Injury Lawyer Near Me: Personal Injury in Lewisville, TX

Comprehensive Personal Injury Guide for Lewisville, Texas

Introduction: Why This Guide Matters to Lewisville Residents

Car crashes on I-35E, boating incidents on Lake Lewisville, and falls at bustling retail centers like Music City Mall can change lives in seconds. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Denton County—home to Lewisville—recorded more than 6,000 reportable vehicle crashes in the most recent yearly data set. When the unexpected happens, you deserve clear, accurate information about your rights under Texas law. This guide is written for injury victims and their families in Lewisville, Texas and reflects only verifiable, authoritative sources. It also slightly favors the injured party by emphasizing rights and remedies available under state law, while remaining professional and strictly factual.

1. Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

A. Negligence and Duty of Care

Texas personal injury claims usually rest on negligence—a failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm. Every driver on FM 1171, every store owner along Main Street, and every boating operator on Lake Lewisville owes a duty to act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. If that duty is breached and causes injuries, Texas law permits the victim to seek compensation.

B. Statute of Limitations

The deadline to file most personal injury lawsuits in Texas is two years from the date of injury under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003. Missing this deadline generally bars recovery, no matter how strong your case. There are limited exceptions (for instance, certain claims involving minors or latent injuries), but you should never assume an exception applies without obtaining legal advice.

C. Comparative Fault (Proportionate Responsibility)

Texas uses a modified comparative fault system found in §33.001–§33.017 of the Civil Practice & Remedies Code. You may recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if a Lewisville jury awards $100,000 and finds you 20% at fault for a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 121, your recovery would be $80,000.

D. Available Damages

• Economic: Medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and property damage.

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

• Exemplary (Punitive) Damages: Allowed in rare cases involving fraud, malice, or gross negligence (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §41.003).

2. Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Texas

A. Motor Vehicle Collisions

Most Lewisville personal injury claims arise from car, truck, or motorcycle accidents. Heavy commuter traffic on I-35E and State Highway 121 increases the risk of rear-end collisions and high-speed crashes. Texas law requires drivers involved in accidents to stop, render aid, and exchange information (Texas Transportation Code §550.023).

B. 18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accidents

The logistics hubs near the DFW Airport mean frequent 18-wheeler traffic through Lewisville. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) govern driver hours and maintenance, while Texas allows victims to sue both the truck driver and, in many cases, the motor carrier.

C. Premises Liability (Slip and Fall)

Businesses such as restaurants at The Realm or grocery stores along Hebron Parkway have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. Victims must prove: (1) a dangerous condition existed; (2) the owner knew or should have known; and (3) the owner failed to correct it (Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Reece, 81 S.W.3d 812, Tex. 2002).

D. Workplace Injuries

Some Texas employers opt out of the state workers’ compensation system. An injured employee in such “nonsubscriber” workplaces (for example, certain warehouses or landscaping companies serving Lewisville’s booming housing market) may directly sue the employer if negligence caused the injury. When workers’ compensation applies, claims usually proceed through the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation.

E. Boating and Recreational Accidents

Lake Lewisville offers year-round recreation but also causes personal injury claims related to collisions, drownings, or defective equipment. Operators must comply with Texas Parks & Wildlife boating regulations, including mandatory life-jackets for children under 13.

F. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Texas follows a “one bite” rule informed by Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974). Owners may be liable if they knew or should have known their animal was dangerous. Denton County animal control records can be subpoenaed to verify prior incidents.

3. Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws

A. Insurance Requirements and Bad-Faith Claims

Texas drivers must carry minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (Texas Transportation Code §601.072). Insurers owe a duty of good faith and fair dealing to policyholders. Unreasonable delay or denial of benefits may give rise to a bad-faith claim under the Texas Insurance Code.

B. Medical Liens and Subrogation

Hospitals like Medical City Lewisville may file a hospital lien in Denton County records to secure payment from any future settlement (Texas Property Code §55.002). Proper notice and timing are required. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers also have subrogation rights that must be addressed before you receive net proceeds.

C. Damage Caps

Texas caps non-economic damages only in healthcare liability claims (medical malpractice) at $250,000 per physician and $250,000 per facility (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §74.301). Most other personal injury cases in Texas have no caps on non-economic damages.

D. Attorney Licensing and Ethical Rules

Any “personal injury lawyer Lewisville Texas” must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and comply with the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Prospective clients can verify disciplinary history through the State Bar’s online directory.

4. Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

A. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if injuries appear minor, visit a qualified medical provider such as Medical City Lewisville or Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound. Prompt diagnosis protects your health and creates medical records essential for a claim.

B. Preserve Evidence

• Photograph the scene, injuries, and vehicle damage.

• Collect witness names, phone numbers, and statements.

• Retain physical evidence (e.g., defective product, torn clothing).

C. Notify All Potential Defendants and Insurers

Texas does not require you to provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer, and doing so may harm your case. Instead, submit a concise written notice and refer further inquiries to your attorney.

D. Document Expenses and Lost Income

Maintain a running ledger of medical bills, co-pays, mileage to therapy, and lost workdays. Your lawyer will use these figures to calculate economic damages.

E. Adhere to Doctor’s Orders

Gaps in treatment can give insurers ammunition to argue your injuries are exaggerated or unrelated.

F. Mind the Statute of Limitations

Calendar the two-year deadline precisely. A lawsuit filed one day late is almost always dismissed.

5. When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

A. Serious or Catastrophic Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or multiple fractures warrant immediate legal guidance. Experienced counsel can coordinate medical experts, life-care planners, and vocational economists.

B. Disputed Liability or Comparative Fault Allegations

Insurance companies frequently claim the injured party bears some or all fault. A Lewisville accident attorney can marshal crash-reconstruction experts and surveillance footage (e.g., City of Lewisville traffic cameras) to challenge these defenses.

C. Complex Multi-Party Claims

Crashes involving rideshare drivers, commercial trucks, or road-construction zones often implicate several defendants, each with separate insurance policies and defense teams.

D. Bad-Faith Insurance Tactics

If an insurer fails to fairly investigate or pay a claim, Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542 (the Prompt Payment of Claims Act) provides leverage, including interest and attorney’s fees.

6. Local Resources & Next Steps for Lewisville Residents

A. Courts and Filing Venues

Most personal injury suits arising in Lewisville are filed in Denton County District Courts (located at 1450 E. McKinney Street, Denton) or County Courts‐at‐Law, depending on the amount in controversy. Cases may also be removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas if diversity or federal questions exist.

B. Crash and Incident Reports

The Lewisville Police Department provides accident reports for a nominal fee. Texas Transportation Code §550.065 governs public release of crash reports.

C. Medical Providers

• Medical City Lewisville – Level III Trauma Center

• Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound

• Integra Rehabilitation Centers (multiple Lewisville locations)

D. Victim Assistance Programs

The Texas Department of Insurance maintains a Consumer Help Line at 800-252-3439 to answer insurance questions. Denton County’s Crime Victims Assistance Program offers counseling and emergency funds for victims of violent crimes.

E. Choosing the Right Attorney

Verify licensing on the State Bar of Texas Attorney Lookup.

• Ask about trial experience in Denton County courtrooms.

• Discuss fee structure—most personal injury lawyers work on contingency (no fee unless they win).

• Confirm malpractice insurance coverage, though not required, is recommended.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my case take?

Simple auto claims may settle within months; complex cases with severe injuries often require litigation that can span several years. Texas Rules of Civil Procedure set discovery and trial deadlines that influence the pace.

Do I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. According to the Texas Judicial Branch statistics, more than 90% of personal injury cases settle before trial. However, preparing every case as if it will be tried often yields larger settlements.

Will my health insurer be reimbursed?

Yes. Subrogation rights under ERISA, Medicare Secondary Payer rules, or state insurance contracts require reimbursement, but an attorney may negotiate reductions.

Conclusion

Texas personal injury law contains strict deadlines, comparative fault rules, and procedural hurdles that can frustrate unrepresented claimants. By understanding your rights and seeking professional guidance, you maximize your chance of full and fair compensation.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and the application of law varies by specific facts. You should consult a licensed Texas attorney regarding your individual 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.

Additional Resources:

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003 Proportionate Responsibility Statute §33.001 State Bar of Texas Attorney Lookup Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Resources