Small Claims (Justice Court) for Granbury 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.
Who you sue
You sue the at-fault driver, and the car owner if different, not their insurance company. Their insurer usually defends the case and pays any judgment within policy limits.
What to bring to the hearing
- Crash report
- Photos of the cars and the scene
- Repair estimates and paid invoices
- Rental and tow receipts
- Witness statements or the witness in person
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 Granbury
Hood County's justice of the peace courts hear Granbury small claims. If the at-fault driver lives in another county, such as Johnson or Parker, you may file there instead, since venue includes the defendant's home county.
Granbury and Hood County help
Inside city limits, Granbury Police Department responds. On US 377 outside town, on SH 144 or on county roads, it is often a DPS trooper or the Hood County Sheriff's Office. Ask for the case number either way, because you need it to request the CR-3 from TxDOT.
Emergency care: Lake Granbury Medical Center; JPS Health Network (John Peter Smith Hospital); Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.
Next: what to do in the first few days.
Common questions
Can I sue the insurance company?
Normally you sue the at-fault driver. Their insurer defends and pays within limits.
Where do I file?
In the justice of the peace precinct where the defendant lives or where the crash happened.
Talk to someone about your Granbury wreck
Ask for a free case evaluation. A trusted local attorney will contact you promptly. No cost, no obligation, and wrecks anywhere in Texas qualify.