Irving Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Irving, you’re probably juggling more than you ever expected—doctor’s appointments, bills piling up, phone calls from insurance adjusters, and the stress of not knowing what comes next. It’s a lot, and it’s happening all at once.

Rhiannon Kelso founded Kelso Law in 2012, and since then, she’s built a practice around one thing: actually fighting for people who’ve been injured. That means going to trial when insurance companies won’t offer what a case is worth—not just processing paperwork and taking whatever the adjuster puts on the table.

If you need an Irving, TX car accident lawyer, we offer free consultations and work on contingency, which means you don’t pay anything unless we recover money for you.

Why Choose Kelso Law for Your Car Accident Case in Irving, TX?

A Trial Lawyer Who Actually Goes to Trial

Here’s something most people don’t realize: the majority of personal injury attorneys have never stood in front of a jury. They collect records, send demand letters, and settle for whatever the insurance company offers first.

That’s not how Rhiannon Kelso practices. She’s tried more than 25 cases to jury verdict and knows what it takes to win in a Dallas County courtroom. Insurance adjusters know her name—and they know that lowball offers might end up in front of a jury. That changes the math on every negotiation.

She holds bar admissions in Texas and practices before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts. Her memberships include the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Dallas Bar Association, and Dallas Trial Lawyers Association. She earned her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award.

A Track Record That Speaks for Itself

Over 13 years, Kelso Law has helped clients recover millions of dollars in personal injury and premises liability cases. The firm’s most significant result was an $8 million jury verdict against a grocery store whose security failures led to a violent assault.

Not every car accident case reaches seven figures—most don’t. But every case deserves an attorney who knows how to build maximum value and won’t accept less just to close a file quickly.

Bilingual Legal Services

We serve clients in both English and Spanish throughout Irving and the greater DFW area. Language shouldn’t be a barrier to getting real legal help after a wreck.

You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

Car accident cases here work on contingency. No retainer, no hourly billing, no invoices arriving while you’re still in physical therapy. We cover litigation costs upfront and only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

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“I had the best experience with this law firm. They worked very hard to get my settlement for a car wreck that I was involved in. They really dedicate their time to really get what is needed and more. Thank you so much for representing me and fighting these horrible insurance companies that don’t like to pay.” — Barbara Clark

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Irving

Motor vehicle wrecks come in all shapes, and the legal strategy that works for one type of crash might not work for another. Here’s what we handle:

Rear-end collisions. The trailing driver usually bears fault, but that doesn’t stop insurance companies from arguing your injuries were pre-existing or exaggerated. These cases often get complicated fast.

Intersection crashes. Red-light runners, improper left turns, failure-to-yield—these happen constantly at busy Irving intersections like MacArthur Boulevard and Las Colinas Boulevard. Proving negligence often depends on witness accounts and traffic camera footage.

Highway accidents. Collisions on I-35E, SH-183, SH-114, and Loop 12 tend to be the most severe because of the speeds involved. We obtain black box data, subpoena phone records, and bring in accident reconstruction experts when needed.

Commercial truck accidents. An 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds fully loaded. When they collide with passenger vehicles, the injuries are often catastrophic. Multiple parties—drivers, trucking companies, maintenance contractors—may share liability.

Rideshare accidents. Uber and Lyft crashes involve complicated, tiered insurance structures. Coverage depends on whether the driver was logged in, waiting for a ride, or actively transporting a passenger.

Hit-and-run incidents. When the at-fault driver flees, you still have options. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply, and we investigate every possible avenue for recovery.

Texas Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

Understanding a few key legal rules can make a real difference in how your case plays out.

Statute of Limitations

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and the court will dismiss your case—no matter how strong it is.

Two years sounds like plenty of time, but it goes fast. Between ongoing medical treatment, investigations, and settlement negotiations, waiting to get legal help is one of the biggest mistakes accident victims make.

Comparative Fault

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. If you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault.

The catch: if you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Insurance adjusters use this rule constantly. They’ll claim you were speeding, following too closely, or distracted—often without any real evidence. Having an attorney who can push back on these tactics matters.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires drivers to carry at least 30/60/25 coverage: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. The Texas Department of Insurance has more details on coverage requirements.

These minimums are woefully inadequate for serious injuries. A single surgery can blow past $30,000. When the at-fault driver is underinsured, your own UM/UIM policy becomes critical.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Irving?

Texas law allows accident victims to pursue compensation for both the financial losses they can document and the personal impact of their injuries.

Economic Damages

These are the quantifiable costs:

Medical expenses cover everything from emergency room visits and ambulance transport to surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescriptions, and future medical care you’ll need. Understanding your medical bills after an accident is critical because billing errors are common—and insurers exploit them.

Lost wages include income you’ve missed during recovery. Even if you used sick days or vacation time, that has value.

Loss of earning capacity applies when your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or any employment. The hidden costs of serious injuries often extend far beyond immediate medical bills.

Property damage covers vehicle repair or replacement. If your car loses resale value even after repairs, you may have a diminished value claim.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for losses that don’t come with receipts:

Physical pain and suffering accounts for the discomfort from your injuries and the treatment process itself.

Mental anguish includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep problems, and other psychological effects of the crash.

Physical impairment covers limitations on daily activities, work functions, or recreational activities you used to enjoy.

Loss of consortium allows spouses to recover for the accident’s impact on the marriage—companionship, affection, intimacy.

Punitive Damages

When the at-fault driver acted with gross negligence—drunk driving, street racing, intentional conduct—Texas courts may award punitive damages. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.008 caps these awards at $200,000 or twice economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000, whichever is greater.

What Steps Should You Take After a Car Accident in Irving?

What you do in the hours and days after a crash can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation later.

1. Stay at the scene. Texas law requires drivers involved in accidents to stop and render aid. Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a felony.

2. Check for injuries. Assess yourself and any passengers. Don’t move anyone who might have a spinal injury unless there’s immediate danger like fire.

3. Call 911. Report the accident to Irving Police or the appropriate agency. A police report creates an official record that helps with insurance claims and potential litigation.

4. Document everything. Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, debris, and any visible injuries. Note the time and weather conditions. These details fade from memory quickly.

5. Exchange information. Get names, phone numbers, addresses, license numbers, plates, and insurance information from all drivers. Collect contact information from witnesses.

6. Don’t admit fault. It’s natural to apologize after an accident, but those words become ammunition for insurance adjusters. Stick to factual observations.

7. Get medical attention. Even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries don’t show symptoms for hours or days. Prompt medical evaluation also creates a record linking your injuries to the accident.

8. Notify your insurance company. Report the accident as required by your policy. Keep it brief and factual. Don’t speculate about fault or injury severity.

9. Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance. Their adjuster works for them, not you. You have no legal obligation to give a recorded statement, and anything you say can be used against your claim.

10. Talk to a lawyer. An experienced attorney can investigate while evidence is still available, preserve important records, handle insurance communications, and pursue compensation that reflects your actual damages.

Car Accident Statistics in Irving and Dallas County

The numbers paint a sobering picture of how dangerous Irving roads can be.

Texas Traffic Fatalities

The Texas Department of Transportation documented 4,283 traffic deaths statewide in 2023—a record figure. November 2023 marked the 23rd consecutive month with more than 300 traffic fatalities.

Dallas County contributed over 300 deaths to that total, averaging roughly one traffic fatality per day within the county.

Irving’s Highway Concentration

Irving sits at the convergence of Interstate 35E, State Highway 183, State Highway 114, and Loop 12. According to TxDOT traffic volume data, certain segments of SH-183 through Irving carry over 150,000 vehicles daily. More traffic means more crashes—it’s simple math.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration consistently ranks Texas among the deadliest states for motor vehicle accidents. The primary culprits: speeding, distracted driving, alcohol impairment, and failure to wear seat belts.

Beyond Fatalities

Texas recorded approximately 250,000 injury-producing crashes in 2023. Many victims face life-altering consequences: traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputation, chronic pain.

The CDC’s WISQARS database identifies motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of injury-related disability across all age groups. For adults aged 25-44, car accidents are a primary cause of death.

The Real Cost

The National Safety Council estimates the average comprehensive cost of a disabling motor vehicle injury exceeds $1.5 million when you factor in medical expenses, lost wages, employer costs, and diminished quality of life.

These aren’t abstract statistics. They represent real families facing genuine financial devastation because someone else was careless behind the wheel.

Irving Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

What Does A Car Accident Attorney Cost?

This firm works on contingency. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. Initial consultations are free.

When Should I Hire A Lawyer After An Accident?

As soon as possible. Evidence deteriorates, witnesses forget details, and statutory deadlines approach faster than you’d expect. The insurance company is already building its case—you should have someone building yours.

What If I’m Partially At Fault For The Accident?

Texas allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault, though your compensation is reduced proportionally. At 51% fault or more, you recover nothing. We gather evidence to counter inflated fault allegations from insurers.

How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit?

Two years from the accident date. This deadline applies regardless of where you are in settlement negotiations. Don’t wait until month 23 to get legal help.

Should I Accept The Insurance Company’s First Offer?

Almost never. Initial offers are designed to close files cheaply, not to fairly compensate your injuries. They usually arrive before anyone knows the full extent of your damages.

What If The Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. We review every available policy—yours and others—to find viable sources of recovery. Options still exist even when the at-fault driver can’t pay.

How Long Does A Car Accident Case Take?

It depends. Straightforward cases with clear liability might resolve in a few months. Complex cases with disputed fault or serious injuries often take more than a year. We won’t rush your case into an inadequate settlement just to close the file.

Will My Case Go To Trial?

Most cases settle before trial. But having an attorney with real trial experience improves settlement outcomes because insurance companies know the litigation alternative is real.

What If I Didn’t Go To The Hospital After The Accident?

Get medical attention now. Delayed symptoms are common with soft tissue injuries and concussions. The gap between the accident and treatment can be explained, though longer delays make this harder.

Can I Handle My Claim Without A Lawyer?

Legally, yes. Practically, you’d be negotiating against professionals who do this every day. Studies consistently show represented claimants recover more compensation—even after accounting for attorney fees.

What Evidence Matters Most In A Car Accident Case?

Police reports, medical records, scene photos, witness statements, wage documentation, phone records when distraction is suspected, and vehicle black box data in serious crashes.

What If The Other Driver Lies About What Happened?

Physical evidence often contradicts false accounts. Skid marks, debris patterns, vehicle damage locations, and traffic camera footage can establish what actually occurred. We investigate thoroughly.

How Does Insurance Work In Uber Or Lyft Accidents?

Coverage depends on the driver’s status when the crash happened. Different policies apply based on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, heading to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone.

Will My Health Insurance Cover Accident-related Treatment?

Usually, at least initially. But health insurers often assert subrogation liens against personal injury settlements, seeking reimbursement for what they paid. An attorney can negotiate these liens to maximize what you actually keep.

What Makes Kelso Law Different From Other Firms?

Courtroom experience. Our founding attorney has tried more than 25 cases to jury verdict. Most personal injury lawyers have tried none.

Most Dangerous Locations for Car Accidents in Irving

Certain areas in Irving see more than their share of collisions due to traffic volume, road design, and driver behavior.

State Highway 183 (Airport Freeway) runs east-west through central Irving, carrying well over 100,000 vehicles daily. Tricky merge zones, high speeds, and heavy truck traffic create constant collision risk.

Interstate 35E along Irving’s eastern edge connects Dallas to Denton and beyond. Rush hour congestion leads to rear-end pileups; nighttime speeding causes loss-of-control crashes.

State Highway 114 handles commuter traffic from western suburbs plus DFW Airport-bound vehicles. Interchanges at MacArthur Boulevard and O’Connor Road are known accident hotspots.

Loop 12 (Walton Walker Boulevard) is a high-speed arterial with numerous cross streets. Angle crashes at intersections and rear-end collisions near lights happen regularly.

MacArthur Boulevard carries heavy north-south traffic with frequent lane changes. The SH-114 interchange is particularly dangerous.

Las Colinas Boulevard serves as the main artery through the Las Colinas business district, with heavy congestion during commute hours and frequent turning-movement crashes near office buildings.

Belt Line Road runs east-west through northern Irving with significant retail traffic and increased pedestrian exposure near commercial areas.

Important Local Resources for Irving Residents

After a car accident in Irving, you may need to contact local agencies or access specific services.

Disclaimer: Kelso Law does not endorse the following organizations. This information is provided for reference purposes only.

Irving Police Department — (972) 273-1010 (non-emergency)

Texas Department of Public Safety — Crash reports and driver records

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving — Emergency and trauma services

Medical City Las Colinas — Hospital serving the Las Colinas area

Parkland Memorial Hospital — Dallas County Level I trauma center

Texas Department of Insurance — Consumer assistance for insurance disputes

Irving Municipal Court — Traffic citation matters

Contact Kelso Law

Car accidents disrupt everything in an instant. One moment you’re driving to work or picking up groceries; the next you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, insurance claims, and stress you never saw coming.

You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone—especially when someone else’s negligence put you in this position.

Attorney Rhiannon Kelso has spent 13 years representing car accident victims throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She’s gone up against major insurance carriers and won. When insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, she takes cases to trial.

Consultations are free. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you. If you need a car accident lawyer in Irving, TX, call our office. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and give you an honest assessment of what it’s worth.