Personal Injury Guide for Richardson, Texas Victims

Introduction: Why Richardson, Texas Victims Need a Local Personal Injury Guide

Richardson, Texas sits at the busy crossroads of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway) and President George Bush Turnpike, two corridors that see tens of thousands of vehicles daily. Add growing tech campuses, frequent construction zones, and unpredictable North Texas weather, and serious accidents are inevitable. If you or a loved one is recovering from a crash near Campbell Road, a slip-and-fall at CityLine, or a dog bite in Cottonwood Park, understanding Texas personal injury law is critical. This comprehensive guide explains your rights, key deadlines, and the specific steps to safeguard your claim under Texas statutes—all while slightly favoring the injured party, whose medical bills and lost wages can mount quickly.

Every statement below is grounded in authoritative sources, including the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (TCPRC), Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and published opinions from Texas appellate courts. Citations and links let you verify each point yourself.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

The Right to File a Civil Claim

Texas law gives an injury victim the right to pursue financial compensation—also called damages—from any individual or business whose negligence caused the harm. This right is codified in TCPRC §16.003(a), which sets the statute of limitations for most negligence claims at two years from the date of injury. Missing that deadline usually bars the claim entirely.

Recoverable Damages

• Economic damages: medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses (TCPRC §41.001(6)).

• Non-economic damages: pain, emotional distress, physical impairment (TCPRC §41.001(12)).

• Exemplary (punitive) damages: available only when the defendant acted with fraud, malice, or gross negligence (TCPRC §41.003).

Comparative Fault Rules

Texas follows a modified comparative fault system called proportionate responsibility, codified in TCPRC §§33.001–33.017. You may recover damages even if you share blame, so long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Courts and insurers reduce your award by your percentage of responsibility. Example: if a Richardson jury awards $100,000 but finds you 20% at fault for a multi-car pile-up on Plano Road, you collect $80,000.

Right to a Jury Trial

Under the Texas Constitution Article I, §15 and Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 216, you may request a jury trial in civil court. In Dallas County—which has jurisdiction over Richardson—you must file a written jury demand and pay the applicable fee at least 30 days before the trial date.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Texas

1. Motor Vehicle Collisions

Data from the Texas Department of Transportation shows Dallas County logged over 55,000 crashes in 2022, with Richardson intersections such as U.S. 75 & Campbell among high-frequency sites. Victims may file claims against drivers, commercial carriers, or governmental entities (subject to the Texas Tort Claims Act).

2. Premises Liability

Slip-and-fall incidents at retail centers like Richardson Square invoke TCPRC §75.002, which outlines a property owner’s duty to warn or correct unreasonably dangerous conditions.

3. Dog Bites

Texas employs a “one-bite” rule under common-law precedent (Marshall v. Ranne, 1974). Owners become liable when they knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous propensities.

4. Workplace Injuries

Because Texas does not require private employers to carry workers’ compensation, injured employees at Richardson’s telecom and semiconductor plants (e.g., those near North Central Expressway) may bring negligence suits against nonsubscribers without the usual caps on damages (TCPRC §406.033).

5. Catastrophic Weather & Utility Accidents

Severe hailstorms and ice events in North Texas regularly trigger premises and product liability claims—such as falls on untreated walkways or carbon-monoxide poisoning from defective generators.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Key Statutes Every Richardson Victim Should Know

• Statute of Limitations: TCPRC §16.003—two years for most personal injury lawsuits.

• Notice to Municipal Defendants: Texas Tort Claims Act (TCPRC §101.101) requires notice within six months of the incident if suing a city like Richardson for roadway defects or negligent public employees.

Damage Caps:

  - Medical malpractice: TCPRC §74.301 limits non-economic damages to $250,000 per physician and $500,000 overall per claimant.

  - Governmental liability: TCPRC §101.023 caps total damages at $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for municipal entities.

• Comparative Fault: TCPRC §33.001 bars recovery if claimant exceeds 50% fault.

Texas Insurance Requirements

Minimum auto liability coverage is set by Texas Transportation Code §601.072: $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage—often insufficient after a severe crash on U.S. 75. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is optional but strongly recommended.

Attorney Licensing & Ethical Rules

All attorneys must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas. Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law requires board certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

• Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct govern client communication and contingency-fee arrangements (Rule 1.04).

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

Seek Immediate Medical Care

  Visit a local facility such as Methodist Richardson Medical Center or Baylor Scott & White – Plano. Prompt evaluation links your injuries to the incident, a vital element in any claim.

Preserve Evidence

  Photograph the scene (e.g., debris on Coit Road), obtain witness names, and secure police reports from the Richardson Police Department.

Notify Insurance Carriers

  Texas Insurance Code §542.056 obligates insurers to acknowledge your claim within 15 business days of notice.

Avoid Recorded Statements Without Counsel

  Insurers may use your words to minimize payouts. Politely decline until you consult a *personal injury lawyer Richardson Texas* residents trust.

Track All Damages

  Store medical bills, wage-loss statements, and receipts for home health aids.

File Your Claim Timely

  Aim to file suit well before the two-year statute expires to allow discovery and negotiation.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

Indicators You Need a Lawyer

• Liability is disputed under proportionate responsibility rules.

• Multiple parties are involved (multi-vehicle crash at the PGBT interchange).

• Your injuries are permanent or catastrophic (spinal cord, TBI).

• The defendant is a governmental entity or nonsubscriber employer.

Contingency Fees

Most Richardson accident attorney contracts are contingency-based—no fee unless you recover. Under Rule 1.04, the agreement must be in writing and state the percentage.

Case Timeline

From filing to trial, Dallas County civil dockets typically run 12–24 months. Mediation is mandatory for most personal injury cases under local rule 1.05, often occurring within the first year.

Local Resources & Next Steps

• Hospitals: Methodist Richardson Medical Center (401 W. Campbell Rd.) and UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Richardson/Plano clinic.

• Courthouse: Dallas County Civil Courts Building, 600 Commerce St., Dallas, TX—handles Richardson-filed cases.

• Police Reports: Richardson Police Records, 140 N. Greenville Ave.; online requests available.

• Public Transportation: DART’s Red Line can streamline travel to medical appointments if your vehicle is totaled.

• Support Groups: Texas Brain Injury Alliance and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (North Texas chapter).

Staying proactive—recording expenses, attending follow-up medical visits, and consulting a qualified attorney—helps protect your Texas injury compensation rights.

Authoritative References

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Chapter 16 Texas Proportionate Responsibility Statute Texas Department of Insurance Texas Judicial Branch

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information for Richardson, Texas residents. It is not legal advice. Laws change, and every case is unique. 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.