Small Claims (Justice Court) for Fort Worth Car Accidents
Short answer: If the at-fault driver's insurer won't pay a fair amount, you can sue the driver in justice court for up to $20,000. You don't need a lawyer, filing costs are modest, and cases move faster than in district court.
What justice court handles
Texas justice courts hear small claims cases for money up to $20,000, not counting interest and court costs (Gov. Code §27.031). Most car damage disputes fit: repair costs, diminished value, rental, towing and the deductible you paid.
How to file
- Send a written demand with a deadline first.
- Fill out the small claims petition from the court or the Texas Courts website.
- File in the precinct where the defendant lives or where the crash happened.
- Pay the filing and service fees, or file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment.
Injury claims are different
Small claims can include medical bills, but injury cases often have more value than the $20,000 limit, and filing there means giving up anything above it. Most people with real injuries talk to a lawyer first; see do I need a lawyer.
Filing from Fort Worth
Tarrant County has eight justice of the peace precincts, and several cover parts of Fort Worth. If the crash was in Fort Worth or the driver lives here, use the county's precinct lookup to find the right court. Appeals from a justice court go to a Tarrant County court at law.
Fort Worth contacts after a crash
Fort Worth police take crash reports inside the city. On I-35W, I-20 and Loop 820 outside the city, Texas DPS troopers or the Tarrant County Sheriff may respond instead. Once the officer files the CR-3, TxDOT usually posts it within about 10 business days (getting your report).
Hospital ERs: JPS Health Network (John Peter Smith Hospital), Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, Medical City Alliance, Texas Health Alliance.
Start with the Fort Worth first-steps checklist.
Common questions
What is the limit in Texas small claims?
$20,000, not counting interest and court costs.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. Justice courts are built for people representing themselves.
Want a lawyer to look at your case for free?
If you were hurt in a crash that wasn't your fault, in Fort Worth or anywhere else in Texas, you can ask for a free consultation. A trusted local attorney will contact you promptly and evaluate your case for free. There's no cost to ask and no obligation.