Houston Car Accident Lawyer

Scales of justice combined with a steering wheel icon for car accident law

Why Do I Need a Houston Car Accident Lawyer?

A Houston car accident lawyer can:

  • Protect your rights. The insurer will look for ways to blame you or minimize your injuries. A lawyer pushes back and keeps you from saying things that may hurt your claim.
  • Deal with the insurance company. Your lawyer handles calls, letters, and settlement talks so you do not have to.
  • Gather and preserve evidence. This can include police reports, witness statements, photos, video, vehicle data, and medical records.
  • Explain your options in plain language. You should know the pros and cons of settlement, further treatment, or a lawsuit.
  • Calculate your full losses. This includes current and future medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
  • File a lawsuit if needed. If the insurer will not be fair, a lawyer can take the case to court and present it to a judge or jury.

Insurance companies handle claims every day. Most crash victims do not. Having someone on your side who does this work daily can make a real difference in the result.

What To Do After a Houston Car Accident

If you have just been in a wreck, here are steps that can help protect your health and your case:

  1. Get to safety. Move your vehicle if you can do so safely.
  2. Call 911. Report the crash and request medical help if anyone is injured.
  3. Seek medical care. Do not skip this, even if you feel “okay” at first. Some injuries show up later.
  4. Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information.
  5. Gather evidence. Take photos of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and your visible injuries if you are able.
  6. Get witness names and numbers. Bystanders can be important later.
  7. Do not admit fault. Stick to basic facts with the other driver and the police.
  8. Avoid recorded statements. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
  9. Call a car accident lawyer. The sooner you get legal advice, the better your chances of protecting your claim.
Male Motorist Involved In Car Accident Taking Picture Of Damage For Insurance Claim
Front-end damage to two cars after a collision

Common Types of Houston Car Accidents We Handle

Car wrecks happen in many ways. Some of the most common types we see include:

  • Rear-End Collisions
    Often caused by tailgating, distraction, or speeding. Rear-end wrecks can lead to neck, back, and head injuries even at lower speeds.
  • Intersection and T-Bone Accidents
    These accidents often involve drivers who run red lights, ignore stop signs, or fail to yield. Side-impact collisions can cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers.
  • Head-On Collisions
    Head-on wrecks are among the most dangerous. They may involve wrong-way driving, drunk driving, or passing in the wrong place and often lead to severe or fatal injuries.
  • Drunk and Drug-Impaired Driving Accidents
    Drivers who choose to drink or use drugs and then drive put everyone at risk. These cases may involve both criminal charges and civil injury claims.
  • Distracted Driving Accidents
    Texting, using apps, eating, and other distractions take the driver’s eyes and mind off the road. A few seconds of distraction at highway speed can be enough to cause a crash.
  • Hit-and-Run Accidents
    In some cases, the at-fault driver leaves the scene. You may still have options through your own insurance, such as uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can review these options with you.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-changing. Some of the injuries we often see include:

  • Whiplash and other neck injuries
  • Back and spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Shoulder and knee injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
  • Cuts, bruises, and scarring
  • Internal injuries and organ damage
  • Wrongful death

Even if you feel “fine” after a crash, symptoms can show up hours or days later. It is important to get medical care and follow your doctor’s advice.

Man holding his neck in pain after a rear-end car accident
Injured woman smiling as she reads car accident settlement letter

Who Pays for My Losses After a Car Accident in Texas?

Texas is a “fault” state. In most cases, the driver who caused the crash (and that driver’s insurance company) is legally responsible for the harm.

You may be able to seek money for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Physical therapy and rehab
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Other out-of-pocket costs linked to the wreck

In some cases, more than one party may share blame. For example, a company that owned the vehicle, a bar that overserved a driver, or a contractor that left a road in an unsafe condition. A lawyer can investigate who should be held responsible.

How Fault Works in Texas Car Accident Cases

Texas uses a “modified comparative fault” rule, often called the 51% rule. In simple terms:

  • You can still recover money if you are 50% or less at fault, but
  • Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, and
  • If you are more than 50% at fault, you usually cannot recover compensation from the other driver.

Insurance companies know this rule well. They often try to push more blame onto you to lower what they have to pay. A lawyer can challenge unfair fault claims with evidence from the scene, witness testimony, and expert analysis.

Police officers at night car accident scene with a damaged car
Deadline stamp symbolizing the statute of limitations for car accident claims

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Texas?

In most Texas car accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death.

This deadline is called the statute of limitations. There are some exceptions, but they are narrow. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit, no matter how strong your case is.

It is wise to speak with a lawyer who handles car accident cases well before this deadline. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and build a strong claim.

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