Personal Injury Guide for Victims | College Station, Texas

Introduction: Why College Station Residents Need a Texas-Focused Personal Injury Guide

Whether you are commuting along State Highway 6, navigating pedestrian crosswalks near Texas A&M University, or working on a ranch outside Bryan–College Station, accidents can happen without warning. In 2022, the Texas Department of Transportation recorded thousands of crashes in Brazos County, many concentrated on University Drive and FM 2818—corridors College Station residents know well. When injuries result from someone else’s negligence, victims often face mounting medical bills at facilities such as CHI St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital or Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, lost wages from jobs at the university or local tech firms, and emotional distress.

This comprehensive guide explains how Texas personal injury law affects you, what deadlines govern your claim, and when a personal injury lawyer College Station Texas can help maximize your recovery. Every statement below is grounded in authoritative Texas statutes, court rules, or reputable publications, giving you factual, actionable information you can trust.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

The Legal Definition of Negligence

Most personal injury cases in Texas revolve around negligence—failing to act with ordinary prudence under the circumstances. To win compensation, an injured party (the plaintiff) must prove four elements:

• Duty – The defendant owed you a legal duty, such as driving safely under Texas Transportation Code rules.

• Breach – The defendant breached that duty by speeding, ignoring safety protocols, or acting carelessly.

• Causation – The breach proximately caused your injury.

• Damages – You suffered measurable losses (medical costs, lost income, pain, etc.).

Statutory Deadline: Texas Two-Year Statute of Limitations

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (TCPRC) §16.003, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident date. Missing this deadline generally bars recovery, no matter how compelling your case. Limited exceptions exist (e.g., legal disability, the discovery rule for latent injuries), but courts strictly construe them. Act promptly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Comparative Fault & Proportionate Responsibility

Texas employs a modified comparative fault system codified in TCPRC Chapter 33. A jury assigns each party a percentage of fault. If you are 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced proportionally; at 51% or more, you recover nothing. For example, if you are deemed 20% responsible for a car crash on Wellborn Road and damages total $100,000, you may receive $80,000. This rule underscores why accurate fact investigation and strategic advocacy matter.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in College Station & Across Texas

Motor Vehicle Collisions

With more than 70,000 students moving around the Texas A&M campus and high volumes on SH 6, auto, motorcycle, and pedestrian crashes dominate local injury claims. Texas Transportation Code §601.072 requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 per accident, but serious injuries often exceed these limits, making underinsured motorist coverage or a lawsuit essential.

Premises Liability (Slip, Trip & Fall)

Restaurants in the Northgate District, grocery stores on Texas Avenue, and apartment complexes catering to students must keep premises reasonably safe. Under Texas premises-liability law, property owners can be liable for unreasonably dangerous conditions they knew or should have known about—such as wet floors, broken stairs, or inadequate lighting.

Workplace & Construction Injuries

College Station’s growth fuels construction along George Bush Drive and the biocorridor. If your employer subscribes to workers’ compensation, that system provides no-fault benefits. Non-subscribers, however, can be sued for negligence under Chapter 406 of the Texas Labor Code. Additionally, third-party contractors or equipment manufacturers may share liability.

Oilfield, Farm & Ranch Accidents

The Brazos Valley has significant agricultural and energy activity. Equipment malfunctions, toxic exposures, and vehicle rollovers often produce catastrophic injuries. Victims may have claims under Texas product-liability law (TCPRC Chapter 82) or negligence theories against operators, service companies, or landowners.

Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

Texas follows the “one-bite” rule refined by case law (e.g., Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255). Owners may face liability if they knew or should have known the animal was dangerous, or if negligence (like failing to leash) caused injury.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Caps on Exemplary (Punitive) Damages

TCPRC §41.008 caps punitive damages at the greater of (1) $200,000 or (2) two times economic damages plus up to $750,000 of non-economic damages. No caps apply to economic or non-economic compensatory damages.

Medical Liens & Subrogation

Hospitals such as CHI St. Joseph may file liens under TCPRC Chapter 55 for unpaid emergency services. Proper settlement allocation and negotiation can reduce what you must repay and increase your net recovery.

Insurance Bad Faith

The Texas Insurance Code §§541.060 and 542.003 prohibit unfair claim settlement practices. If an insurer delays or denies payment without reasonable basis, you may recover additional damages, interest, and attorney’s fees.

Attorney Licensing & Fees

Only lawyers licensed by the State Bar of Texas may represent you in court. Most College Station accident attorneys work on a contingency fee—no recovery, no fee—regulated by Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct 1.04.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care

In emergencies, call 911 or visit local ERs. Prompt treatment documents the injury’s cause and severity, strengthening your case.

2. Preserve Evidence

• Photograph the accident scene (e.g., skid marks on Harvey Mitchell Parkway).

• Save damaged property and clothing.

• Collect witness names and contact information.

3. Report the Incident

• Traffic accidents: File a CR-3 crash report if law enforcement does not.

• Work injuries: Notify your employer within 30 days per Texas Labor Code §409.001.

• Premises accidents: Complete an incident report with the property manager.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company—Cautiously

You must cooperate under most policy terms, but provide only factual information. Do not give recorded statements to the at-fault party’s insurer without counsel.

5. Keep a Pain Diary & Expense Log

Document daily pain, doctor visits, and out-of-pocket costs. Journals help quantify non-economic damages like mental anguish.

6. Consult an Experienced Lawyer Promptly

An attorney can gather surveillance footage from businesses near the Dixie Chicken or subpoena phone records before critical evidence disappears.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

Not every fender-bender requires a lawyer, but consult one if:

• You suffered fractures, head trauma, or any injury requiring ongoing treatment.

• The insurer disputes liability or medical necessity.

• Multiple parties (e.g., rideshare drivers, commercial trucks on SH 47) may share fault.

• You face significant lost wages or future impairment.

A college station accident attorney can calculate damages, negotiate liens, and file suit in Brazos County District Court or federal court if warranted.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Brazos County Courts & Filing Details

County Courthouse: 300 E 26th St., Bryan, TX 77803. Civil filings follow the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

• Statistical jury pool: A&M students, agricultural workers, and retirees—diverse perspectives that influence settlement value.

Hospitals & Medical Facilities

• CHI St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital – Level II Trauma Center.

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station.

Accident Reports & Insurance Info

Obtain official crash reports online through the TxDOT CRIS System. Verify liability coverage or file complaints with the Texas Department of Insurance.

Victim Support Organizations

• Texas A&M Student Legal Services (for enrolled students).

• Brazos Valley Council of Governments – provides transportation to medical appointments.

Legal Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and every case is unique. Consult a licensed Texas attorney to obtain advice specific to your 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.