Coleman TX Personal Injury Lawyer | Free Consultation

When life takes an unexpected turn and you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, the physical pain often represents just the beginning of your challenges. Beyond the immediate medical concerns, injured Coleman residents face mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma that can affect entire families.

Whether your injuries resulted from a vehicle collision on Highway 84, a slip and fall at a local business, or a workplace incident in Coleman’s agricultural or oil industry, you need experienced legal representation who understands both Texas personal injury law and the unique challenges facing our West Texas community.

At Keith & Lorfing, we’ve built our practice on one fundamental principle: leveling the playing field for hard-working West Texans. Our Coleman personal injury lawyers combine deep local knowledge with proven trial experience to help injured residents secure the compensation they deserve.

Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.

Why Choose Our Coleman Personal Injury Attorneys?

Local Knowledge & Commitment

Coleman, with approximately 4,042 residents and a median household income of $50,294, represents the heart of West Texas values—hard work, community, and resilience. Our attorneys know Coleman County like the back of our hands.

We’re familiar with the Coleman County Courthouse at 100 West Live Oak Street, where personal injury cases are heard, and we understand how local court procedures work in practice.

Courthouse Experience:
When your case requires litigation, we know exactly where to file documents at the Coleman County Courthouse and what to expect during proceedings. The courthouse, which incorporated the historic 1884 structure designed by architect Wyatt Hedrick in 1952, houses the district court where serious personal injury cases are tried.

Local Emergency Response:
We understand Coleman’s emergency response system, from the Coleman Police Department at 109 North Concho Street adjacent to City Hall, to the Coleman County Sheriff’s Office. This knowledge helps us reconstruct accident scenes and obtain crucial police reports quickly.

Medical Provider Relationships:
We work regularly with Coleman County Medical Center at 310 South Pecos Street, a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital that has served the community since 1923 (originally Overall Memorial Hospital). As a Level IV Trauma Center, CCMC often treats serious accident victims, and we maintain strong working relationships with their medical staff for documentation and expert testimony.

Local Traffic Patterns:
We know the dangerous intersections where accidents frequently occur, including the convergence of Highways 84 and 283 with Farm Road 53 in central Coleman. Our experience with accidents at locations like Commercial Avenue and Highway 84 helps us identify contributing factors and build stronger cases.

Track Record of Results

With over 500 jury trials and 75 years of combined experience, our legal team brings proven courtroom expertise to every case. Our results speak to our commitment to winning and winning big for our clients.

We approach each case with the mindset that our client deserves maximum compensation, not just a quick settlement.

Every case is unique and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but our extensive trial experience means we’re prepared to take your case all the way to verdict if necessary to secure fair compensation.

Personalized Legal Strategy

Unlike large law firms that treat clients as case numbers, we recognize that every personal injury case tells a unique story. A Coleman rancher injured in a truck collision faces different challenges than a retail worker hurt in a slip and fall accident.

Our personalized approach means we take time to understand your specific circumstances, including how your injuries affect your ability to perform your job, the unique financial pressures facing your family, the long-term medical care you’ll require, and the emotional impact on you and your loved ones.

This individualized attention allows us to build stronger cases and secure better outcomes. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter legal strategies—your case deserves our full attention and creativity.

Get in touch with our legal team today. We’re here to help.

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Do We Handle?

Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents represent one of the most common causes of serious injuries in Coleman County. Our local knowledge of Coleman’s unique traffic challenges helps us build stronger cases:

High-Risk Local Intersections:

• Highway 84 and Commercial Avenue: This busy intersection near downtown Coleman sees frequent accidents
• Highway 283 and Farm Road 53: The convergence point where many out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with local traffic patterns cause collisions
• West Live Oak Street near the courthouse: Heavy traffic from court proceedings and city business creates hazardous conditions

Dangerous Road Conditions:

• Highway 84 corridor: Major east-west thoroughfare with significant commercial truck traffic heading to/from Abilene
• Rural Coleman County roads: Poor lighting, limited signage, and wildlife crossings create unique hazards, especially on roads leading to ranching operations
• Weather-related factors: West Texas weather, including sudden storms and high winds, can create dangerous driving conditions along exposed highway stretches

When accidents occur, we know exactly where to go for evidence. Police reports are filed through the Coleman Police Department at 109 North Concho Street, while county road accidents are handled by the Coleman County Sheriff’s Office.

We maintain relationships with local towing companies and understand how insurance companies operate in the Coleman area.

Understanding Local Risk Factors: Our experience with Coleman’s traffic patterns helps us identify common contributing factors in accidents, such as unfamiliarity with local roads, weather-related visibility issues, and the challenges of sharing highways with commercial vehicles traveling through the area.

Truck Accidents

Coleman County’s location makes it a natural corridor for commercial truck traffic. The combination of Highway 84 and nearby interstate access means Coleman residents regularly share roads with large commercial vehicles.

Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight disparity between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern commercial truck operations, including driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance requirements, and cargo securing standards. Our legal team thoroughly investigates potential FMCSA violations, which can significantly strengthen your case and increase potential compensation.

These cases often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, and cargo companies.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in West Texas present unique challenges due to visibility issues and the region’s challenging road conditions. Coleman County’s rural roads, combined with high winds and sudden weather changes, create particular hazards for motorcyclists.

Common causes include driver inattention and failure to see motorcyclists, poor road conditions and debris, inadequate signage at intersections, and weather-related visibility issues.

Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be severe, often involving head trauma, road rash, broken bones, and internal injuries. Our attorneys understand potential bias against motorcyclists and work diligently to present your case favorably.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Property owners throughout Coleman County have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Slip and fall accidents can occur at retail stores, restaurants, government buildings, and private residences.

Common hazards include wet floors without proper warning signs, uneven surfaces or damaged flooring, inadequate lighting in parking areas or walkways, and ice or snow accumulation during winter weather.

Proving liability requires demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it promptly. Our legal team works with experts and gathers evidence quickly to build compelling cases.

Workplace Injuries

Coleman’s economy centers around agriculture, ranching, and oil-related industries, making workplace injuries unfortunately common. Our familiarity with local employers and work sites gives us an advantage:

Common Local Work Sites:

• Agricultural operations: Cotton farms, cattle ranches, and feed lots throughout Coleman County
• Oil field services: Drilling operations and equipment servicing on rural properties
• Coleman businesses: From the downtown commercial district along Commercial Avenue to industrial sites near the railroad tracks

What to Expect at the Coleman County Courthouse:
If your workplace injury case requires litigation, proceedings typically occur at the Coleman County Courthouse at 100 West Live Oak Street. The courthouse combines the historic 1884 structure with the 1952 addition designed by architect Wyatt Hedrick.

Court Process in Coleman County:

• Filing: Documents are filed with the District Clerk’s office during business hours (typically 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
• Docket calls: Usually held on Monday mornings in the district courtroom
• Jury selection: Coleman County maintains a jury pool drawn from registered voters and driver’s license holders
• Parking: Limited street parking around the courthouse square; arrive early for court dates

Required Documentation:
When pursuing a workplace injury claim in Coleman County, we help gather essential documents including workers’ compensation forms filed with the Texas Department of Insurance, incident reports from your employer, medical records from Coleman County Medical Center or other treating facilities, and employment records showing wage history and job duties.

Medical Treatment Locations:
Most Coleman workplace injury victims receive initial treatment at Coleman County Medical Center at 310 South Pecos Street. This 25-bed Critical Access Hospital provides 24/7 emergency care and has been serving the community since 1923.

For specialized treatment, patients may be transferred to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene (46.7 miles away) or other regional facilities.

Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence represents one of life’s most devastating experiences. Our Coleman wrongful death attorneys provide compassionate representation while aggressively pursuing compensation for surviving family members.

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003(b), families have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Recoverable damages include loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, loss of household services and benefits, mental anguish and emotional suffering, loss of companionship and guidance, and funeral and burial expenses.

We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one, but fair compensation can provide financial security and hold negligent parties accountable.

Dog Bites

Texas follows a modified “one bite rule” for dog attacks, meaning owners may be liable if they knew or should have known their dog posed a danger. However, owners can also be held liable under negligence theories if they failed to properly control their animal or violated local leash laws.

Dog bite injuries can be particularly traumatic, especially for children. Our attorneys work with medical experts and psychologists to ensure all physical and emotional damages are properly documented and compensated.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Texas personal injury law allows injured parties to recover various types of damages:

• Economic Damages: Medical expenses (current and future treatment costs), lost income (wages lost due to injury and reduced earning capacity), property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement costs), rehabilitation costs (physical therapy and occupational therapy expenses), and assistive devices (wheelchairs, prosthetics, and home modifications).
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering (physical pain and discomfort caused by injuries), emotional distress (anxiety, depression, and trauma resulting from the accident), loss of enjoyment (inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed), disfigurement and scarring (permanent physical changes affecting appearance), and loss of consortium (impact on relationships with spouse and family members).
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, Texas law allows for punitive damages designed to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior. These damages require clear and convincing evidence of malicious or fraudulent conduct.

The Personal Injury Claims Process in Texas

Understanding the personal injury claims process helps injured parties make informed decisions about their cases. Here’s what to expect when working with our Coleman personal injury attorneys, including specific details about local procedures:

Step 1 – Free Case Evaluation

During your initial consultation, we’ll review the facts surrounding your injury at our office or, if you’re hospitalized at Coleman County Medical Center, we can meet you there. This consultation is completely free and covers how your accident occurred and who may be liable, the extent of your injuries and expected recovery time, insurance coverage available through various sources, potential obstacles or challenges in your case, and our recommended approach for pursuing compensation.

Meeting Locations: Our offices in Abilene (47 miles from Coleman), Lubbock, Midland, or San Angelo; your home in Coleman or surrounding areas; Coleman County Medical Center if you’re receiving treatment; or by phone for initial screening if travel is difficult.

Step 2 – Investigation and Evidence Collection

Once you decide to work with us, our legal team immediately begins investigating your case with our local Coleman knowledge:

🔍 Local Evidence Gathering:

• Police reports: Obtained from Coleman Police Department (109 North Concho Street) or Coleman County Sheriff’s Office
• Witness interviews: We know the local business owners and residents who often witness accidents at key intersections
• Scene documentation: Photography of accident locations, from downtown Coleman intersections to rural county roads
• Medical records: Secured from Coleman County Medical Center and other treating facilities
• Employment records: Gathered from local employers, ranches, and oil field operations

📱 Local Emergency Response Records: Since Coleman’s 911 Dispatch operates through the Coleman County Law Enforcement Center at 965 US 283 North, we know exactly how to obtain emergency response records, including:

• Dispatch call recordings
• Response time documentation
• Emergency medical service reports
• Fire department incident reports (if applicable)

Step 3 – Demand Letter & Negotiation

Filing Requirements in Coleman County: If negotiations fail and litigation becomes necessary, we handle all court filings at the Coleman County Courthouse:

Court Filing Process:

• Location: District Clerk’s office, Coleman County Courthouse, 100 West Live Oak Street
• Filing fees: Paid to Coleman County (fees vary by case type)
• Service requirements: Legal papers must be served according to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
• Local rules: Coleman County has specific local rules we follow for all filings

Step 4 – Litigation if Necessary

Coleman County Court Procedures:

Courthouse Layout & Logistics:

• Historic courthouse square: Limited parking around the courthouse; plan to arrive early
• Security screening: All visitors pass through metal detectors at the main entrance
• Courtroom locations: District court typically held in the main courtroom on the second floor
• Jury assembly: Prospective jurors report to the courthouse for selection

Typical Court Schedule in Coleman County:

• Docket calls: Usually Monday mornings
• Motion hearings: Typically scheduled on specific days of the week
• Jury trials: Scheduled based on court availability and case complexity
• Settlement conferences: Often held in the judge’s chambers

Local Jury Pool: Coleman County juries are selected from residents who understand local economic conditions and cost of living, the challenges of rural healthcare access, agricultural and oil industry work environments, and community values of hard work and fair compensation.

Time Limits to File – Texas Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Texas law establishes a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. This means you have exactly two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit in court.

Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim, regardless of the strength of your case or the severity of your injuries. The statute of limitations serves several purposes: preserving evidence (over time, evidence deteriorates and witnesses’ memories fade), promoting prompt resolution (courts encourage timely resolution of disputes), and providing closure (potential defendants need certainty about their legal exposure).

Important exceptions to the two-year rule include: Minor children (the statute of limitations doesn’t begin until a child reaches age 18), mental incapacity (if you’re mentally incapacitated when injured, the clock may be paused), discovery rule (for injuries that aren’t immediately apparent, the deadline may start when you discover or should have discovered the injury), and defendant absence (if the liable party leaves Texas, their absence may not count toward the two-year limit).

Don’t wait to seek legal advice. Even if you’re still recovering from your injuries or dealing with insurance companies, consulting with an attorney early protects your rights and ensures important deadlines aren’t missed.

Contact Our Coleman Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Our Coleman personal injury attorneys have the experience, resources, and dedication needed to fight for the compensation you deserve.

What sets Keith & Lorfing apart: Over 500 jury trials of combined experience, free consultations with no upfront costs, contingency fee basis (you don’t pay unless we win), local knowledge of Coleman County courts and legal procedures, personal attention from experienced trial attorneys, and a proven track record of securing significant compensation for clients.

⚖️ We embody the spirit, grit, and work ethic of West Texas. Every decision we make and every case we handle is driven by our desire to level the playing field for working-class Texans like the families we serve in Coleman.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your situation. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence for your case.

📞 Call us today at 325-480-8100 for your free consultation.

Email us or visit our contact page to schedule your free case review.

Serving Coleman from our West Texas offices:

• Abilene Office: 47 miles from Coleman County Courthouse
• San Angelo Office: Convenient access via Highway 84
• Midland Office: Serving West Texas oil field communities
• Lubbock Office: Northern West Texas coverage

We Come to You:
If you’re recovering or unable to travel, we’ll meet you at the hospital, your home, or anywhere in Coleman County that’s convenient.

Coleman County Legal Services:
We handle all courthouse filings at the Coleman County Courthouse, 100 West Live Oak Street, and maintain relationships with local court personnel to ensure smooth legal proceedings.

Available When You Need Us:
Personal injury emergencies don’t follow business hours. If you’re injured in Coleman County, don’t wait – contact us immediately to protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence.

Reach out to our Coleman legal team for your free case review and let us show you what West Texas Tough representation really means.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Coleman, TX?

We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement covers all attorney fees and most case expenses, including expert witness fees, medical record retrieval costs, accident reconstruction services, and court filing fees and deposition costs.

This fee structure aligns our interests with yours—we only get paid when you do.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under the 51% rule. You can recover damages only if you’re less than 51% responsible for your injury, with your compensation reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault for an accident and your total damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000. However, if you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame to injured parties to reduce their payouts. Our attorneys work diligently to minimize your assigned fault percentage and maximize your recovery.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas?

The general statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is two years from the date of your injury. However, certain circumstances can extend or shorten this deadline: wrongful death cases (two years from the date of death), government entities (six months to provide notice, then two years to file suit), medical malpractice (generally two years, but with specific discovery rules), and minors (two years after reaching age 18).

Don’t assume you have the full two years—consult with an attorney immediately to understand your specific deadlines.

What is my personal injury case worth?

Case value depends on numerous factors unique to your situation. Injury-related factors include severity and permanence of your injuries, amount of medical treatment required, impact on your ability to work, and pain and suffering experienced.

Liability factors include strength of evidence against the liable party, insurance coverage available, number of potentially liable parties, and comparative fault considerations.

Economic Impact Considerations for Coleman Residents: Given Coleman’s median household income of $50,294, even temporary disability can create significant financial hardship for local families. We factor in local economic conditions when calculating lost wages and future earning capacity, ensuring that compensation accounts for the reality of Coleman’s job market and cost of living.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

No. Insurance companies routinely make lowball initial offers, hoping injured parties will accept inadequate compensation before fully understanding their injuries. This is especially common in Coleman, where adjusters assume rural residents won’t seek legal representation.

Early offers rarely account for future medical needs, long-term disability, pain and suffering, or impact on quality of life.

Red flags include: Offers within days of your accident, pressure to sign releases quickly, settlements covering only current medical bills, and no consideration for future treatment needs.

Coleman-specific challenges that increase case values: Travel to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene (46.7 miles) for specialized care, rural ambulance costs, and ongoing travel expenses for medical appointments.

Given Coleman’s median household income of $50,294, even temporary disability creates significant hardship. Insurance companies exploit this economic reality to pressure quick settlements.

Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney first. Once accepted, you typically cannot seek additional compensation, even if injuries prove more serious than initially thought.