Abilene Car Accident Lawyer: West Texas Tough™ Representation When You Need It Most
Nationally Recognized Trial Attorneys
A serious car accident can shatter your life in seconds leaving you with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and insurance companies pressuring you to accept less than you deserve on your accident claim.
At Keith & Lorfing law firm, our nationally recognized trial Abilene car accident attorneys understand what you’re going through when someone is injured in an accident. Led by Russell Lorfing, an award-winning trial lawyer voted “Best Motor Vehicle Crash attorney in Abilene” by Expertise.com, our experienced car accident attorney team has handled thousands of personal injury cases and hundreds of jury trials.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Abilene reported 2,924 total accidents in 2022, resulting in dozens of fatalities and serious injuries. When you become part of these statistics, you need an attorney on your side who will level the playing field against insurance companies that want to minimize your claim.
We’ll make ’em pay. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and let us fight for your rights.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today
Call an experienced car accident lawyer: 325-480-8100
The Reality of Car Accidents in Abilene
Car accidents in Abilene are unfortunately common occurrences that can have devastating consequences. The city’s growing population and busy roadways create conditions where crashes happen daily.
Abilene Accident Statistics
Recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation paints a sobering picture of road safety in our community:
- 2,924 total vehicle collisions in Abilene in 2022
- Dozens of fatalities and wrongful death cases annually
- An average of 8 crashes per day throughout the city
- Hundreds of injury-causing collisions each year
These aren’t just numbers; they represent real people whose lives were suddenly and dramatically altered by the force of a crash. Every statistic is someone’s family member, friend, or neighbor whose physical and emotional well-being changed in an instant.
High-Risk Locations in Abilene
As longtime Abilene residents, we’ve identified several high-risk areas where accidents frequently occur:
- Buffalo Gap Road: With over 160 accidents in 2022 alone, this is one of Abilene’s most dangerous roads
- US 83/84: Recorded more than 100 crashes in recent years
- Southwest Drive: Site of 75+ accidents annually
- South 1st & Pioneer: A notably hazardous intersection
- Winters Freeway: High speeds combined with merging traffic create dangerous conditions
- I-20 interchanges: Particularly dangerous during rush hour and adverse weather
If you’ve been involved in an accident at one of these locations or elsewhere in Abilene, our Abilene personal injury attorneys understand the specific challenges these collision sites present.
How Our Dedicated Car Accident Attorneys in Abilene Can Help
At Keith & Lorfing Law Firm, our experienced car accident lawyers are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for your unique case. Russell Lorfing, voted “Best Motor Vehicle Crash attorney in Abilene,” brings his deep understanding of Texas law to every accident claim we handle.
Types of Damages You May Be Entitled To
Our car accident attorneys in Abilene will thoroughly evaluate your accident claim to identify all possible damages you may claim, ensuring you receive the amount of compensation you deserve:
Economic Damages:
- Medical Expenses: All current and future medical costs associated with your injuries, including emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and long-term care
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work during recovery
- Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to earn at the same level in the future
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident
- Home Modifications: If your injuries require accessibility changes to your residence
- Transportation Costs: For medical appointments and treatments
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional Distress: For psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and fear
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries prevent participation in activities you previously enjoyed
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Additional compensation for permanent visible injuries
- Loss of Consortium: For negative impacts on relationships with spouse and family
- Wrongful Death: Compensation for families who have lost loved ones due to fatal car accidents
Additional reading: Can you sue for emotional distress?
In Cases of Gross Negligence:
Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving extreme recklessness, such as drunk driving, additional compensation may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer
Emotional Recovery
The emotional toll of a car accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries. Our team understands the psychological impact and will seek compensation for emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
We can also connect you with resources to support your emotional recovery, such as counseling and support groups throughout West Texas.
Additional reading: pain and suffering settlement examples in Texas
Additional Areas of Assistance
- Handling Insurance Claims: We manage all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, protecting your rights and ensuring you are not taken advantage of
- Legal Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our skilled litigators are prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you need
- Accident Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation to determine fault and prove liability, gathering all necessary evidence to build a strong case on your behalf
- Expert Consultation: We work with a network of experts, including accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and financial analysts, to help you get the justice you deserve
Our priority is to support you through every step of the legal process, providing the expertise and resources needed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on the path to recovery.
Your First Steps After a Car Accident
After decades of handling motor vehicle accident cases just like yours, our team recommends the following steps after you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else:
What TO DO:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Get a thorough medical evaluation, even if you think your injuries are minor.
- Report the Accident: Call the police and ensure an official accident report is taken.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries.
- Collect Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the at-fault driver and gather contact information from any witnesses.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Consult an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer: Contact Keith & Lorfing law firm for a free consultation to discuss how to initiate an accident claim and protect your rights.
Additional reading: What to do after a car accident that’s not your fault in Texas
What NOT TO DO:
- Don’t Admit Fault for the Accident: Even saying “I’m sorry” at the accident scene could be interpreted as admitting responsibility.
- Don’t Delay Medical Treatment: Gaps in care can harm both your health and your car accident claims.
- Don’t Give Recorded Statements: Avoid providing detailed statements to the other driver’s insurance company without legal counsel.
- Don’t Accept Early Settlement Offers: Initial offers are usually far less than what your car accident claim is worth.
- Don’t Post on Social Media: Insurance investigators monitor social media for content that could undermine your claim for compensation.
- Don’t Sign Documents: Don’t sign anything from insurance companies without your attorney reviewing it first.
Understanding Texas Car Accident Laws
Fault-Based Insurance System
Texas law operates under a “fault” insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver who caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages. This is different from “no-fault” states where each person’s insurance covers their own injuries regardless of who was responsible.
Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. Here’s what that means for your case:
- If you are less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. However, if you were 51% or more at fault, you would receive nothing.
This makes it essential to have skilled legal representation like Russell Lorfing and the team at Keith & Lorfing to minimize your assigned percentage of fault and maximize your recovery.
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is critical and missing it could permanently bar your right to compensation.
There are limited exceptions to this rule, such as:
- If a minor was involved
- If you or the negligent party was incapacitated in the accident
- If government property was involved (which may have even shorter deadlines)
Never delay in starting your claim process. Contact our Abilene car accident lawyers immediately to ensure all deadlines are met.
Keith & Lorfing: Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Abilene
At Keith & Lorfing Law Firm, we pride ourselves on being a top-tier litigation firm in West Texas. Our car accident attorneys in Abilene have dedicated decades to championing justice in the courtroom. We’re renowned for our exceptional trial skills, sharp litigation abilities, and practical, approachable style in handling car accident claims both effectively and efficiently.
Boasting a stellar reputation and a proven track record in personal injury law, you can trust that our firm has the expertise and resources to pursue compensation and safeguard your legal rights when life throws you a curveball. Rest assured, we’re here to stand by your side through any challenge.
- Decades of Expertise: With over 75 years of combined experience, our team brings unparalleled knowledge and skill to every case we handle.
- Extensive Trial Experience: Boasting more than 500 jury trials under our belts, we know how to fight for justice in the courtroom.
- Former Prosecutors on Staff: Our team includes multiple attorneys who have served as state and federal prosecutors, giving us unique insights and a strategic edge.
- Award-Winning Lawyers: Proudly recognized as the Best Lawyers in Abilene for 2023, we are committed to excellence in all we do.
- Tailored Legal Strategies: We take a personalized approach to each case, ensuring that our clients receive solutions that are specifically tailored to their needs.
- Convenient Locations: With multiple offices spread across West Texas, we are easily accessible and ready to serve our local communities.
How We Prove Liability and Build Your Case
At Keith & Lorfing, we conduct thorough investigations to prove liability in your car accident case. Russell Lorfing applies the same meticulous approach he used as a federal prosecutor to build airtight car accident claims for our clients.
Our Proven Investigation Process:
- Immediate Scene Investigation: We dispatch investigators to document the accident scene before evidence disappears
- Police Report Analysis: Our team carefully reviews official reports for supporting details and potential inconsistencies
- Witness Statements: We interview all witnesses to gather supporting testimony
- Vehicle Damage Assessment: Our experts examine damage patterns to verify how the collision occurred
- Surveillance Footage: We secure any available video from traffic cameras, businesses, or dashcams
- Electronic Data Recovery: When relevant, we extract data from vehicle “black boxes” to establish speeds and driver actions
- Cell Phone Records: In distracted driving cases, we may subpoena phone records to prove phone use at the time of the crash
- Road Condition Documentation: We investigate whether poor road maintenance or design contributed to the accident
- Expert Consultation: We work with accident reconstruction specialists to create compelling demonstrations of how the crash occurred
The Four Elements of Negligence We Establish:
- Duty of Care: Proving the other driver had a responsibility to drive safely
- Breach of Duty: Demonstrating how they failed in that responsibility (speeding, aggressive driving, driving under the influence, etc.)
- Causation: Establishing that their breach directly caused the accident
- Damages: Documenting all the physical and emotional harm you suffered as a result
Drawing on our extensive trial experience and Russell Lorfing’s background as a federal prosecutor, we build cases designed to withstand scrutiny and lead to severe consequences for negligent drivers.
Insurance Company Tactics & How We Protect You
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses with one primary goal: paying as little as possible for claims. At Keith & Lorfing, we’ve seen their playbook and know how to counter every move they make.
Common Insurance Company Tactics:
- Quick Lowball Settlement Offers: They offer fast money before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Recorded Statement Traps: They ask leading questions designed to get you to say something that hurts your claim
- Delays and Stalling: They drag out the process hoping you’ll get desperate and accept less
- Pre-existing Condition Claims: They argue your injuries existed before the accident
- Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring: They watch your activities looking for evidence to undermine your injury claims
- Missing Deadline Exploitation: They hope you’ll miss critical deadlines that could bar your claim
- Misrepresenting Policy Coverage: They may not fully disclose the coverage available to you
How Keith & Lorfing Protects You:
- We Handle All Communication: Insurance adjusters must go through us, preventing them from tricking you into damaging statements
- We Know Fair Value: Our extensive experience with similar cases means we can identify lowball offers immediately
- We Document Everything: We build comprehensive evidence of your injuries and emotional effects, making them difficult to dispute
- We Understand Policy Language: We review all applicable policies to identify all possible sources of coverage
- We’re Prepared for Trial: Insurance companies know we’re willing to take cases to court if they don’t offer fair settlements
- We Have the Resources: We can match the insurance company’s legal team in a prolonged battle if necessary
Russell Lorfing puts it plainly: “Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. We level the playing field for hardworking West Texans through aggressive driving of your case forward.”
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Abilene
Our experienced attorneys have successfully represented clients in virtually every type of motor vehicle accident, including:
- Rear-end collisions: Often caused by distracted driving or following too closely
- T-bone (side-impact) collisions: Common at intersections when drivers run red lights or fail to yield
- Head-on collisions: Among the most deadly types of accidents
- Rollover accidents: Particularly common with SUVs and trucks on West Texas highways
- Multi-vehicle pileups: Complex accidents involving multiple vehicles
- Rideshare accidents (Uber, Lyft): Involving complicated insurance situations
- Hit-and-run accidents: When a driver flees the scene
- Accidents involving government vehicles: Special rules apply when suing government entities
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: Often resulting in severe injuries
- Motorcycle accidents: Requiring specialized knowledge of biker rights
- Truck accidents: Involving federal regulations and corporate defendants
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Abilene
According to Abilene police data, the leading causes of car accidents in our community include:
- Speeding: Contributing to approximately 16% of all Abilene crashes in 2022
- Running red lights and stop signs: Responsible for about 12% of local accidents
- Unsafe left turns: Causing approximately 9% of collisions
- Distracted driving: Texting, using smartphones, and other distractions remain a significant factor
- Drunk driving: Despite strict enforcement, impaired driving continues to cause serious crashes
- Reckless driving: Aggressive maneuvers, tailgating, and weaving through traffic
- Fatigue: A particular concern on the long highways surrounding Abilene
- Weather conditions: Rain and occasional ice create hazardous driving conditions
- Road defects: Poor maintenance and design flaws on some Abilene roads
- Mechanical failures: Vehicle defects that lead to accidents
Severe Injuries and Long-Term Consequences
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor to catastrophic. At Keith & Lorfing, we have experience representing clients with all types of accident-related injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe trauma. Even “mild” TBIs can cause lasting cognitive issues, personality changes, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Severe TBIs may require lifelong care and fundamentally alter a person’s ability to work or live independently.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, home modifications, specialized equipment, and ongoing care. The lifetime costs can reach millions of dollars.
Back and Neck Injuries
These common car accident injuries include herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and soft tissue damage. They can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and may require surgical intervention. Some victims never fully recover and must adapt to a life with persistent pain.
Broken Bones and Fractures
From simple breaks to complex compound fractures, these injuries can require surgery, rehabilitation, and result in long-term complications. Some fractures, particularly those involving joints, may lead to arthritis and chronic pain years after the initial injury.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma in car accidents can damage internal organs, causing internal bleeding and potentially life-threatening conditions. These injuries often require emergency surgery and may have lasting health implications.
Burns and Disfigurement
Vehicle fires or contact with hot surfaces can cause severe burns, often leading to permanent scarring, multiple surgeries, and psychological trauma from disfigurement.
Psychological Injuries
Many accident victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions following a traumatic crash. These “invisible injuries” can be just as debilitating as physical ones.
The severity of these injuries underscores why having experienced legal representation is vital. Russell Lorfing and the team at Keith & Lorfing fight to secure compensation that accounts for both immediate medical needs and long-term consequences of serious injuries.
A Note on Legal Fees
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us any upfront costs for our legal services. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything. This arrangement allows you to access top-tier legal representation without financial stress while we work to prove liability.
Evidence to Start Gathering as Soon as Possible
You probably already know that evidence after a car wreck is going to significantly enhance you get the compensation you’re entitled to. With this in mind, look to start gathering as much as the following as possible regarding the auto accident:
- Medical Records: Documentation of all medical bills, treatments and diagnoses related to your injuries.
- Police Reports: Official reports detailing the accident.
- Photographic Evidence: Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Witness Statements: Contact information and statements from witnesses.
- Insurance Correspondence: Copies of all communications with insurance companies.
- Repair Estimates: Documentation of vehicle repair costs.
We know how hard it is to get this evidence together after you’ve been in a collision. Contact us us today for a free consultation, in which we’ll explain exactly how we can help you.
Why Choose Keith & Lorfing Over Other Car Accident Attorneys in Abilene
Authentic West Texas Representation
Unlike large national firms or out-of-town lawyers, Keith & Lorfing is deeply rooted in West Texas. Russell Lorfing is a fifth-generation Texan who understands our community’s values and needs. His deep understanding of Texas and local Abilene conditions gives our firm an edge in handling your accident claim. As he puts it, “We’re just as likely to be found at a client’s family BBQ or fishing and hunting with our clients on the weekends as we are to be found advocating for them in a courtroom.”
Extensive Resources and Trial Experience
With over 500 jury trials, our team brings unmatched courtroom experience to your case. We have the resources to take on even the largest insurance companies and corporations. We’re not afraid to go to trial if that’s what it takes to get you fair compensation.
Award-Winning Representation
Russell Lorfing has been recognized as the “Best Motor Vehicle Crash attorney in Abilene” by Expertise.com and has received numerous other accolades, including being named a Super Lawyers Honoree—an award bestowed on less than 1% of practicing attorneys.
Personal Attention from Top Attorneys
At Keith & Lorfing, you’re not just another case number. You’ll work directly with our experienced attorneys, including Russell Lorfing himself. We limit our caseload to ensure each client receives the attention they deserve.
West Texas Tough™ Approach
We bring the grit, determination, and work ethic of West Texas to every case we handle. As Russell says, “Being West Texas Tough is a mindset. It means embracing the grit and determination of the American West and fighting every day on behalf of our clients.”
OUR STREAMLINED PROCESS
FASTER. SIMPLER. EASIER.
With access to your very own legal team, a network of medical professionals, and clear direction on how to maximize your recovery, we take the pain and hassle out of the equation:
- Meet with our Legal Team – it’s free!
- Seek Medical treatment – we’ll help.
- Follow the checklist in your client portal.
- We’ll Make ‘Em Pay!
- Cash your check.
Real Results for Real West Texans
Our approach to car accident cases isn’t about fancy language or empty promises. It’s about results:
“After my accident on I-20, the insurance company offered me $12,000 for my injuries. Russell and his team fought for me and got me over ten times that amount. They treated me like family, not just another case number.” – Mary B., Abilene
“The big insurance company thought they could push me around after my wreck. Russell Lorfing showed them what West Texas Tough really means. I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate.” – Preston M., Abilene
“I’ve never had a lawyer that actually had a real conversation with me that wasn’t based on how much I owe them. Keith & Lorfing is the perfect place to come to if you actually want someone to listen to your story and fight for you.” – Corwin K., Abilene
These testimonials reflect the real experiences of our clients. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Let Our West Texas Tough™ Attorneys Level the Playing Field
The insurance company already has lawyers working against you. Their job is to pay you as little as possible—or nothing at all for your wrongful death or injury claim.
Russell Lorfing and the team at Keith & Lorfing bring the grit, determination, and work ethic of West Texas to your car accident case. We handle everything from evidence collection to aggressive negotiation while you focus on healing.
Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 325-480-8100 or using our online form. Remember—you pay nothing unless we win your case. You don’t pay us unless we get results.
We Are
West Texas Strong
Everything we do – every choice we make, every client we take on, every case we pursue – is fueled by our commitment to leveling the playing field for hardworking Texans.
Our attorneys come from humble beginnings and understand the value of hard work. Our fathers and grandfathers were farmers, mechanics, laborers, firefighters, and servicemen – and we carry those roots with us every day.
We’ve made a conscious decision to not represent corporations or the elite. Instead, we fight for people like us – dedicated, family-oriented West Texans striving to give their kids a better life. Sometimes that means taking on big insurance companies trying to shortchange you.
Other times, it involves standing firm against oil companies attempting to bully our clients. No matter who the adversary is, our mission stays the same – to level the playing field for folks like you and me.
Trey Keith
Founding Partner Meet Trey
Russell Lorfing
Founding Partner Meet Russell
&
3 Things you’ll get With Keith & Lorfing
A Lawyer Will Answer Your Calls & Emails
You’ll Be Informed About Your Case Every Step of the Way
You’ll Be Treated With Compassion & Respect
Ask Russell a Question
At No Cost To You!
We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.
