A car crash can interrupt your day without warning. One moment, you’re driving near AT&T Stadium, making your way through Collins Street traffic, or heading home along I-20. The next moment, you may be dealing with a damaged vehicle, painful injuries, and an overwhelming wave of questions. Who was at fault? What should you say to the insurance company? How will you manage time off work, treatment appointments, or mounting bills?
This kind of disruption takes a toll on more than just your routine. It affects your health, your ability to earn a living, and your emotional well-being. Whether the crash happened on a quiet neighborhood street or near a crowded event zone, the consequences can last much longer than expected. Keep scrolling to learn what to expect after a crash in Arlington, understand how Texas law approaches these claims, and see how Patterson Law Group helps clients in your community recover with strength, clarity, and support.
Compassion, Clarity, and Results: What Sets Our Team Apart
When you’re injured in a crash, you don’t just need legal paperwork. You need direction, steady communication, and practical help to move forward. At Patterson Law Group, we have built our practice around those needs. We believe personal injury clients deserve individual attention, clear updates, and service that matches the complexity of their recovery.
We do not take every case that comes our way. We intentionally limit our caseload to make room for stronger attorney-client relationships, more detailed investigations, and more flexible communication. Our team serves Arlington residents with a client-first approach that includes direct access to your attorney, transparent updates, and personalized legal guidance that reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Focused Attention From a Firm That Knows Your Name
We limit how many cases we accept so we can give each client the time and focus they need. When you call, you speak with someone who knows you. Your story, your concerns, and your goals guide how we build your case. This level of attention allows us to move quickly when needed, adapt when your medical needs change, and communicate clearly through each stage of the legal process.
We also keep you informed with plain-language explanations, regular case updates, and responses that match your schedule. Whether you’re juggling doctor’s appointments or looking for help understanding a settlement offer, our team is accessible and ready to assist.
Beyond the Case: Support for Health, Healing, and Recovery
Legal help is only one piece of the recovery process. Many clients come to us struggling with more than paperwork or deadlines. They may be trying to find a specialist, arrange transportation, or manage pain and limited mobility while still caring for their families.
Our team provides referrals to trusted providers, helps coordinate care, and offers solutions that lighten the burden. Whether you need a chiropractor, a physical therapist, or assistance scheduling follow-up visits, we provide that guidance as part of our service. We also help clients get their vehicles repaired, track medical expenses, and keep a clear record of how the crash has changed their daily lives.
Serving Arlington With Heart, Purpose, and Persistence
Patterson Law Group is deeply rooted in the Arlington community. We have represented clients from every corner of the city, including neighborhoods near UTA, South Cooper Street, Green Oaks, and beyond. We understand the local traffic conditions, the most common crash zones, and the courts that oversee injury cases.
Our firm has built strong relationships with medical providers and understands how to move cases efficiently through Arlington’s legal system. More importantly, we take pride in treating every client with the respect and dedication they deserve. When you work with us, you are choosing a team that values your time, your dignity, and your right to a fair recovery.
What To Know About Car Accidents in Arlington
Car crashes in Arlington are more than just statistics. They are a daily reality on the city’s busiest roads, near shopping centers, stadiums, and schools. According to TxDOT data, thousands of crashes occur each year in Tarrant County, with Arlington contributing a significant portion. Many of these accidents involve injuries, property damage, and weeks or months of disruption for the people involved.
Knowing where and how accidents tend to happen can help you understand what went wrong and how that might affect your claim. These are some of the most common traffic situations we see in local crash cases:
- High-traffic zones near Collins Street and I-30. These areas experience heavy congestion during rush hour and weekends. Drivers often switch lanes without signaling, fail to yield while merging, or misjudge stopping distance in slow-moving traffic. These conditions create a high risk of rear-end and side-impact collisions.
- Stadium and event-area congestion. Large events at AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Field bring significant spikes in traffic. Crowded parking lots, unclear signage, and distracted drivers trying to navigate unfamiliar routes often result in low-speed crashes, pedestrian injuries, and fender benders with painful consequences.
- Construction zones and merging conflicts. Ongoing development in Arlington means road work is common. Sudden lane closures, unclear detours, and narrow construction lanes increase the risk of sideswipes, rear-end collisions, and confusion that leads to preventable crashes.
- School zone crashes and distracted driving. School drop-off areas and speed-reduced zones present unique risks. Parents rushing through car lines, teenagers checking phones, and drivers ignoring school zone signs can all cause injuries to other drivers, students, or pedestrians.
Understanding where the crash occurred—and how others have been injured in similar areas—can help your legal team identify the key causes, contributing factors, and the best strategy for pursuing your claim.
Why Some Accidents Seem Minor But Cause Long-Term Harm
After a crash, it’s common to feel shaken up but still think, “I’m okay.” You might walk away with just some soreness or assume the pain will go away in a few days. Unfortunately, some of the most serious injuries we see in car accident cases develop gradually. They may begin as mild discomfort but lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, or neurological symptoms that impact daily life.
These delayed or overlooked injuries are often the reason people seek legal help weeks or even months after the crash. The good news is that you may still have a valid claim—even if the injury didn’t seem serious at first.
Neck and Soft Tissue Injuries
Rear-end collisions, even at low speeds, can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and shoulders. Whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately but can become more painful over time. These soft tissue injuries can limit your ability to work, sleep, or carry out routine tasks.
Concussions and Delayed Brain Trauma
Mild traumatic brain injuries may not be diagnosed right away. Some people begin to experience headaches, dizziness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating several days after the crash. These symptoms may be dismissed as stress or fatigue but can indicate a serious brain injury requiring treatment.
Lower Back Strain
The lower back is vulnerable in many types of crashes, especially those involving sudden stops or impacts from behind. What starts as stiffness can develop into nerve pain, numbness, or mobility issues that affect your job and personal life.
Re-Injury of Prior Conditions
Car crashes often aggravate old injuries. If you previously experienced neck, back, or joint pain, a new collision can intensify those problems. Even if you were managing your condition before the crash, worsening symptoms may qualify you for compensation if the accident made them significantly worse.
Anxiety or Sleep Issues Post-Crash
The emotional impact of a crash is sometimes overlooked. Some people experience sleep disruption, recurring nightmares, or anxiety while driving or riding in a car. These symptoms can interfere with relationships, routines, and work, and they are just as important to document as physical injuries.
Getting prompt medical care helps document these conditions and creates a record that links your symptoms to the crash. Our firm works with clients who experience delayed symptoms and helps ensure those injuries are taken seriously by insurers and fully reflected in your claim.
How Texas Fault Laws Work in Car Accident Cases
After a car crash, many people hesitate to file a claim because they believe they were partially at fault. You might think that one mistake—like driving a little over the speed limit or reacting a moment too late—means you are not eligible for compensation. Fortunately, Texas law accounts for these situations and allows shared responsibility in many cases.
Texas uses a rule called modified comparative fault to determine how compensation is awarded. Under this system, you can still recover damages if you were partially responsible for the crash, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. If a court or insurance company finds that you were 20 percent responsible, your compensation will be reduced by that same percentage. For example, if your damages total $100,000, your recovery would be limited to $80,000.
However, if you are found to be 51 percent or more responsible, you may no longer be eligible to collect compensation. This makes accurate fault determination a critical part of your case. Insurance companies may try to exaggerate your role in the crash, and without strong legal support, it can be difficult to push back.
At Patterson Law Group, we gather the facts and evidence needed to show what really happened. We work to ensure your actions are viewed in context and that blame is not unfairly assigned. Our team helps clients understand how comparative fault may apply to their claim and takes steps to protect their right to fair compensation, even when multiple drivers were involved.
What Not To Say to the Insurance Company
After a crash, you may feel pressure to cooperate with the insurance company quickly. Adjusters often call within days—or even hours—of the collision, asking questions that may seem routine or harmless. What many people don’t realize is that these conversations are often recorded and used to shape how the claim is handled.
Even well-meaning comments can be taken out of context or used to reduce what you are offered. To protect yourself, it is important to know what not to say—and why your attorney should handle these communications for you.
“I’m Fine” or “I Don’t Need a Doctor”
These phrases are often said out of habit or politeness, especially when someone is trying to downplay their injuries. Unfortunately, they can be used by insurance adjusters to argue that your injuries are not serious or are unrelated to the crash. Even if you feel okay at first, it is better to let a doctor evaluate you and let the records speak for themselves.
Admitting Partial Blame at the Scene
In stressful situations, people sometimes apologize or accept fault without knowing all the facts. Comments like “I should have slowed down” or “I didn’t see them” may be used against you later, even if another driver caused the crash. Do your best to stick to factual statements and avoid discussing blame until the full picture is clear.
Giving Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements early in the claims process. These interviews may include vague or leading questions that can be difficult to answer accurately without preparation. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and doing so may harm your case. Our firm handles these conversations so that your words are never used out of context.
Accepting Early Settlement Offers
A quick settlement may seem helpful, especially when bills are piling up. But early offers often do not reflect the full cost of medical care, lost income, or long-term recovery needs. Once you accept, you may not be able to pursue additional compensation—even if your condition worsens. We help clients understand the true value of their case and decide whether a settlement offer is fair.
Signing Release Forms Too Soon
Insurance companies may ask you to sign documents before you understand the full impact of your injuries. These forms can limit your rights or prevent you from filing further claims. Always speak with a lawyer before signing anything. We review all documents to ensure your rights are fully protected.
How We Investigate and Strengthen Your Case
Building a strong injury claim takes more than just submitting a few forms. At Patterson Law Group, we take a proactive, detailed approach to every case we handle. That includes investigating the crash thoroughly, organizing all relevant evidence, and working with professionals who can help support your claim.
Whether your case involves a minor injury or a more serious condition, our goal is to present a complete, fact-based picture that shows how the crash happened, how it affected you, and what compensation you deserve.
Reviewing Accident Reports and Photos
The crash report filed by responding officers is often one of the first pieces of evidence we review. It includes important details like the location of the crash, contributing factors, statements from drivers and witnesses, and a diagram of the scene. We also look at any photos you took at the time of the crash or that were provided by law enforcement. These images can help us show vehicle damage, weather conditions, traffic flow, and other details that clarify what happened.
Interviewing Witnesses
Eyewitness accounts are often a key part of proving fault. We speak with people who saw the crash, document their statements, and include them in the evidence we submit. Witnesses can confirm facts that drivers may dispute, such as which vehicle ran a red light or whether a driver was speeding or using a phone.
Securing Medical Records and Bills
Your medical records help establish a link between the crash and your injuries. We work with your doctors to collect treatment summaries, diagnostic reports, billing records, and future care recommendations. These documents help us show not only what you’ve been through already, but also what you may face in the months or years ahead.
Reconstructing Accident Scenes if Needed
In complex or disputed cases, we work with accident reconstruction specialists. These experts use physics, engineering, and crash data to analyze how a collision occurred. Their findings can support your case with detailed, objective analysis, especially when liability is contested or when multiple drivers are involved.
Consulting With Medical or Crash Experts
In some cases, we bring in outside professionals to explain medical conditions, long-term effects, or treatment plans. A physical therapist, orthopedic specialist, or neurologist can provide insight into how an injury affects your life. Their input may be especially helpful in cases involving chronic pain, brain injuries, or future care needs.
Each step of our investigation is designed to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. We don’t just collect records. We organize and present that information in a way that helps insurers understand the full extent of your loss. We also prepare every case as if it may go to trial, even when a settlement is likely. That level of readiness helps us negotiate with confidence and advocate for your needs from a position of strength.
Who Pays for What After an Accident in Arlington?
After a crash, one of the first questions people ask is who will cover the costs. Texas follows a fault-based insurance system. This means the person who caused the accident—and by extension, their insurance provider—is generally responsible for paying for damages. However, several types of coverage may come into play, and understanding how each works is essential to protecting your financial recovery.
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
Every driver in Texas is required to carry liability insurance. This includes two main components: bodily injury coverage and property damage coverage. Bodily injury pays for medical expenses, lost income, and other injury-related losses suffered by the other party. Property damage covers the cost to repair or replace the other driver’s vehicle and any other damaged property, such as fences, traffic signs, or mailboxes.
If another driver caused the crash and carries adequate insurance, their liability coverage is usually the first place we look when pursuing compensation on your behalf.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection, or PIP, is a no-fault coverage that pays for your own medical bills, lost wages, and related expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. Texas insurers are required to offer PIP, though many drivers choose to decline it in writing. If you have PIP, we can help you access those benefits early in the case, especially if you need help covering medical bills while your liability claim is pending.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the other driver does not have insurance—or does not have enough to cover your losses—uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can fill the gap. This type of coverage is also optional in Texas, but it’s essential because it protects you financially if you’re in a crash with a driver who lacks adequate insurance—a situation that’s more common than most people realize. UM/UIM is especially important in hit-and-run cases or when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Our team reviews your policy and handles the claim process so that you can recover everything you are entitled to.
Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs and Lost Wages
Even with insurance, you may face out-of-pocket expenses for co-pays, deductibles, prescriptions, or over-the-counter supplies. You may also lose income if your injury prevents you from working or causes you to miss time for appointments. We help clients track and document these costs so they can be included in the final settlement demand. In some cases, we work with financial professionals to project long-term losses for clients who have been permanently affected.
Understanding how these coverage types interact allows us to build a comprehensive strategy for recovering every dollar you are owed. We review all available policies, negotiate with insurers, and make sure you are not left paying for someone else’s mistake.
When Injuries Affect More Than Just Your Health
A serious injury can disrupt more than your physical well-being. It often creates ripple effects that touch every area of your life. At Patterson Law Group, we take the time to understand those impacts and factor them into your case. This helps ensure that your compensation reflects the full scope of your loss.
- Missed work and career changes. Whether you missed a few weeks or had to change jobs entirely, income loss is one of the most common consequences of a car crash. Some clients must reduce their hours, switch to less physically demanding work, or give up their careers entirely due to chronic pain or mobility limitations.
- Childcare and household disruptions. Caring for children, managing a household, and handling errands can become challenging after an injury. You may need to hire help, rely on family members, or shift responsibilities in ways that affect everyone in the home.
- Depression or trauma. Emotional injuries are often harder to talk about, but they are no less real. Many clients experience depression, anxiety, or fear related to driving. These symptoms can interfere with relationships, sleep, and recovery. Mental health treatment is part of your recovery and should be included in your claim.
- Loss of ability to drive or commute. Some injuries make it difficult or impossible to drive. This can affect your ability to work, attend medical appointments, or participate in daily routines. Transportation challenges are a real loss, and we help you calculate how that change affects your time, budget, and independence.
Our team documents these effects with care. We work with your doctors, therapists, and, most importantly, you, to understand how the injury has changed your life and what support you need moving forward.
Can You Still File a Claim Weeks or Months Later?
Some crash victims wait weeks or even months before contacting a lawyer. They may hope the pain will go away, assume insurance will handle everything, or feel unsure about what steps to take. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone, and it may still be possible to file a claim.
Texas law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. As long as that deadline has not passed, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries, lost income, and other losses.
Even if time has passed, reaching out to an attorney is still worthwhile. In many cases, we are able to recover necessary documents, secure medical records, and reconstruct what happened based on available evidence. Delays can create challenges, but they do not automatically disqualify your case.
The most important thing you can do is act before the two-year deadline runs out. If you are unsure whether your claim is still valid, our team will review the timeline, explain your rights, and help you make an informed decision about what to do next.
How We Support You Beyond the Lawsuit
Legal support means more than managing paperwork or preparing legal arguments. At Patterson Law Group, we understand that the people we serve are real individuals facing major disruptions to their lives. That is why we provide help that goes well beyond legal filings and negotiations. Our goal is to support the whole person—not just the case.
Help Coordinating Care and Services
Many clients come to us while still dealing with the immediate aftermath of a crash. They may be missing work, arranging childcare, or trying to find a specialist who will accept their insurance. We help schedule appointments, communicate with healthcare providers, and coordinate treatment across multiple offices if needed. This practical support keeps your care on track and helps avoid delays that could affect your recovery or your case.
We also help with logistical issues related to transportation. If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the crash, we assist with body shop coordination, rental car access, and paperwork for insurance claims. These services reduce your day-to-day stress and help you focus on getting better.
Consistent Communication and Updates
From the moment we take your case, our team keeps you informed. You do not have to guess when you will hear from your attorney or wonder who is handling your file. We assign clear points of contact and provide regular updates on where your case stands, what happens next, and what you can expect along the way.
We also respond quickly when questions come up. Whether you need help understanding a medical bill or want clarity on the negotiation timeline, our team makes time for those conversations. We believe trust is built through steady communication, and we make that a priority in every case.
Real Support for Life After the Crash
Some clients face long-term recovery. Others may return to their routines within weeks but still need guidance on what comes next. We help with both. We provide clear direction, answer difficult questions, and work to minimize the disruptions caused by legal and insurance matters.
Our team stays involved from beginning to end. We do not disappear after the paperwork is filed or leave you on your own after a settlement is reached. Whether your case settles in weeks or takes months to resolve, we remain committed to supporting you until your case is fully complete.
By focusing on client care and practical support, we reduce uncertainty and give you space to heal. You should not have to balance your recovery with legal stress. Patterson Law Group is here to carry that burden so you can move forward with peace of mind.
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
You do not have to go through this alone. If you were injured in a car crash in Arlington—whether near AT&T Stadium, along I-30, or on a quiet residential street—you deserve answers and support. You also deserve to know what your rights are, how the claims process works, and what kind of outcome is possible.
At Patterson Law Group, we offer free consultations to people who have been hurt in vehicle accidents. These conversations are private, respectful, and focused on helping you make an informed decision. We listen carefully, explain your options clearly, and give you space to ask every question on your mind.
You will not be pressured to sign anything or pushed toward litigation. If we believe we can help, we will walk you through what that support looks like. If we think your situation is better handled another way, we will tell you that too.
There is no cost to get legal advice. You only pay if we recover compensation for you. That means you can reach out, ask questions, and learn your rights without taking any financial risk.
If you are ready to learn more, schedule a free consultation with Patterson Law Group today. We are ready to help you move forward—one step at a time, with a legal team that puts your needs first.
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