Category: Car Accidents

What to Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist
Car accidents are traumatic experiences that may leave you with injuries and property damage. Unfortunately, not every driver in Texas has vehicle insurance. To recover compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage after an accident with an uninsured motorist, you still have options.

Options for Recovering Compensation for Your Injuries & Property Damage

Approximately 14% of motorists in Texas are uninsured. This means, as you travel, you have a chance of being involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver.

Here are the first steps you should take if you should get into an accident:
1. Seek medical attention first: Go to the ER or visit a local clinic as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, some injuries take a few days or weeks to show symptoms.
2. Call the police: You’ll need a police report to file an insurance claim.
3. Get the driver’s information: If you’re able, take down the driver’s information such as name, phone number and address. You may need this information to seek damages.
4. Document the accident: If able, take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the scene of the accident. Soon after, do your best to write down exactly what happened while the accident is fresh in your mind. If you need to file a lawsuit, this information will be helpful.
There are also a few additional things you can do to secure compensation.

972-450-1418 – Have you been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist? There are a few things you can do to seek compensation. To learn more, visit us today.

1. Contact Your Own Insurance Company

Even though you may not be at-fault for the accident, your own insurance company is the first place to go for compensation for medical bills, car repairs and more. You may also have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for these accidents specifically.

2. Seek Damages From a Third-Party

If you’re unable to receive compensation from your own insurance company, the next step is to see if a third-party is liable. For example, if the driver was on the job during the accident, their employer may be liable for your damages. If you decide to pursue this route, we recommend reaching out to a skilled attorney for help.

3. File a Lawsuit

If you’re still unable to obtain compensation, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault, uninsured driver. This must be done within two years from the date of your accident. Again, we recommend reaching out to an attorney before pursuing a lawsuit. They’ll use their experience and knowledge to try and prove the driver is liable for your injuries due to negligence.

Injured After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver? Call Us Today.

If you’ve been injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, we can help. To learn more about your next steps, give us a call at 972-450-1418 or send us a message.
July 14, 2020
Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Case?

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, it’s important to know that you only have a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit for compensation in Texas.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is a strict time limit on your right to file a lawsuit in court. The statute of limitations will vary depending on the type of lawsuit you’re filing, such as personal injury, libel, defamation or discrimination.

The Statute of Limitations in Texas

Car accident cases are personal injury lawsuits. According to Texas law, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of your accident.

If you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who died due to an accident, the statute can be paused for up to one year. The statute begins the date of the individual’s death.

972-450-1418 – Have you been involved in a car accident? You only have a certain window of time to file a lawsuit. To learn more, visit us today.

Filing a Claim After the Two Years Has Passed Will Hurt Your Case

After a car accident, we understand it’s tempting to avoid any additional stress to give yourself time to heal. You may even think your injuries will be covered completely under your insurance. Unfortunately, this may not be the case for more serious injuries. You also won’t receive compensation for pain and suffering or other losses under insurance.

To receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, you should act quickly. Filing a claim after the two-year statute of limitations may result in a motion to dismiss your case. At that point, there’s little to be done.

Special Considerations in Texas

Did you get hit by a bus or another government vehicle? If so, you must follow another set of guidelines for filing.

The Texas Tort Claims Act states you must file a claim within six months of the date of your accident. Moreover, some cities within Texas have even shorter time limits. It’s important to discuss your accident with an attorney to ensure you file correctly.

Hurt in a Car Accident? Call an Attorney Today.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, now’s the time to reach out for help. Don’t wait or attempt to file a lawsuit on your own. We recommend calling an experienced car accident attorney. To learn more about your potential case, send us a message.

June 4, 2020
6 Ways to Avoid Common Car Crash Injuries
In 2018—the last year of reported data—a person received injuries in a car crash every two minutes and seven seconds here in Texas. The total number of injured individuals came just under 250,000, with nearly 15,000 suffering serious injuries.

Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents cause a range of injuries, from minor soft-tissue damage to paralysis and amputation. When it comes to the most common injuries, the following top the list:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
Many of these injuries are not life-threatening, but they can affect your daily life for weeks, months or even years. That’s why it’s important to do all you can to avoid injury in the event of an accident.

972-450-1418 – Curious to know what the most common car crash injuries are and, more importantly, how to avoid them? Read this article or reach out to our team for help.

How to Avoid Car Crash Injuries

While you can stay alert on the road to help avoid causing an accident, you can’t guarantee others are doing the same. So here are a few ways to prepare yourself behind the wheel to avoid the most common injuries in case you get into an accident.
- Wear your seat belt. Seat belts keep you safe. Without them, injuries can be even more severe. Wear your seat belt every time you get into a car, no matter how short the drive. If needed, adjust the seat belt height to ensure the belt crosses over your chest and goes over your shoulder.
- Adjust your seat. You need to be able to reach the steering wheel and the pedals. You also want to be as far away from the airbag as possible, as the closer you get the more pressure you’ll feel if the airbag is deployed.
- Sit up straight. Proper posture goes a long way in preventing many injuries in an auto accident. Do not slouch. You’ll want to ensure your back is up against the back of the seat and your head is touching the headrest.
- Adjust the wheel. The wheel should always point toward your chest. If it’s at an angle and pointing toward your face, adjust it accordingly before you hit the road.
- Keep your hands at 10 and 2. The position of your hands also affects the position of your arms and shoulders. By keeping your hands at 10 and 2 on the wheel, your arms and shoulders are more in an at-rest position.
- Don’t tense up. A common reaction in the seconds leading up to an accident is to tense up in anticipation of the impact. If you see a car coming your way and can’t avoid the accident, take a deep breath to relax your muscles. The tenser you are, the worse your injuries may be.
Involved in a Car Accident in Texas? Call Us for a Free Consult.

See a doctor no matter how severe or mild your injuries seem after an accident. It can take a while for injuries to make themselves apparent. Document everything you feel after an accident and, if you’re suffering, be sure to call an experienced car crash injury attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact our Texas legal team to learn more.
May 4, 2020
Deadly Car Accidents Abound Despite Drop in Traffic Due to COVID-19
Ever since the threat of COVID-19 entered our country’s borders and found its way to Texas, everyone has been urged to shelter in place to avoid community spread. In March, President Trump issued guidelines encouraging everyone in the US to practice social distancing. The governors of multiple cities across Texas took things further by ordering its people to stay home.

With social distancing and multiple city-wide, stay-at-home orders in place, activity and traffic across Texas have slowed somewhat. But it hasn’t slowed enough to eliminate the threat of deadly car accidents.

Multiple Fatal Car Crashes Across Texas Over the Past Month

The President’s social distancing guidelines went into effect on March 16, 2020. Many Texans began to take greater care as they ventured outdoors and to public places, but even still, fatal crashes occurred.
- A Travis County senior deputy died in a two-car crash on March 18 in the 7700 block of FM 2244.
- A 63-year-old San Antonio woman was killed in a hit-and-run accident on March 20.
- A 74-year-old man died on I-20 in Arlington after his car slammed into a concrete barrier on March 22.
- On March 30 in Austin, a 9-year-old child was killed in an accident involving both a failure to yield right-of-way and driving under the influence.
- A drunk driver hit another vehicle in Amarillo on April 1, causing the death of a 32-year-old woman and a 44-year-old woman, as well as causing life-threatening injuries to a one-year-old baby.
972-450-1418 – The threat of COVID-19 has led to fewer people on the roads but has not stopped deadly car accidents. Learn more here.

Will the Extension of Social Distancing & Statewide Stay-at-Home Orders Help?

On March 29, President Trump extended his social distancing guidelines for another 30 days. On March 31, Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide stay-at-home order, mandating that everyone shelter in place except for essential services or activities. While staying home raises many challenges for our state’s individuals, families and businesses, we’re hopeful there’s a silver lining with this—fewer car accidents with fewer injuries and zero fatalities.

Stay Alert & Stay Safe if You Can’t Stay at Home

Whether you’re venturing out to buy groceries or you’re one of the many essential employees heading out to work, we encourage you to stay alert on the roads. Staying safe is the name of the game right now, and we all must do our part.

Should you find yourself involved in an accident, remember to get the help you need. Seek medical care and contact a personal injury attorney.
April 24, 2020
Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents While on Vacation
It’s springtime and many families are beginning to plan their summer vacations. As you plan that grand beach vacation or weekend getaway, remember to stay safe to avoid accidents while traveling.

Car Accidents Happen Often During Vacation Travel

The summer months are prime time for travel. According to the Highway Safety Advocates, the summer months of June, July and August are known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer due to the number of road fatalities.
During vacation travel, many drivers find themselves on unfamiliar roads and highways. The unfamiliarity plus the distraction of using GPS systems and maps for navigation often result in serious car accidents.

5 Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents While Traveling

As you plan your trip, it’s important to freshen up on your road safety. To get started, here are five helpful tips:
1. Don’t drive while drowsy: If you’re traveling long distances, make sure you stop for some much-needed rest. Driving while drowsy is often deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 100,000 police-reported crashes occur each year due to drowsy driving.
2. Avoid driving while under the influence: If you plan on partaking in that poolside margarita, remember to avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol. Approximately 30 fatalities occur each day in the US due to drunk-driving.
3. Reduce your speed: When driving in unfamiliar places, remember to do so at a safe speed. This will allow you to pay better attention to the road and those around you.
4. Don’t drive distracted: Put your phone away. If you need to use a GPS system, use one that works via voice or set the GPS before you get out on the road.
5. Inspect your car before hitting the road: Before you head out, inspect your car for any damage that may cause an accident. For example, check your tires for debris, change your oil and ensure you fill-up with gas.
972-450-1418 – As you travel this spring and summer, make sure to freshen up on your road safety to avoid car accidents. To learn more, visit us today.

Injured in a Car Accident While on Vacation? Call Us Today.

Have you been injured in a car accident while traveling? An experienced attorney can help. To learn more about our car accident representation or to speak with an attorney, give The Fell Law Firm a call today at 972-450-1418.
April 4, 2020
5 of the Most Common Car Accident Causes

Our roads are hazardous, yet all of us depend on them. Perhaps if we were more aware of both our own behavior and that of other drivers, we could avoid falling into some of the bad decisions that frequently lead to crashes.

Four out of five of the causes we cover here have to do with driver decision-making. Although unfortunate, this can mean good news. If driver behavior makes roads dangerous, improving driver behavior could make roads safer for us all.

1. Distracted Driving

Each day in the US, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes reported to involve a distracted driver. Of all the different types of distractions, texting while driving is the most common and one of the most dangerous.

Drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a wreck. Texas is one of the many states where texting while driving is illegal. But other types of distracted driving, including eating, using infotainment systems and talking to passengers are very common and just as dangerous.

2. DUI/DWI

Alcohol and drugs reduce driver reaction times, impair decision-making and affect a driver’s vision, all of which make the driver much more likely to crash. According to the CDC, 29 people die every day in the U.S. in motor vehicle accidents involving alcohol. This amounts to one death every 50 minutes.

3. Speeding

Around 31% of all traffic deaths are the result of speeding. It’s such a major problem in America that some agencies, including the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, have argued that the penalties for speeding should be just as severe as the punishments for DUI.

In Texas, a first offense DUI comes with heavy fines plus a driver’s license suspension of up to a year, according to the state Department of Transportation. Speeding rarely has punishments that severe, except in very egregious situations.

972-450-1418 – Many car accidents are the result of five common causes. What are they and can they be prevented? Learn more by visiting us today.

4. Reckless Driving

Reckless driving can mean running a stop sign or red light, tailgating, drag racing, doing burnouts, driving while intoxicated, excessively speeding, or doing any other kind of driving act that shows a disregard for the safety of others. Reckless driving causes thousands of serious injuries and deaths every year.

5. Bad Weather

Bad weather is the only thing on this list that isn’t directly the result of a driver’s actions. After all, no one can control the weather. The Federal Highway Administration says that roughly one out of every five car accidents are related to weather conditions.

Rain, hail, fog and strong winds make driving much more hazardous. If you’re ever caught in bad weather, try to give yourself some extra time to get where you need to go, slow down, and be even more cautious than usual.

Our Dallas Car Accident Lawyers Investigate all Crash Causes

If you were hurt by someone else’s negligent or reckless driving, you deserve compensation. The car accident attorneys at The Fell Law Firm know how to investigate crashes and determine the true cause. We invite you to contact us today to arrange a free initial consultation to discuss your injuries and how we may be able to help.

March 4, 2020
Most Car Accidents Happen in These Places
When most of us think of car accidents, we often think of a crash on a crowded highway. Although accidents happen every day on Texas highways, they’re far from the only place where car crashes occur. With millions of accidents happening every year in the US, it’s an unfortunate reality that they occur in places we normally don’t consider.

Familiar Places Sometimes Harbor the Greatest Danger

It’s easy to believe that most car accidents happen because people are driving in an unfamiliar area, on roads they’ve never driven before or during a long road trip when the driver is drowsy. But, the truth is, most crashes happen within 25 miles of home.

The repetition of driving the same roads every day leads us to relax. Our brains go on autopilot, causing us to pay less attention to the familiar road. It’s important to remind yourself to stay vigilant until your car is safely parked at home.

972-450-1418 – Thousands of car accidents occur each year around the US. Where do most car accidents happen in Texas? Learn more by visiting us today.

Five of the Most Common Places Where Accidents Occur

Hundreds of car accidents happen every day in Texas, many of them taking place in locations you might not expect, including:
- Parking lots: With so many vehicles maneuvering around in a tight space, accidents are frequent. Most of the incidents may be of the “fender-bender” variety, but people still get hurt in these scenarios. Also, people walking through the parking lot may be struck by a vehicle backing out or pulling into a spot without looking.
- Rural roads and gravel roads: Get out of Dallas and you might find yourself on an old country road. People sometimes drive faster or pay less attention due to the lack of traffic. Head-on collisions and single-vehicle rollovers aren’t uncommon on these kinds of roads.
- Crowded highways: Whether it’s people rushing to work, traveling for a holiday or just driving too aggressively, major highways are the location of thousands of crashes. Sudden lane changes, swerving, tailgating and dozens of other potential errors are to blame.
- Intersections, stop signs and stop lights: Intersections are always hazardous. Someone could run a red light or a stop sign, try to beat a yellow light, or even stop too early and cause a rear-end situation.
- Neighborhoods: The familiarity we talked about earlier causes people to relax too soon, which leads to accidents. Also, neighborhoods may have children darting into the street, pedestrians walking along the road, and other variables that must be accounted for.
No matter where a car accident occurs, some or all of the people involved may suffer injuries, some potentially life-changing. In those cases, the injured person may be able to recover compensation from the other driver or his/her insurance company. Car accidents are the most common reason for personal injury lawsuit filing in America.

Our Dallas Injury Lawyers Represent Car Accident Victims

The Fell Law Firm is dedicated to seeking justice and compensation for people hurt in auto accidents. Our Dallas attorneys have decades of personal injury litigation experience and are always ready to help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with one of our lawyers.
February 25, 2020
What Happens When You Get Injured by Someone Who Was Driving a Company Vehicle?
Thousands of employees drive vehicles provided to them by their employers, using them for everything from hauling goods to transporting people to general work-related errands. Unfortunately, company cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and fleet vehicles are involved in numerous serious accidents in Texas every year.
If you were injured in a wreck where the other driver was using a company vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. To obtain it, however, you’ll need to find an attorney who understands how personal injury cases involving company vehicles differ from the “ordinary” car accident case.

What Is a “Company Vehicle”?

We all recognize some company vehicles right away: an 18-wheeler, a UPS or FedEx truck, a service van with a plumber’s advertising all over it. But the definition of a company vehicle is much broader than that.
A company vehicle can be any motor vehicle, no matter its size, that is used by an employee or agent to complete work-related tasks. The vehicle may be owned or leased by the company and then provided to the employee. A short list of company vehicles may include:
- Box trucks
- Catering trucks/cargo vans
- Corporate cars
- Fleet vehicles
- School buses
- Ridesharing service vehicles (Uber, Lyft)
- Food delivery service vehicles (DoorDash, Grubhub)
- Taxis and shuttles
- Limousines
What happens if you are injured by someone who is driving their own car but, at the time of the crash, they were using their personal car for business reasons? That’s an important question and it comes down to the specific facts about the crash. It may, in some cases, be possible to argue that the vehicle was being used like a company vehicle, which could allow you to hold the employee’s company liable for damages. Be sure to ask your lawyer this question and explain everything in detail so he/she can take appropriate action.

Hurt by someone driving a company car or truck? The Dallas accident lawyers at The Fell Law Firm explain the legal challenges you can expect. Call 972-450-1418 for legal advice.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Company Vehicle Accidents?

The general rule is that employers are liable for the actions of their employees, so long as 1) the actions were within the scope of employment and 2) the employee was acting as an “agent” for the company at the time. This is known as respondeat superior, a legal term roughly meaning “let the master answer” for the conduct of his subordinates.
When it comes to company vehicle accidents, a company could be held liable for:
- Negligent supervision
- Negligent hiring practices
- Failure to verify proper licensing/certification
- Failure to properly train drivers
- Failure to maintain vehicle
Additionally, the employee/driver could be held personally liable in certain situations, such as if the driver was intoxicated behind the wheel, texting while driving or otherwise negligent.

Our Texas Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you were hurt in a wreck with a fleet vehicle, delivery truck, city bus, garbage truck, box truck or any other kind of company vehicle, reach out to The Fell Law Firm in Dallas. Our accident attorneys provide a free initial consultation where you can explain what happened and we can explain how we can help. Contact us today to arrange your meeting.
February 15, 2020
4 Car Accident Myths You Shouldn’t Believe
When it comes to car accidents, misinformation is everywhere. From untruths about insurance to confusion over personal injury lawsuits, it’s easy to find yourself believing things that aren’t 100 percent accurate.
In this post, our Dallas car accident lawyers take on a few of the myths you may have heard and explain why you shouldn’t believe them. There are many more myths out there, and perhaps we’ll tackle those in a future post.

Myth 1: If You Weren’t at Fault, You Are Guaranteed Some Compensation

This simply isn’t the case here in Texas. The question is whether you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. This insurance normally kicks in to cover things like medical expenses, lost wages and other damages, no matter who was at fault.
In Texas, however, PIP is not mandatory. In fact, you may have waived PIP coverage when you signed up for insurance. People frequently decline PIP coverage because the payouts are capped, and usually capped at an amount that doesn’t cover all damages after a car wreck.
If you don’t have PIP coverage, a lawsuit may be necessary to hold the at-fault driver and their insurance company liable for the damages. You could recover a much greater amount of compensation this way, but you’ll need to enlist the help of an experienced lawyer.

The Dallas car accident lawyers at The Fell Law Firm in Dallas discuss some common myths about car wrecks in Texas. Call 972-450-1418 if you need advice.

Myth 2: The Rear Driver Is Always at Fault for a Rear-End Collision

Rear-end crashes seem cut and dried: the driver who rear-ended you must be 100 percent at fault, right? Not so fast. There are several factors outside the rear driver’s control that could have contributed to the collision.
Examples of things that reduce the fault of the rear driver include:
- The actions of a third-party driver, such as merging dangerously, swerving, or braking erratically
- The driver ahead may not have had properly functioning brake lights
- The brakes in the rear car may have been defective
If you were hit in a rear-end collision, you may have to be ready to fight for full compensation, because the at-fault driver may have a partial defense that their insurance company will use to try to reduce the amount you receive.

Myth 3: The Police Report Will Prove Fault

If the police showed up at the accident scene to document what they saw and gather input from drivers and witnesses, that’s excellent. But the police report by itself may not be enough to prove fault.
Police reports are most useful when an experienced personal injury lawyer is able to incorporate the report into a larger context as part of a case. At a trial, the lawyer can tell the jury the story of the accident, using the facts in the police report to paint the picture.

Myth 4: You Don’t Need to Seek Medical Attention for Minor Injuries

The truth is, some injuries may not be apparent right away, but then progressively get worse over time. Whiplash and related neck and back issues are one example. The adrenaline going through your body immediately after the wreck might mask the symptoms of this kind of injury. It’s always important to see a doctor after a car accident because doing so starts building a medical record, which will be needed if you do end up filing a lawsuit.

Contact a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

The Fell Law Firm has deep experience in personal injury claims stemming from Texas car accidents. Our Dallas attorneys can meet you, assess your options and advise you accordingly. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
January 31, 2020
Back-to-School Safety Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents
It’s that time of year again where families start sending their kids back to school. Whether you’re preparing for the first day or have already started the new year, it’s important to take time to refresh your safety tip knowledge to avoid car accidents in school zones and during your commute.

Safety Tips for Driving in School Zones

There are five teen pedestrian deaths every week within the United States. You can do your part to keep kids safe by practicing safe driving in school zones. It’s important to pay attention to signals and to obey posted speed limits. Additionally,
- Slow down when entering a school zone and stay at a reduced speed until you exit the zone.
- Keep an eye out for crossing guards and pedestrians crossing the street near sidewalks and bus stops.
- Refrain from passing vehicles while driving in the school zone.
- Avoid driving distracted by putting your phone down.
972-450-1418 – It’s back-to-school time, which means it’s time to refresh your safe driving knowledge for a safe commute. To learn more, visit us today.

What Texas Law Says About Passing School Buses

During back-to-school time, you’ll notice more and more vehicles out on the road in the mornings and late afternoons. Of course, you’ll also notice the return of those bright yellow school buses. Before you go to pass one, remember your legal duties.

It’s illegal to pass a stopped school bus in all 50 states. According to Texas law, all vehicles must stop when a school bus has its stop sign out or their red lights on. Drivers must come to a complete stop on all lanes in both directions unless the road has a median or barrier.
If you do pass a school bus unlawfully, you may be subject to a fine of no less than $500 and no more than $1,250, as well as other consequences depending on severity. Plus, you put yourself and the kids exiting or entering the bus at serious risk.

Involved in a Car Accident During Your Commute?

If you’ve been involved in a bus accident during the back-to-school commute, you may need to reach out to a professional personal injury attorney for help. To learn more about driver safety or for assistance navigating the aftermath of an accident, send us a message.
September 16, 2019