Personal Injury Rights Guide for Irving, Texas Victims

Introduction: Why Personal Injury Law Matters in Irving, Texas

Each year, thousands of people living or working in Irving are hurt on State Highway 183, Loop 12, or while traveling to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Because Irving sits at the crossroads of several major thoroughfares and hosts large employers like Verizon and ExxonMobil, accidents range from high-speed commercial trucking collisions to slip-and-fall injuries in bustling retail centers such as Irving Mall and Toyota Music Factory. If another party’s negligence caused your injury, Texas law gives you specific rights—and strict deadlines—to seek compensation. This comprehensive guide explains those rights in plain language so you can make informed decisions before speaking with a personal injury lawyer irving texas.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

Negligence and Duty of Care

Most personal injury claims in Texas hinge on proving negligence: the defendant owed you a legal duty, breached that duty, and caused damages. Whether you were rear-ended on the President George Bush Turnpike, injured by a defective product, or bitten by a neighbor’s dog at Centennial Park, you have the right to pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Statute of Limitations

Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003(a), you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline almost always bars recovery. Special rules may extend or shorten limitations periods for minors, government entities, or certain medical malpractice cases, so timely legal advice is critical.

Comparative Fault: Texas Proportionate Responsibility

Texas uses a modified comparative fault system codified at Civil Practice & Remedies Code Chapter 33. If you are 51% or more responsible for your own injuries, you cannot recover damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, your award is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Insurance adjusters often cite this rule to minimize payouts, so gather solid evidence—police reports, photos of U-turn restrictions on N. MacArthur Blvd, or surveillance footage from local businesses—to prove the other party’s fault.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Texas

Motor Vehicle Collisions

The Texas Department of Transportation reported over 15,000 crashes in Dallas County in 2022, many occurring near Irving’s busy intersection of SH 114 and SH 183. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, and 18-wheelers merging from the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway construction zones.

• Rear-end and chain-reaction crashes on congested lanes near DFW Airport

• Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft operating out of Las Colinas

• Commercial trucking wrecks on Loop 12 or SH 161 (President George Bush Turnpike)

Premises Liability and Slip-and-Fall Injuries

Property owners in Texas must keep their premises reasonably safe. If you slipped on an unmarked wet floor at Irving Mall or tripped over loose cabling at a Las Colinas conference, you may have a premises liability claim under Texas case law such as CMH Homes, Inc. v. Daenen, 15 S.W.3d 97 (Tex. 2000).

Workplace and Industrial Accidents

Irving is home to large warehouses and telecom facilities where workers face risks from heavy machinery, chemical exposure, and falls. While many employers carry workers’ compensation through insurers regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, some do not (nonsubscribers). Injured employees of nonsubscribers can often bring negligence lawsuits directly against their employer.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Texas follows a “one-bite” rule recognized in cases such as Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974). If an owner knew or should have known the animal was dangerous, you may recover damages. Irving’s animal services ordinances also impose leash requirements in public areas like Campion Trail.

Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death

Spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and fatal accidents require careful calculation of long-term losses. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §71.001–71.012, surviving family members may pursue wrongful-death claims within two years of the decedent’s passing.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws You Should Know

Mandatory Auto Insurance Requirements

Texas Transportation Code §601.051 mandates minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (the “30/60/25” rule). Unfortunately, these minimums rarely cover the true cost of serious injuries treated at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving. You can also pursue uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits from your own policy.

Medical Liens and Hospital Charges

Hospitals in Texas may file liens under Texas Property Code §55.002 to secure payment for accident-related treatment. Neglecting to address these liens can reduce your net settlement, so a skilled irving accident attorney can help negotiate reductions.

Damage Caps

Texas caps non-economic damages only in medical malpractice cases (Civil Practice & Remedies Code §74.301), not in standard auto or premises claims. There is no statutory cap on lost wages or medical expenses in typical negligence suits.

Attorney Licensing and Ethics

Any lawyer who represents you must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas and comply with the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Contingency fees in personal injury cases are permitted, but the agreement must be in writing and signed by the client (Rule 1.04).

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

Seek Medical Attention Immediately Emergency rooms at Medical City Las Colinas or Parkland Health’s Irving Community Clinic provide documentation that links your injuries to the event. Call Law Enforcement For motor vehicle crashes, request an official Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) from Irving Police or Texas Department of Transportation. Preserve Evidence Take photos of skid marks on John Carpenter Freeway, defective stair rails, or broken safety guards. Save damaged clothing, vehicle parts, and any defective products. Identify Witnesses Get contact information from bystanders, store employees, or co-workers. Their statements counter insurance arguments about comparative fault. Avoid Recorded Statements Insurance adjusters may call within 24 hours. Politely decline until you consult legal counsel so your words are not used against you. Document Expenses Keep all hospital invoices, pharmacy receipts, mileage logs to physical therapy at Baylor Scott & White – Las Colinas, and records of missed work. Consult a Licensed Texas Personal Injury Attorney Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence, calculate damages, and file your claim within statutory deadlines.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

While minor fender-benders with no injuries might be handled through direct insurance negotiations, the following red flags suggest you should contact an irving accident attorney immediately:

• Serious injuries requiring surgery, hospital stays, or long-term rehabilitation

• Disputed liability or multiple vehicles involved on SH 183 or Belt Line Road

• Commercial defendants such as trucking companies governed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

• Uninsured or underinsured motorists

• Insurance offers that do not cover all current and future medical costs

An attorney can order Black Box data from 18-wheelers, subpoena maintenance records, and consult experts to reconstruct collisions—steps that dramatically strengthen your case before the two-year clock runs out.

Local Resources & Next Steps for Irving Residents

Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving (1901 N. MacArthur Blvd.)

• Medical City Las Colinas (6800 N. MacArthur Blvd.)

• Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Dallas (near John W. Carpenter Fwy.)

Government and Public Safety

• Irving Police Department Crash Reports: 305 N. O’Connor Rd.

• Dallas County District Clerk e-filing for civil lawsuits

• Small Claims (Justice Court Precinct 4-1) for disputes under $20,000

Victim Assistance and Consumer Protection

Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Program Texas Courts Self-Help Resources

If medical bills, lost income, and daily pain are overwhelming you, remember: Texas law provides remedies, but they are time-sensitive. Consulting a qualified personal injury lawyer irving texas can level the playing field against deep-pocketed insurers and defendants.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and the application of law depends on individual circumstances. 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.