Dallas Insurance Claims Attorney | Personal Injury Lawyer Richardson

Author: Fell Law Firm

  • Mistakes That Can Derail Your Texas Car Accident Claim

    We like to think that seeking compensation after a car accident is pretty straightforward. Insurance companies simply look at the facts surrounding the accident, right?

    Wrong. The things you do even days or weeks after the crash can help or harm your case. Sometimes even facts from months later can affect what compensation you receive.

    Following the right course of action and getting the help of a Texas auto accident lawyer can give you a much better result. Here are our tips.

    5 Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident

    If you’ve been injured in an accident, we want you to be able to receive the maximum compensation possible. To do that, try to avoid these common mistakes.

    1. Failing to Call the Police

    Even if the accident seems minor, or if the other driver tries to convince you to keep insurance out of it, always call the police. A police report provides an official record of what happened and often includes key details that can help establish fault.

    Without it, it becomes your word against theirs, which is not a good position at the bargaining table or in court.

    2. Failing to Seek Medical Attention

    Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away or appear minor at first. Still, it’s important to see a doctor right away, just in case.

    If you seek treatment later, it makes it easier for the insurance company to argue that your injuries were caused by something else, rather than by the accident. See a doctor immediately and follow any recommendations they give you. This creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the crash.

    3. Trusting the Insurance Company

    The insurance company is not on your side—even your own insurance company. The job of every insurance professional is to minimize payouts. A win for the insurance company is generally a loss for you.

    Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that can weaken your claim so they can deny it. Consulting with a personal injury attorney before giving any statement can make a big difference in your case.

    4. Discussing the Case on Social Media

    A major event like a car accident may seem like a prime topic for social media. But if you’ve been in an accident, it’s best to avoid posting anything, even about unrelated topics.

    Insurance companies often monitor social media accounts. Even posts unrelated to the crash can be twisted to suggest you’re not actually hurt. When in doubt, stay silent online until your case is resolved.

    5. Not Hiring an Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney

    Trying to handle your car accident claim on your own can be a costly mistake. Texas personal injury law is complex, and insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their bottom line. Without legal representation, you may accept a lowball offer or miss an important deadline.

    A skilled attorney can take control and ensure you receive proper compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

    Contact The Fell Law Firm Today to Get Started

    At The Fell Law Firm, our experienced attorneys can help you avoid common traps that can harm your case. After a car accident, call our team at 972-450-1418 or contact us online to find out how we can help.

  • Can AI Make Texas Roadways Safer?

    Texas is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) in an attempt to make our entire transportation system safer and more efficient. The Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan is a sprawling, multi-faceted initiative to harness the power of AI. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) believes it can use AI responsibly to accomplish its goals.

    Top Priorities for TxDOT in Using AI

    Designing the optimal transportation infrastructure for a large and growing state like Texas is no simple task. Collecting and organizing traffic and accident data is a Herculean effort. Properly analyzing that data to reach the best possible solutions may require more than even a very committed group of people can accomplish.

    TxDOT intends to use AI to analyze all the collected roadway data, including things like pavement metrics and signage to utility projects and safety hazards. As a result, it can help with data-driven decision-making.

    In addition, AI can be used to improve the process of inspecting bridges and predicting when maintenance or repair will be necessary to maintain safety. AI can inform and improve TxDOT efforts to boost safety and improve the flow of traffic. Overall, it can streamline TxDOT efforts to maintain and improve roadways in countless ways.

    The idea is not to turn control over the transportation system to artificial intelligence. Human oversight and accountability must be maintained. It’s a powerful tool, but it cannot replace human judgment.

    Training and Coordination

    Using AI effectively is not an intuitive skill. To maximize the benefits of using AI, TxDOT has included training for its personnel. In addition to the training initiative, TxDOT created the AI and Automation Community of Practice. This group exists to help staff members get answers to their questions and share the ways AI is working for them.

    The three-year plan includes a host of ideas about what AI can do to improve the experience of Texas drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Perhaps just as importantly, it also includes efforts to save money and help TxDOT carry out its responsibilities more efficiently.

    Proactive and Reactive

    Planning and infrastructure are major pieces of what AI can do. AI can also help in situations where things have already gone wrong. It can help with things like wrong-way driver alerts, weather-related warnings and road closure recommendations. Hardly any function performed by TxDOT couldn’t be improved by artificial intelligence.

    A Texas Personal Injury Attorney Can Protect Your Rights

    Eliminating or reducing car accidents is a worthy goal. These accidents result in the tragic loss of life every day. Those injured can have their lives changed in countless ways. Physical pain, loss of function, inability to work, medical bills and more can turn a life upside down.

    At The Fell Law Firm, our skilled team works to protect accident victims. If you’ve been injured in a Texas car accident, call us now at 972-450-1418 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

  • Do You Have To Slow Down For Emergency and TxDOT Vehicles?

    Car accidents are often the result of unusual or unexpected situations. Depending on your driving habits, you may go a long time without seeing any emergency vehicles, tow trucks or Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles. Knowing how to handle these situations can help you avoid a deadly mistake.

    How To Deal With Those Flashing Lights

    Texas Transportation Code 545.157 governs these types of interactions. First, let’s explain the kinds of vehicles that you could see along the road:

    • Emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire trucks
    • Tow trucks
    • TxDOT vehicles
    • Any highway maintenance or construction vehicle
    • Service or utility vehicles

    The purpose of the law is to address the dangers faced by roadside workers. Ideally, this will reduce injuries (or worse) to first responders, maintenance workers or TxDOT personnel, particularly in a state with high rates of distracted driving.

    When you see one of these vehicles, you have two options:

    • You should move over to create an empty lane between you and that vehicle.
    • If there isn’t a lane you can move into, you can slow down to 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit. (Or, if the posted limit is 25 mph or less, just slow down to 5 mph under the limit.)

    The Texas Department of Transportation is currently running a traffic safety campaign on this topic. The name says it all: Move Over or Slow Down.

    Penalties and Liability

    While the law has been in place for decades, it was changed fairly recently to increase the penalties for violations. A first offense can lead to a fine of $1,250. If a violation leads to a serious injury, the driver responsible may end up in jail in addition to paying thousands of dollars in fines.

    When these vehicles have their lights flashing or lamps on, they’re working and need other drivers to proceed with caution. Anyone who fails to obey the law will be liable for any accident that results.

    Be Alert, Stay Safe

    In general, it’s a good idea to assume that vehicles such as police cars, ambulances and tow trucks could turn their emergency lights on at any time. Even if their lights are off now, be ready to move out of the way and slow down at a moment’s notice. Avoid speeding or tailgating such vehicles. If you can, give them a wide berth.

    Making smart choices behind the wheel gets easier with practice. Over time, it can become a reflex action to slow down and move over for vehicles on the side of the road. Even if the car is just someone pulled over with a flat tire, they would appreciate more room to address the problem.

    Reach Out to an Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney

    If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you need experienced legal guidance. At The Fell Law Firm, our skilled lawyers will help you get the money you deserve. Call us today at 972-450-1418 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

  • Motorcycle Awareness Month in Texas

    Texas is home to countless motorcycle enthusiasts. These riders all across the state deserve the same respect and deference as any other travelers on the road.

    May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in the U.S., and few states stand to benefit as much as Texas from improving driving safety for motorcycles. It’s well worth the effort to help prevent accidents and protect the rights of motorcyclists who have been hurt in accidents.

    Texas Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

    In 2024, Texas saw 585 people killed in motorcycle accidents. The more than 9,000 crashes also led to thousands of serious injuries. These numbers suggest that more work needs to be done to make riders safe.

    TxDOT has an ongoing motorcycle safety campaign called “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles.” It’s aimed at a common explanation given after motorcycle accidents: Drivers in other vehicles fail to see motorcycles until it’s too late.

    While there are some unavoidable reasons for this, looking twice is a good place to start. Paying closer attention has the potential to reduce all types of accidents, including motorcycle crashes.

    Good Driving Habits

    Motorcycles are smaller than cars. Since cars greatly outnumber motorcycles, people often only look out for objects of that size.

    What drivers need to do is rethink how they evaluate safety. Here are some good habits to get into:

    Be Observant

    Drivers must observe their surroundings more carefully. Look longer and look again at intersections, when making lane changes and in other potentially dangerous situations.

    This time of year, motorcycles become more common. Drivers should be actively on the lookout for motorcyclists. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you could avoid a tragedy.

    Only Drive When Sober

    Impaired driving is another issue that arises frequently in motorcycle accident cases. Alcohol and safe driving do not go hand-in-hand. If you’ve been drinking, you should not be driving or riding.

    Stay Calm

    Aggressive driving is also a significant factor in motorcycle accidents. Speed gives you less time to make good decisions. You don’t have time to look twice if you’re rushing around.

    Keep Your Distance

    Despite their small size, you should give motorcycles more space, rather than less. Remember, riders are in much greater danger than car passengers in the event of a collision.

    Go Back to Basics

    Finally, basic driver safety practices can strongly influence motorcycle safety:

    1. Signal turns and lane changes.
    2. Check your mirrors frequently.
    3. Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits.

    These can all help prevent a crash.

    Call a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney

    At The Fell Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers work hard to protect accident victims. Our team handles injury cases all over Texas. If you’ve been injured, call us at 972-450-1418 to schedule a consultation.

  • Best Car for a New Texas Driver

    Parents face a host of challenges when it comes to keeping their children safe. The teenage years can be particularly challenging, as you increasingly feel the need to keep them safe from themselves as well as others.

    Picking a car for a new driver can be difficult, but the experts have weighed in. They offer some assistance on choosing cars that can help your kids avoid car accidents.

    Driving Skill Comes First

    It’s important to acknowledge this point: The conduct of the person behind the wheel has a much greater impact on safety than the type of vehicle someone drives. The vast majority of car accidents are the result of human error.

    Inexperienced drivers make mistakes. Anything you can do to help them limit or avoid those mistakes will do more to protect your teen’s safety than purchasing even the most indestructible car.

    To that end, do your best to model good driving habits. Teach your teen about the what can happen due to distracted driving or aggressive driving. Give them tips on how to handle these situations safely. Make sure they know the importance of wearing their seatbelt every time they drive.

    Unimpaired, attentive, buckled-up drivers have already eliminated many of the conditions that lead to serious car accident injuries.

    Recommended Cars

    The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports put together a list of cars to look for when choosing a vehicle for your teen driver. The list did take cost into consideration. The top choices among used cars include:

    1. Toyota Camry, 2018 or newer
    2. Genesis G80, 2017-2020
    3. Toyota Corolla sedan, 2017-2019, 2023 or newer
    4. BMW X2, 2019 or newer
    5. Acura MDX, 2017-2020

    There are many other good options in the small, mid-size, large and SUV categories. Naturally, the condition of the individual vehicle should be considered. A car in good condition is safer than an unreliable one.

    As for new cars, the list covers vehicles with a Kelley Blue Book cost below $45,000. The list includes:

    1. Honda Civic sedan
    2. Honda Accord
    3. Honda HR-V
    4. GMC Acadia

    Automatic emergency braking and effective seat belt reminders are among the features that make these cars top choices for teen drivers.

    Safety for All Ages

    Most of what makes a vehicle safe applies to drivers young and old. The list can be used by anyone looking to find a top safety pick when buying a vehicle. If safety is your number-one priority, this list can help you search for the right vehicle to meet your needs.

    How To Deal With a Car Accident

    The right vehicle can help you avoid some accidents and minimize harm when they do occur. But even the best safety tips can’t prevent every accident. Other drivers may behave recklessly, sudden weather changes can occur and animals may attempt to cross in front of you or your teen. It’s important to understand that accidents may still happen.

    If you or your teen has been involved in a car crash, you need a personal injury attorney to fight for you. At The Fell Law Firm, our Texas car accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 972-450-1418 to schedule a consultation.

  • Car Accident Claims and Insurance Adjusters

    Car accidents are difficult for many reasons. After an accident, one potential source of frustration is the insurance company and its representatives. The insurance company of the driver at fault typically pays for car crash damages. Insurance adjusters can feel like a major impediment to getting the compensation you deserve after a crash.

    What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?

    For accident victims, the important thing to remember is that the insurance company (even your own) is not on your side. Insurance companies are in business to make money, like every other company. They don’t make money by paying full compensation in a timely manner. The insurance adjuster is there to limit their expenditure by paying you as little as possible.

    When you file a claim with an insurance company, they assign an adjuster to the case. The adjuster investigates the claim and decides whether the insurance company should deny the claim or pay it and how much the payment should be.

    A key part of the adjuster’s job is to review the insurance policy or policies in light of the details of your claim. If the adjuster can find a way out of paying the claim, the insurance company will consider that a win. In some cases, an adjuster will even say an accident is not covered by the policy when, in reality, it is.

    Beyond reviewing the coverage in the policy, the adjuster might also contact witnesses, review police reports and speak to anyone involved in the accident. Accident victims need to be careful when talking to the insurance adjuster. If the adjuster can interpret a statement in a way that avoids liability, they’ll do so.

    Watch Out for Early Settlement Offers

    There are many tricks an adjuster can use to avoid paying full compensation. Among the most common is the early settlement offer. If the adjuster knows the company will have to pay, they can offer far less than the full value of the claim. If you accept the offer, you can’t come back later and ask for more.

    But a serious car accident can put victims and their families under terrible pressure. Medical bills pile up quickly. Serious accidents generally put the victim out of work for weeks, months or even permanently. An early offer can be incredibly tempting when you’re in a dire financial situation.

    Multiple Claims Adjusters

    It’s not unusual for the insurance company to use different claims adjusters, depending on whether there is litigation. The insurance company may change its stance at that point. If you don’t receive a fair offer, taking the matter to court may be your only option.

    A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You

    Insurance adjusters know how to protect their employers. You need someone on your side to make sure they don’t take advantage of you. At The Fell Law Firm, our Dallas car accident lawyers can take on the insurance companies. Call us at 972-450-1418 to discuss your case in an initial consultation.

  • What Is Your Car Accident Case Worth and Why?

    If you’re considering reaching out to a personal injury attorney, your first question is probably about the value of your case. It’s a fair concern. If the insurance company makes you an offer, how can you judge whether it’s fair? You need to know if the offer is even worth considering.

    There Are No Guarantees

    The value of a case relies on many factors. In some cases, the maximum amount of compensation is fairly easy to calculate. In other cases, it’s virtually impossible. In every case, there’s an element of uncertainty. No attorney can tell you exactly how your case will turn out. There are no guarantees.

    Personal Injury Compensation Basics

    Car accident victims can receive three different kinds of compensation for what they’ve lost. There are economic damages, non-economic damages and exemplary damages, including punitive damages. The value of any personal injury case can be broken down into those three categories.

    When considering what compensation you could potentially receive, we look at several factors. Here are five of them.

    5 Factors That Affect Case Value

    1. The Losses Incurred

    The maximum value of a case depends on the losses suffered. Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vocational rehabilitation and other costs can add up. These combine to form the theoretical top limit for most personal injury cases. Remember, though, that actually getting the full amount is not as simple as proving those costs are real.

    2. Insurance

    In many cases, the real value of a personal injury case is tied to the coverage the person who caused the accident has. Their policy limits may form the realistic top amount a personal injury victim will receive.

    You may still get a judgment for an amount that covers all your losses. However, your chances of getting that money may be slim if there’s no insurance policy to pay it.

    3. The Venue

    Where a case would be tried can have a significant impact on the value of the case. Some jurisdictions are known to be friendlier to injury victims. Insurance companies and their lawyers know the reputations of the various courts.

    4. Your Car Accident Attorney

    The attorney you choose to represent you makes a difference. An attorney with experience, strong negotiation skills, willingness to go to trial and ability to prepare your case for success can change the value of your claim.

    5. The Story of Your Accident

    You, the plaintiff, can impact the value of your case. Fair or not, a person with a sympathetic story to tell may get a better result in negotiations or a trial. An experienced trial attorney can help you present the case in the best possible light.

    Contact an Experienced Texas Injury Attorney

    Getting maximum compensation is important for your future. At The Fell Law Firm, our team can help you get what you deserve after an accident. Call our Dallas offices at 972-450-1418 to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

  • Auto Recalls Can Still Keep Dangerous Cars on the Road

    Many automobile recalls are for issues that don’t threaten driver safety. Some, however, are for issues that have the potential to cause serious harm or severe car accidents. Unfortunately, recalls are not always effective in getting dangerous vehicles the repairs they need to be safe.

    How Effective Are Recalls?

    In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversaw almost 900 auto recalls for various safety concerns. The NHTSA regularly monitors the effectiveness of these recalls. It has tried many strategies to improve the percentage of people who actually get the repairs done (known as “recall completion rates”).

    A recent study identified the scope of the problem. It found that the annual recall completion rate is regularly under 65%. Recalls are generally less effective the older a vehicle is. As a result, millions of vehicles with known safety problems continue to be operated because recalls do not have their intended purpose.

    Failure at Many Points

    If a vehicle is recalled, new car dealers are required to have the repairs completed before they can sell the car. This is one of the only situations where a recall is guaranteed to lead to repairs.

    Used car dealers are allowed to sell vehicles that have been recalled without doing the repair. If you bring your car into a repair shop, there’s no requirement that they check for recalls.

    When you register your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles, they’re not required to check whether the car could be dangerous. And, most importantly, vehicle manufacturers are not responsible for making sure recalled vehicles get the necessary repairs.

    Ways to Address a Vehicle Recall

    So how do you find out about recalls? The NHTSA has a website where you can check for recalls by license plate number or VIN.

    Of course, many owners wouldn’t know how to address a recall even if they found out about it. Where do you take the car? Do you have to pay for the repairs? How long does it take to get the repairs done? Confusion over how to handle a recall may discourage many owners from taking action.

    Authorized dealers for manufacturers do have to repair recalled vehicles. The repairs are done for free if the vehicle is less than 15 years old. This may have been enough at one point, but the average age of cars on the road is older than ever. Plus, people who can’t afford repairs usually handle them on their own, so they wouldn’t go to the dealer.

    Contact an Attorney After an Accident

    Defective vehicles are a serious problem in the United States. They can cause tragic accidents for their owners as well as other drivers. If you’ve been injured in a crash, you need a skilled lawyer. Call The Fell Law Firm at 972-450-1418 to speak to someone from our Dallas offices.

  • V2X: Sci-Fi Fantasy or the End of Car Crashes?

    Vehicle-to-everything technology, referred to as V2X, has incredible potential to make our roads safer. It also sounds like it may be too good to be true.

    There are many roadblocks to tackle before the use of V2X can be widespread. The U.S. Department of Transportation released a deployment plan for V2X this year that may get the ball rolling on this game-changing technology.

    What Is V2X?

    Vehicle-to-everything refers to a wireless interconnection between cars, roads and even pedestrians. With it, vehicles would “know” about the position of other vehicles, potential obstructions and other safety hazards. It’s basically a collision warning system that incorporates far more information than current technology allows.

    An Age-Old Problem

    Making technologies compatible has been a challenge for centuries. In the case of V2X, you have numerous auto manufacturers and different groups building and maintaining roadways. Convincing all parties to use technology that will seamlessly communicate with one another takes effort.

    The Federal Highway Administration is working hard to advance the cause of interoperability. They are working with the stakeholders and investing in research and development to solve this key problem. If V2X is ever going to live up to its potential, the compatibility issue must be addressed.

    The Potential Benefits of V2X

    V2X could be revolutionary. The primary benefit is enhanced safety. By sharing real-time data about traffic conditions, road hazards and vehicle locations, V2X can help prevent accidents and reduce fatalities.

    For example, vehicles can receive alerts about impending collisions or road obstacles, allowing drivers to take preventive action. It may even be possible for the vehicles themselves to take evasive action without the driver doing anything.

    A side benefit of V2X is improved traffic efficiency. V2X technology can optimize traffic flow wiby providingnformation about traffic signals, congestion a,nd other factors. It could help drivers pick optimal routes to minimize travel time. Spending less time stuck in traffic is better for drivers and would also have environmental benefits.

    V2X may also be the key to making autonomous vehicles truly effective. V2X could smooth the transition from human-driven vehicles to autonomous vehicles, enhancing overall road safety and efficiency.

    Finally, V2X technology could help transportation engineers design better infrastructure and public transport systems. Roads, signals, exits and merge points could all be optimized to make traveling more efficient with the information provided by V2X technology.

    Contact Our Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorneys

    Technology may eliminate car accidents in the future. For now, they are a serious problem experienced by countless drivers. After a car accident, you need a skillful car accident lawyer to protect your rights. Contact our team at The Fell Law Firm by calling 972-450-1418 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.

  • Head and Brain Injuries in Car Accidents

    Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are among the most devastating injuries you can receive. They also commonly can result from car accidents and are often complex and life-altering.

    The impact of a brain injury can extend far beyond the initial medical treatment that often follows. It can affect every aspect of a victim’s life, from cognitive function to emotional well-being.

    What Causes Brain Injuries in Car Accidents?

    Violent forces are at play during a car crash. Even in seemingly minor accidents, the impact of a car on another car or a person’s body can do tremendous damage. The sudden jolt of a crash can cause the brain to collide with the skull, resulting in a concussion or severe TBI.

    Common situations indicating a TBI include:

    • Whiplash: The rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck can lead to concussions and other brain injuries.
    • Airbag Deployment: While airbags save lives, they can also contribute to brain injuries if the force is too strong. They can also cause a passenger’s head to strike a window or other object in the vehicle.
    • Penetrating Injuries: In high-speed collisions, debris from vehicles can penetrate the skull, causing significant trauma to the brain.

    Types of Brain Injuries

    Brain injuries vary in severity and type. They can be classified into two main categories:

    1. Closed Brain Injuries: These occur without any break in the skull. Common examples include concussions and contusions, which can lead to headaches, dizziness and memory issues.
    2. Penetrating Brain Injuries: These involve a break in the skull and are usually more severe, often requiring immediate medical intervention. Symptoms can range from loss of consciousness to long-term cognitive impairment.

    The Long-Term Impact

    Brain injuries and their repercussions can last a lifetime. Victims may face challenges in returning to work, maintaining relationships or even performing daily tasks. Cognitive deficits can hinder a person’s ability to think clearly, solve problems or manage emotions, leading to frustration or even depression.

    For many clients, the financial burden can be overwhelming. Lost wages, medical bills and rehabilitation costs can add up quickly. If the victim requires long-term care or therapy, that can increase costs exponentially. This is where a personal injury claim can provide crucial support.

    Seeking Legal Help

    If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to a car accident, consult with a personal injury attorney. It’s essential to find someone experienced in handling these complex cases in Texas. These lawsuits can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies who have a financial interest in downplaying your injuries.

    An experienced lawyer can help gather medical evidence, establish liability and advocate for fair compensation. This may include coverage for:

    • Medical expenses
    • Rehabilitation costs
    • Lost income
    • Pain and suffering

    Contact Our Dallas Brain Injury Attorneys Today

    The Fell Law Firm has the experience and skill to protect car accident victims. Call our Dallas offices at 972-450-1418 or contact us online. We can schedule a free initial consultation and begin planning how to get you the compensation you deserve.