In this post, we’ll explain how new Texas laws may make it harder for injury victims to get justice. We’ll look at two new bills, what they could change, and how they affect people who are hurt. We’ll also talk about how past laws have already made it harder for Texans to get fair compensation after accidents.
New Bills Would Add More Barriers for Injury Victims
Texas lawmakers are reviewing House Bill 4806 and Senate Bill 30 in the current session. These bills could make it harder for people to recover money after being injured.
They are designed to protect insurance companies—not victims.
What These Bills Could Change
These bills would let insurance companies avoid paying their fair share in major accidents. They include new limits on personal injury lawsuits.
This means victims could receive less money—even when badly hurt.
Redefining Emotional Pain or Anguish
Right now, you can seek damages if your emotional pain is severe enough. These bills would raise that bar, making it much harder to qualify.
Your pain must now be “grievous” and deeply disrupt your daily life.
Under these new rules, emotional pain has to be extreme and life-changing just to count in court.
Stricter Rules for Physical Pain and Suffering
If you’re in pain after an accident, you must now show medical proof. Your pain must be felt clearly and confirmed by tests or exams.
Without this proof, you may not be allowed to claim these damages.
Caps on Economic Damages
These bills would limit how much money you can claim for medical bills. Even if your treatment was needed, you may not get paid back in full.
This could leave injured people stuck with large bills they can’t pay.
New Barriers to Presenting Evidence
The new laws could also make it harder to use evidence in your case. If a doctor refuses to testify, you might not be able to include their charges or records.
That makes it more difficult to prove what really happened.
Texas Has Already Been Through This
Back in 2003, Texas passed several tort reform laws for medical malpractice cases. Lawmakers and the Texas Medical Association said these changes would stop unnecessary lawsuits, lower insurance costs, and bring more doctors to the state.
But these changes also made it harder for real victims to win fair compensation.
The Results Didn’t Match the Promises
A study from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that tort reform didn’t lead to more paid malpractice claims. Even with fewer lawsuits, there wasn’t a big drop in costs or a boost in doctor access.
This led many to believe the changes helped insurance companies more than patients.
What Is Tort Reform, Really?
Tort reform isn’t always bad. But when big companies write the rules, it often helps them—not the people they hurt.
Insurance companies often use tort reform to avoid responsibility.
These Laws Make It Harder to File Fair Lawsuits
Most people agree we shouldn’t allow fake or unfair lawsuits. But these new rules stop courts from hearing real stories and making fair judgments.
Less Access to Lawyers Means Less Justice
Many lawyers only get paid if they win your case. If the case becomes too hard to win, lawyers may not take it—and victims may get nothing.
This system works best when victims have real access to lawyers.
Real Lives Are Affected by These Laws
In June 2025, five people were killed in a tragic crash in Kaufman County. Officials say it was a mass casualty event caused by a truck driver, Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni, who fell asleep at the wheel.
This accident took the lives of three generations from one family.
Will Anyone Be Held Responsible?
The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested Gonzalez-Companioni, but it’s still unclear who will be held responsible in civil court. We don’t yet know if he or his employer will be forced to pay damages.
These new tort reform laws could limit what the victims’ families are allowed to recover.
You Deserve a Fair Fight
This tragic accident, which took the lives of three generations in just a few days, likely could have been prevented. Families deserve justice, and laws should not protect insurance companies at the expense of those who are suffering. At Wolf Law PLLC, we offer free case evaluations and are committed to helping you fight back—call our Dallas car accident attorneys today to get the support you deserve.