A serious car crash can leave you overwhelmed—pain, medical appointments, missed work, vehicle repairs, and insurance adjusters calling before you’ve even had time to process what happened. If you were injured in a collision in Fort Worth or anywhere in North Texas, the steps you take in the first hours and days can protect your health and your potential injury claim.
At Reaves & Lee, you work with an attorney-led team—Chris Lee and Jon Reaves—not a high-volume firm where cases are treated like numbers. Our approach is straightforward: build your claim the right way, communicate clearly, and move your case forward, including filing suit when it becomes necessary instead of letting an insurer drag things out.
If you’re not sure what to do next, contact Reaves & Lee to discuss your options.
Why Reaves & Lee Is Different From a High-Volume Firm
After a wreck, many people end up at a “high-volume” firm that runs on heavy advertising and a rapid, high-turnover intake model. That structure can mean your case is handed off repeatedly, communication is inconsistent, and you feel pressure to accept an early offer before the full impact of your injuries is clear.
Reaves & Lee is intentionally different:
- Direct attorney access. You can expect meaningful involvement from Chris Lee and Jon Reaves, not a rotating case handler.
- Fewer handoffs and more continuity. A smaller team means fewer dropped details and a clearer strategy.
- Personalized case strategy. Your injuries, work situation, and recovery timeline should drive the plan—not a one-size-fits-all settlement pipeline.
- Preparation creates leverage. Insurance companies pay attention when a claim is thoroughly documented and positioned for litigation if needed.
Bottom line: our firm is sized just right and can deliver a more personal experience—and often a better-developed claim.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Worth
1) Call 911 and get medical help
Safety comes first. Call 911 (or ask someone else to) and request police and medical assistance. A crash report can become important evidence later, especially if fault is disputed.
2) Get checked by a doctor as soon as possible
Some injuries don’t show up immediately—concussions, soft-tissue injuries, back injuries, and internal trauma can worsen over time. Prompt medical care also helps document that your injuries are connected to the crash.
3) Document the scene
If it’s safe, collect:
- Photos/video of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and debris
- License plates and insurance information
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- The exact location and time of the collision
4) Watch what you say
Avoid admitting fault or guessing about what caused the wreck. Even polite statements like “I’m sorry” can be mischaracterized later.
5) Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer
The at-fault insurer is trained to ask questions that can reduce the value of your claim. You can provide basic facts, but be cautious about recorded statements and broad medical authorizations.
6) Don’t post about the crash on social media
Insurance companies monitor social media. Photos, comments, and activity updates can be taken out of context and used against you.
Do I Have a Valid Car Accident Claim in Texas?
Most Texas car accident cases are based on negligence—a driver failed to use reasonable care and caused harm. Examples include distracted driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, and drunk or drug-impaired driving.
A successful claim generally requires proof that:
- The other party owed a duty to drive safely
- They breached that duty
- The breach caused the crash
- You suffered damages (medical bills, lost income, pain, impairment, property damage)
Evidence may include crash reports, photos, witness statements, surveillance footage, vehicle damage assessments, and medical records tying your injuries to the collision.
What a Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Actually Does
A strong claim isn’t just paperwork—it’s evidence, documentation, and leverage. When you work with Chris Lee and Jon Reaves, Reaves & Lee can:
- Investigate the crash and secure time-sensitive evidence
- Collect and organize medical documentation and injury proof
- Identify all potentially responsible parties (not always just the other driver)
- Calculate damages, including future treatment and earning impact
- Handle communications with adjusters and defense counsel
- Negotiate for a fair settlement—and file a lawsuit when necessary
Many injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis (fees are paid from a recovery rather than upfront). We can explain how fees and costs work during your consultation.
We Don’t Let Insurance Companies Stall Your Case
Some firms keep cases in “pre-litigation” longer than they should—sending demand packages, waiting on adjusters, and letting months pass while the insurance company delays.
At Reaves & Lee, we pursue settlement when it makes sense, but we don’t waste unnecessary time when an insurer refuses to be reasonable. If filing suit becomes necessary to protect you and move the claim forward, we are prepared to file and litigate.
What this means for you:
- Less time stuck in endless back-and-forth with adjusters
- Earlier leverage when the insurer is stalling or lowballing
- A clear path to subpoenas, depositions, and court deadlines that force progress
- A strategy based on your injuries, treatment, and documentation—not a slow settlement pipeline
What Compensation Can Be Available After a Car Wreck?
Every case is different, but damages may include:
Economic damages
- ER/ambulance, hospital bills, imaging, surgery, prescriptions
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical care and long-term treatment needs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair/replacement, towing, and rental expenses
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish, anxiety, PTSD symptoms
- Physical impairment or disability
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Be cautious with fast settlement offers. Once you settle, you usually can’t reopen the claim later if symptoms worsen.
Texas Comparative Fault: What If I’m Partly to Blame?
Texas uses modified comparative fault (often called proportionate responsibility). In general:
- If you are found 51% or more responsible, you may recover nothing.
- If you are 50% or less responsible, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Time Limits: How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Texas?
In most car accident injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the crash. Some cases involve different deadlines (for example, certain claims involving government entities). Waiting too long can also make it harder to locate witnesses and preserve key evidence.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car crashes can cause both immediate and delayed injuries, including:
- Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries
- Back injuries, herniated discs, and nerve pain
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractures and joint injuries (knee, shoulder, wrist)
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Lacerations, burns, and scarring
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Many wrecks are preventable and involve driver error such as:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, GPS)
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Failure to yield, unsafe turns, running lights/signs
- Tailgating and aggressive driving
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Fatigued driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Vehicle maintenance issues or defective parts (in some cases)
Texas Car Accident FAQs
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
You may still have options depending on your coverage—often including uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) or personal injury protection (PIP). The best path depends on the facts of your crash and the insurance policies involved.
Should I go to the doctor even if I don’t feel like I am that hurt?
Yes. Symptoms can be delayed, and early evaluation can matter for both proper treatment and documentation.
What should I say if an insurance adjuster calls me?
Stick to basics (date, location, vehicles involved) and avoid opinions about fault or injury severity. Be cautious about recorded statements, especially with the other driver’s insurer.
How much is my Fort Worth car accident case worth?
It depends on liability, injury severity, treatment needs, time missed from work, future impact, and documentation. Early offers often don’t account for long-term effects.
How long will my case take?
Some cases resolve in months. Others take longer—especially if medical treatment is ongoing or if litigation is required. A realistic timeline depends on your recovery and the insurer’s posture.
Talk With Chris Lee and Jon Reaves at Reaves & Lee
If you want a Fort Worth car accident law firm where your case won’t be treated like a number—and where you can expect real attorney involvement and a team that will push the case forward—contact Reaves & Lee.
We’ll listen, answer questions, and help you understand your next best step.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Every case depends on specific facts and applicable law.