Texas Car Accident Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Texas car accident attorneys who can fight for maximum compensation across the Lone Star State. Whether your crash happened on I-35 in Dallas, I-45 in Houston, I-10 in San Antonio, or on a rural highway, we'll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Texas has a strict two-year statute of limitations for car accident claims under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. This applies to all negligence claims against other drivers, trucking companies, and most other parties. Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year deadline from the date of death. Unlike some states (Colorado, Washington), Texas does not offer an extended deadline for auto claims — the standard two-year limit is firm.

Yes, but only if your share of fault is 50% or less. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar under Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. If a jury assigns you 30% fault, your award is reduced by 30%. At 51% or more, you recover nothing. Insurance adjusters in Texas aggressively argue fault — especially in intersection collisions, lane-change accidents on major highways, and the frequent multi-vehicle crashes on I-35, I-45, and I-10.

For most car accident claims, Texas does not impose caps on compensatory damages — no limits on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) or non-economic damages (pain and suffering). However, punitive damages are capped at the greater of $750,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic up to $750,000. Government claims under the Texas Tort Claims Act are capped at $250,000 per person and $500,000 per incident. Medical malpractice has separate caps that generally don't apply to standard car accidents.

Texas is a traditional at-fault state — the negligent driver's insurance pays. Minimum coverage is $30,000/$60,000/$25,000 (30/60/25). No PIP or no-fault requirement. UM/UIM must be offered but can be rejected in writing. Roughly 14% of Texas drivers are uninsured — one of the highest rates nationally. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own UM/UIM coverage becomes critical.

I-45 between Dallas and Houston regularly tops national lists for fatal crashes per mile. I-35 through Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas sees enormous crash volumes. I-10 through Houston has daily serious crashes. Houston alone had 67,644 crashes in 2023 and 345 fatalities in 2024 — a 15% year-over-year increase. Over 52% of all Texas traffic deaths occur on rural roads, where higher speeds and longer emergency response times make crashes more deadly.

With the nation's highest fatality count, a strict two-year deadline, aggressive insurers, and massive geography spanning 254 counties, Texas car accident claims require experienced representation. Insurance companies use the 51% fault bar to shift blame. An attorney works on contingency (you pay nothing unless they win) and can identify all liable parties, pursue all coverage sources, and maximize your uncapped recovery.

Why Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Texas?

Texas recorded an estimated 3,249 traffic fatalities in 2025 and 4,283 in 2023 — the highest in the nation both years. Someone has died on a Texas road every single day since November 7, 2000. Houston alone had 345 fatalities in 2024 (up 15% from 2023). Over 52% of deaths occur on rural roads. Speed, distraction, and impairment remain the top contributing factors. Single-vehicle run-off-road crashes account for nearly 32% of all fatal accidents. With no general damage caps, your recovery is limited only by evidence — but the 51% fault bar and two-year deadline demand swift, strategic action.

When Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Texas?

If any of these situations describe your car accident, a free consultation can protect your rights.

Types of Car Accident Cases in Texas

Our wide range of attorneys will be able to help you in these situations

Missing Texas' strict two-year statute of limitations — no extensions for auto claims

Not understanding that 51% fault eliminates your entire claim — not just reduces it

Accepting a low settlement when the at-fault driver carries only minimum $30/$60 coverage

Not identifying UM/UIM and umbrella coverage when the at-fault driver is uninsured (14% of TX drivers)

Not pursuing Dram Shop claims against bars when a drunk driver hit you

Giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurer without legal counsel

Missing Texas' strict two-year statute of limitations — no extensions for auto claims

Not understanding that 51% fault eliminates your entire claim — not just reduces it

Accepting a low settlement when the at-fault driver carries only minimum $30/$60 coverage

Not identifying UM/UIM and umbrella coverage when the at-fault driver is uninsured (14% of TX drivers)

Not pursuing Dram Shop claims against bars when a drunk driver hit you

Giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurer without legal counsel

Common Car Accident Claim Mistakes in Texas

Texas' strict two-year deadline and aggressive insurance environment make these mistakes especially costly.

How Much Do Texas Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

33%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Car accident attorneys in Texas work on a contingency fee basis — typically 33% to 40% of the total recovery. In a state with no general damage caps and the nation's highest traffic fatality count, skilled representation is critical. Case costs including police reports, accident reconstruction, and expert witnesses are typically advanced by the firm.

What Can Your Texas Car Accident Compensation Include?

Medical Expenses (No General Cap)

All current and future medical costs — hospital bills, surgeries, rehab, therapy, medications. No cap in most car accident cases.

Lost Wages & Earning Capacity (No Cap)

Income lost during recovery and future lost earning capacity. No statutory limit in standard car accident claims.

Pain & Suffering (No General Cap)

Physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment. No cap in most car accident cases.

Punitive Damages (Capped)

Available for gross negligence or DUI. Capped at the greater of $750,000 or 2x economic + non-economic up to $750K.

Property Damage

Repair or replacement of your vehicle. Pursued through the at-fault driver's property damage coverage ($25K minimum).

Wrongful Death Damages (No General Cap)

Loss of companionship, earning capacity, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. No general cap.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Texas Car Accident Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Texas?

When Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Texas?

Types of Car Accident Cases in Texas

Common Car Accident Claim Mistakes in Texas

How Much Do Texas Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Texas Car Accident Compensation Include?

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