewisville animal control ordinances require leash compliance in public spaces. Texas follows a “one-bite” rule blended with negligence theories.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Statute of Limitations

Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Wrongful death claims share the same two-year limit, starting on the date of death. Certain exceptions (e.g., minors, fraudulent concealment) may toll the period, but do not assume an extension without consulting an attorney.

Proportionate Responsibility (Comparative Fault)

Texas follows a modified comparative fault system (also called “proportionate responsibility”) contained in Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. If a jury finds you 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced by that percentage. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. For example, a $100,000 verdict is reduced to $70,000 if you were 30% responsible.

Caps on Damages

• No general cap on economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages).
• Medical malpractice caps non-economic damages at $250,000 per physician and $500,000 overall for healthcare institutions (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §74.301).
• Punitive (exemplary) damages are limited to the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000 (§41.008).

Insurance Requirements

Texas mandates minimum auto liability coverage of 30/60/25 ($30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per crash total, $25,000 property damage). Homeowners and business owners typically carry premises liability policies, but coverage and exclusions vary.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Visit nearby facilities such as Medical City Lewisville or Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Carrollton. Prompt treatment protects your health and documents causation.

2. Preserve Evidence

• Photograph the scene, injuries, and any hazardous condition.
• Collect witness names and contact information.
• Save damaged property (helmets, clothing, vehicles) for inspection.

3. Report the Accident

• Traffic crash: Call Lewisville Police Department; request CR-3 crash report.
• Work injury: Notify your employer in writing within 30 days to maintain workers’ comp eligibility (Tex. Lab. Code §409.001).
• Premises incident: File an incident report with the property manager.

4. Track All Expenses

Maintain a centralized file for hospital bills, prescriptions, mileage, and wage-loss documentation. Texas courts require evidence of “reasonable and necessary” medical costs.

5. Avoid Social Media Pitfalls

Defense counsel and insurers often mine social platforms for contradictory statements or photos. Set accounts to private and refrain from posting injury-related content.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

Signs You Need a Lawyer

• Serious injuries, permanent impairment, or wrongful death.
• Liability is disputed or multiple parties are involved.
• The insurer offers a low or delayed settlement.
• A governmental entity may be at fault—notice requirements under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §101.101 can be as short as six months.

Attorney Licensing & Ethical Rules

Texas personal injury lawyers must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and adhere to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Contingency fees, common in personal injury cases, must be in writing and clearly explain fee percentages and litigation expenses (Rule 1.04).### Contingency Fees Explained

Many victims retain counsel on a “no win, no fee” basis, paying attorney fees only if a settlement or verdict is secured. Typical Texas percentages range from 33⅓% pre-suit to 40% or higher once a lawsuit is filed, but always negotiate terms.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Government and Nonprofit Assistance

Texas Department of Insurance – File complaints about unfair claim practices.Texas Judicial Branch – Access Denton County docket information for pending cases.Denton County Crash Reports – Obtain official accident records.

Court Venues Covering Lewisville

Most civil injury suits arising in Lewisville are filed in Denton County’s 158th, 362nd, 393rd, 431st, or 442nd District Courts, or the County Courts at Law. Claims under $250,000 may qualify for Denton County’s expedited actions docket under Tex. R. Civ. P. 169.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation is mandatory in many North Texas courts before trial. It can shorten case duration and reduce costs, but always evaluate mediator neutrality and confidentiality rules.

Checklist: Preparing for Your First Attorney Meeting

• Police/incident reports
• Medical records and bills
• Health insurance information
• Photographs, videos, and witness list
• Employment and wage documentation

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws evolve, and individual facts matter. Consult a qualified Texas personal injury attorney for specific guidance.

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.