Car Accident Lawyer Heath, TX

When you’re injured in a car crash, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. From mounting medical bills to ongoing pain and uncertainty about what comes next, the days and weeks following an accident are often the most difficult. If you live in Heath, TX, and need help handling a car accident claim, the right legal guidance can make all the difference. At Smith & Lee, our car accident attorneys have decades of experience helping car accident victims across Northeast Texas get the justice they deserve.

With offices located just minutes away in Rockwall, the team at Smith & Lee is deeply familiar with the roads, courts, and community values in and around Heath, TX. Our firm is built on a commitment to local families and to holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Heath.

Why Car Accidents Are a Real Concern in Heath, TX

Heath may be a smaller, family-oriented city on the eastern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, but that doesn’t make it immune to serious car accidents. With its mix of residential neighborhoods, rural highways, and commuters traveling to and from Rockwall or Dallas, traffic in Heath has increased alongside the city’s growth.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s crash statistics, Rockwall County reported over 2,100 total crashes in 2023 alone, with 146 of them being in Heath. Many of these collisions occurred near major routes such as FM 740, FM 3097 (Horizon Road), and Ridge Road, roads frequently traveled by Heath residents. While some accidents resulted in property damage only, many involved serious injuries or fatalities.

As traffic increases and infrastructure expands, so do the risks of being involved in a crash. Whether it’s due to speeding, distracted driving, or impaired drivers, local residents need legal advocates who understand both the community and the laws that apply.

Heath’s Growing Traffic and Development Challenges

Heath, TX, once known as a quiet rural town, has seen steady population growth over the past decade. With its close proximity to Lake Ray Hubbard and convenient access to Dallas, Heath has become a desirable place to live for families seeking a blend of suburban calm and metropolitan convenience. However, with this growth comes new challenges, particularly when it comes to road safety and infrastructure.

Many of Heath’s roads were not originally designed to accommodate the current volume of traffic, especially during morning and evening commutes. Roads like FM 740 and FM 3097 are frequently congested, especially near schools and major intersections. Add in ongoing residential construction and increased commercial activity, and it’s no surprise that accidents have become more common in the area.

This increase in development and traffic density means that even a minor lapse in judgment, like a driver checking their phone or failing to yield at an unmarked intersection, can lead to a serious crash. For residents of Heath, knowing where to turn after an accident is more important than ever.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Heath

The moments immediately after a car accident are confusing and emotional. Your first priority should always be your safety and the safety of others involved. But once the dust settles, what you do next could significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.

• Document everything: Take as many photos and videos of the accident scene as possible, including damage to both vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, and weather conditions. These visuals can become key evidence in your case.
• Exchange information: Collect the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information of all involved drivers. Also, get names and contact details for any eyewitnesses.
• Avoid apologizing or admitting fault: Even a polite “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. Let the police and your Heath, TX car accident attorney determine fault based on evidence.
• Seek legal counsel quickly: Insurance companies often start calling within hours of a crash. Before you speak to them, speak to a Heath, TX car accident attorney from our firm who will help protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.

How Our Car Heath Accident Lawyers Can Help You

After a serious accident, many people are left wondering whether they genuinely need a Heath, TX car accident lawyer. The truth is, even seemingly straightforward claims can become complicated once insurance companies get involved.

At Smith & Lee, our car accident attorneys do more than file paperwork; we serve as your investigators, advocates, and negotiators. We take over communication with the other driver’s insurance company, file claims on your behalf, and prepare your case for litigation if necessary.

We investigate thoroughly. That includes reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, examining medical records, consulting accident reconstruction experts, and reviewing surveillance footage if available.

We calculate the true value of your case. Many injuries, especially soft-tissue damage or traumatic brain injuries, aren’t fully understood until weeks or months after the crash. We make sure your settlement reflects not only your current losses but also future costs related to your recovery.

Our Heath, TX, car accident lawyers also handle litigation if needed. While most car accident cases settle, some require going to court to achieve fair results. When that happens, we’re fully prepared to present your case to a judge and jury.

Why Hire Smith & Lee for Your Car Accident Case

With more than 55 years of combined legal experience, attorneys G. David Smith and Ryan K. Lee have earned the trust of clients throughout Northeast Texas. As long-standing members of the Rockwall legal community, they bring a deep understanding of local values, court procedures, and what it takes to win.

• David Smith is a former president of the Rockwall Bar Association and currently serves as a director for the Rockwall Bar Foundation.
• Ryan Lee is a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and also serves as an Associate Municipal Court Judge in the city of Rockwall, helping enforce accountability under state and local law.

At Smith & Lee, we emphasize more than just results; we emphasize accountability. When presenting a case to a jury, we help them understand how your accident could just as easily have happened to someone they know: a neighbor, a child, or a friend. Your injury affects not just you but your entire community.

We’re also a client-focused firm. That means we take the time to get to know every client who walks through our doors. We return calls, answer your questions, and make sure you’re informed at every step of the process. Our team is proud to make Rockwall County a safer place through our legal work and our service to local nonprofits like Rockwall Grace Clinic and the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Texas.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Northeast Texas

Many accidents in and around Heath are caused by preventable negligence. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting or using in-car apps
• Speeding or aggressive driving, especially near intersections and rural roads
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failure to yield or obey traffic signs
• Inexperienced or teen drivers navigating growing traffic zones

These actions can have devastating consequences, and when they do, the at-fault party must be held responsible.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

No two accidents are exactly alike. At Smith & Lee, our skilled car accident lawyers handle a wide range of motor vehicle crash cases and tailor our legal strategies to the specific facts and challenges of each one. Our deep experience in Texas personal injury law allows us to effectively represent clients in a variety of complex and high-stakes accident scenarios, including:

• Rear-end collisions, often caused by distracted or tailgating drivers. Even at low speeds, these crashes can cause severe whiplash, spinal injuries, and chronic pain.
• T-bone or side-impact crashes, especially at intersections, often result in severe injuries due to the lack of side protection for drivers and passengers.
• Head-on collisions, which are some of the most catastrophic crashes on Texas highways and backroads, frequently result in traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, or death.
• Drunk driving accidents, where the at-fault driver may face both civil and criminal consequences. We pursue punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence.
• Commercial vehicle and semi-truck crashes, these involve complicated insurance layers and federal safety regulations. These cases require immediate investigation and legal action to preserve evidence.
• Hit-and-run incidents, where identifying the driver is difficult but not impossible. We can also explore uninsured motorist claims.
• Fatal crashes and wrongful death claims, where we help surviving families seek justice, closure, and financial security for their loss.

Whether your injuries are minor or life-altering, we approach every case with the same goal: securing the full compensation you’re owed and holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they caused. At Smith & Lee, we take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Texas personal injury law allows victims of car accidents to pursue compensation for a variety of losses, including:

• Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or recklessness

It’s our job to calculate these damages carefully so you can move forward with peace of mind.

The Texas Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

If you’re injured in a car accident in Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. This deadline is outlined in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003.

Missing this deadline, even by a day, can result in your case being dismissed. That’s why it’s imperative to speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible. At Smith & Lee, our Heath, TX car accident lawyers act quickly to preserve your rights and keep your case on track from the very beginning.

Heath Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to hire a car accident attorney?

Our law firm offers free consultations to help you understand your rights with no upfront financial risk. During this consultation, we can go over the potential value of your car accident claim and how much legal representation will cost.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you’re found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation, although your percentage of fault will reduce your award.

Will my car accident case go to trial?

Many car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That way, if negotiations break down or the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to fight for your rights in court.

What if I don’t feel hurt right away?

This is common. The adrenaline from a crash can mask injury symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to seek medical care as soon as possible and follow up with your doctor. Medical documentation is key to building a strong case.

How long will the car accident case take?

Each case is different. Some resolve in a few months, while others, especially those involving serious injuries or disputed liability, can take over a year. Rest assured, we’ll keep you informed at every stage.

Talk to Our Car Accident Lawyers Serving Heath, TX

At Smith & Lee, we understand how devastating a car accident can be. Our Heath, TX car accident attorneys also know the difference a strong legal team can make in your recovery. From our office in Rockwall, we proudly represent injured drivers, passengers, and families in Heath and throughout Northeast Texas.

You don’t have to handle the aftermath of a serious car crash alone. Let us help you secure the compensation you need and deserve. Our trusted car accident attorneys are standing by.

Call us today at (972) 787-1047 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.