Houston Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, our Houston car accident lawyers can help. Our vehicle accident law office has years of experience winning cases for clients with claims against the biggest insurance companies in the nation. Negligent drivers, like a drunk driver driving under the influence or distracted drivers causing damage to your vehicle in a hit and run, can make your life difficult. Vehicle crashes should be taken seriously, especially if you end up getting seriously injured behind the wheel. Ask our personal injury attorneys for guidance.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON TYPES OF CAR WRECKS IN HOUSTON?
Accidents happen for many reasons and in many ways. As long as vehicles are on the road, there will always be a risk of crashes. In order to understand what’s happening on our roads and address the realities properly, experts commonly categorize crashes by type. The following are examples of common types of accidents seen in crash data:
HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENTS
The term “hit and run” refers to any accident in which a driver hits a vehicle, person, or private property and flees the scene of the crash before any information can be gathered. Hit-and-run drivers tend to leave the accident scene because they are afraid of the consequences, especially if they know there are other issues at play. For example: if they are uninsured, using a stolen car, driving without a license, or operating a vehicle under the influence, they may be especially likely to panic and flee after a crash. Learn more about what to do after a hit and run accident.
LEFT-HAND TURN ACCIDENTS
When making a left-hand turn, it’s common to have to cross traffic coming from the opposite direction. At a controlled intersection, this is at least somewhat assisted by stoplights or a stop sign. Unfortunately, whether or not signs or lights are present, there is still an accident risk. If a person turns in front of moving traffic or speeds through an intersection, a vehicle may end up getting hit, likely from the side (“T-boned”).
HEAD-ON COLLISION ACCIDENTS
This is an especially dangerous type of car accident for drivers in Houston and Montrose. A head-on collision is one in which the front of one vehicle crashes into the front of another vehicle (from “head on”). This may happen if a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction crosses the midline/median, or if someone is driving the wrong way down the road. Because a driver sits at the front of a vehicle, these kinds of crashes can easily be fatal. Learn more about head-on collision accidents.
REAR-END ACCIDENTS
This is one of the most common types of car accident. As the name implies, a rear-end crash involves one vehicle crashing into the back end of another vehicle. This may occur when a driver fails to stop, follows too closely, stops unexpectedly, hits a slippery patch of road, etc. Rear-end accidents may involve multiple drivers, as the impact from behind may push the vehicle being hit into the vehicle ahead of them.
SINGLE-VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Not all car accidents occur between drivers. A single vehicle may spin out, roll over, hit a tree, drive into private property, or hit a person or animal. Whether or not the accident is the fault of the driver, an act of nature or something else, any car crash in Midtown involving only one driver is categorized as a single-vehicle accident.
MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
When two or more vehicles are involved in a crash, it’s considered a multi-vehicle accident. Accidents between two or more passenger cars can occur as a result of reckless driving, driver impairment, driver distraction, speeding, defective car parts, and poor weather or road conditions. Hiring the right attorney for a multi-vehicle car accident is critical to protect your interests.
BACKING-UP ACCIDENTS
Backing up in any kind of vehicle is an act that requires care and attention. Even in vehicles with convenient back-up cameras and alert systems, it’s possible to accidentally hit something or someone in one’s blind spot. Similarly, a driver on the road may fail to pay attention to a reversing vehicle and hit it while it is backing into traffic.
UBER ACCIDENTS
In recent years, ridesharing apps like Uber have become increasingly popular in places like Houston and Montrose. Uber drivers don’t need to go through any special training or hold a special type of license, and they are no less likely to be involved in an accident than any other driver. For both Uber drivers and their passengers, a car crash can bring legal confusion with regard to insurance coverage and compensation. Find out if you are covered in an Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing apps.
HIGHWAY ACCIDENTS
Vehicles on the highway generally travel at a much higher speed than they do on normal city streets. Regardless of the posted speed limit, vehicles on the highway may be traveling upwards of 80 miles per hour. When this kind of speed is combined with reckless or negligent driving behavior, it puts everyone on the road at risk of being hurt in a serious accident. Highways also see a lot of 18-wheeler traffic, which can lead to major truck accidents. Learn more about highway accidents.
TAXI AND LIMO ACCIDENTS
Taxi cabs and limousines can also be involved in car accidents, and any passengers in the vehicle may be injured as a result. Just like any other accident, victims will be able to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance policy. If the taxi or limo driver was at fault and damages are not covered by insurance, a victim may choose to file suit against the taxi/limo company or the driver themselves. Find out if you are covered in a taxi or limo accident.
PARKING LOT ACCIDENTS
Parking lots present a number of risks and obstacles that drivers have to navigate carefully. Even in large lots and parking structures, like around TX Medical Center, there is often very little space to maneuver. Other vehicles can limit visibility when backing up, and it can be difficult to see other drivers or pedestrians in some areas. As a result, parking lots are a common location for relatively minor “fender bender” car accidents. Learn more about pedestrian accidents.
FATAL CAR ACCIDENTS
Sadly, the losses caused by a car accident are sometimes for worse than just injuries and vehicle damage. In the worst of cases, drivers, passengers, and other people can lose their lives. When this happens, it leaves victims’ loved ones dealing with grief, stress, and financial difficulties.
BUS ACCIDENTS
These crashes can involve public transportation buses, private charge buses, tour buses, and school buses. Buses present several safety hazards in an accident; because of their size and distribution of weight, they are at a high risk of rolling over in a crash. Also, most buses lack seatbelts to protect their passengers. Learn more about bus accidents.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Because motorcycles are some of the smallest, lightest vehicles on the road, they are especially vulnerable in traffic. All too often, negligent drivers will fail to pay attention to their surroundings and ignore their blind spots, causing them to collide with motorcyclists. The driver of the motorcycle can be at fault for the accident, but it is most often the other way around.
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
Commercial trucks are often heavy, large, and more unwieldy than a typical passenger vehicle. Trucks towing large trailers have significant blind spots and take wide turns, which can play a role in accidents. When an 18-wheeler collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating.
BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
With the exception of a helmet, bicyclists have little protection when involved in a collision with a heavy, fast-moving motor vehicle. Most accidents between bikes and cars happen because the driver wasn’t paying attention and didn’t see the person on the bike.
ATV ACCIDENTS
All-terrain vehicles (a.k.a. four-wheelers, quads) are unique vehicles with the weight, power, and tire grip to handle all kinds of difficult and messy environments. Texas law forbids driving these kinds of specialized off-highway vehicles on the street, except in very specific situations. Even so, they can still be involved in very serious incidents. An ATV accident can result in severe injuries, especially if the heavy machine falls or flips over on top of someone.
Whether it’s drinking and driving, road hazards, failure to yield, distracted driving, head-on collisions, rollover accidents, single-vehicle accidents, to name a few, our law firm can help you with all types of car accidents in Houston. We can represent your personal injury case from beginning to end. Our legal team can help prove negligence, liability, and the extent of your damages to ensure you get the most compensation possible for the injuries you have sustained. We deal directly with the other driver’s insurance company in an attempt to negotiate a settlement that works for you.
WHAT ARE COMMON INJURIES A MONTROSE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER CAN HELP ME WITH?
Depending on factors including speed, the number of vehicles, and weather conditions, an injury could heal in a matter of days or might not become present for a while after the accident. If you are involved in a car accident you should get yourself checked out just in case, shock can prevent victims from realizing the extent of their problems.
When an auto accident happens, injuries may be severe. Severe injuries can often be addressed through emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and a period of restful recovery. However, some injuries can have lifelong repercussions, leaving victims with irreparable damage, chronic pain, disability, and/or other ongoing challenges. These potentially serious injuries include:
HEAD INJURIES
One of the most serious types of injuries from car accidents are head injuries. An unexpected stop or a sudden change in direction can cause your head to be flung against a window or steering wheel. The more direct a head or brain injury is the more severe it is likely to become. A brain hemorrhage or brain bleed is a possible head injury. Concussions are a less severe outcome as well.
CHEST INJURIES
Chest injuries will mostly take the form of bruises or contusions, but at more severe levels can leave a victim with broken ribs and internal problems. Drivers often will experience a chest injury because their chest will collide with the steering wheel.
SCRAPES, LACERATIONS, CUTS, AND BURNS
A scrape or laceration can be caused by unsecured objects inside of your car. These objects include cell phones, drinks, books, and more. If the impact is hard enough, any of these objects can break the skin fairly quickly.
LEG AND ARM INJURIES
Similarly to a head or neck being jerked after a sudden impact, your arms and legs can experience similar problems. Your limbs can be thrown against the vehicle’s door. Car accidents in Houston have caused occupant’s knees to hit the dashboard or seat in front of them leading to bruises, scrapes, and sprains.
SOFT TISSUE INJURIES
A soft tissue injury is any damage to the body’s connective tissue—this includes muscles, ligaments, and tendons. A soft tissue injury is the most common form of car accident injury, and it can take many forms. One of the most common soft tissue injuries is a “whiplash” injury. A car accident can cause sudden movements of the neck and lower back; these can lead to long-term problems.
WHIPLASH AND NECK INJURIES
The impact of a crash can cause the head and neck to move back and forth suddenly, leading to a sprained neck (known as “whiplash”) or other neck trauma.
SPINAL INJURIES
Impact and compression trauma can cause damage to the vertebrae and spinal cord, potentially causing lasting complications like chronic back pain or paralysis.
BROKEN AND FRACTURED BONES
These can usually be healed well with proper medical care, but they are still painful, take time to heal, and can have long-term effects on strength and mobility. Learn more about broken and fractured bones caused by a car accident.
FATALITIES
Severe car accident victims may be killed upon impact or die as a result of their injuries. Even with the best, most immediate medical care, sometimes victims succumb to their injuries in the hospital.
THE INSURANCE PROCESS
For many people, the prospect of dealing with an insurance company after an accident is a daunting one. Whether the policy belongs to you or another driver, it can be tough to know what to expect, how to properly answer questions, and what you should provide. This is another thing that an attorney can explain and support you through.
As the insurance process moves forward, you’ll probably lean more and more on your lawyer. After you file the initial claim and receive an offer, your attorney can help you determine whether it’s a reasonable settlement amount. If necessary, they’ll negotiate back and forth with the insurance company to get you the best possible result.
FILING AN INSURANCE CLAIM
The very first step in the insurance process is filing a car accident claim. This claim is most often filed against the policy of the individual who was at fault in the accident. In some cases, however, the victim’s insurance will offer coverage that the at-fault party’s does not. In this situation, the victim would then file a claim with their own insurance company.
Most insurance companies today allow individuals to file claims by phone or online. Once you’ve completed and submitted the claim form, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to review and investigate it. This adjuster may contact you a few times for relevant information. If you’ve hired an attorney by this point, let them know.
WHAT EVIDENCE IS NEEDED TO PROVE LIABILITY?
When you contact the insurance company, they’re going to start with a car accident investigation related to your claim. Claims adjusters look at the fine details of your situation. You need to gather as much information as possible, including photographs, medical bills, police reports, and witness accounts. The reason insurance claims adjusters need this information is that they need to make sure they have an accurate understanding of who is at fault and what falls within the coverage limits. If insurance companies simply took the word of the person who filed the claim, they would be far more susceptible to insurance fraud. The more authoritative information you are able to supply to prove your claim, the better.
CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM COMPENSATION
The claims and compensation process can be intimidating. It is somewhat complex, and you’ll have to provide certain information and answer a variety of questions to prove your claim. With an auto accident lawyer, however, you’ll get professional guidance and advice that you can trust is in your best interest. They can also give you a clearer idea of what you can expect.
AVERAGE SETTLEMENTS
The amount of money you can receive from a settlement depends on the extent of car accident damages incurred, as well as the terms of the policy covering it. Different insurance companies calculate their offers in different ways, sometimes using multipliers for things like pain and suffering.
Because there are so many variables, there is no one average amount to point to. Typical settlement amounts can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. The best way to estimate what you can receive in your specific case is to speak with an experienced car accident attorney about it.
CAN YOU GET COMPENSATION FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING?
Car accident victims’ losses can be much greater than just the total cost of car repairs, medical care, and lost wages. Things like physical pain, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other such personal difficulties cannot be accounted for on a bill, but they are still valid as a kind of damage. To address these challenges, Texas car accident laws allow victims to sue for pain and suffering as necessary.
To show that you are entitled to pain and suffering compensation, your Houston attorney will illustrate the ways in which the accident negatively affected your health, well-being, and quality of life. They may talk about how specific physical injuries are directly related to mental and emotional difficulties. They may also share statements and documentation from counselors, psychologists, pain management physicians, or other experts.
HOW TO REVIEW A SETTLEMENT OFFER
After a period of reviewing and investigating your claim, the insurance company will make an initial settlement offer. Don’t make any hasty decisions at this point. Any time you are offered a settlement amount from the insurance company, you should give your lawyer the opportunity to review and discuss it with you first. This ensures that you don’t accidentally accept anything that would be unfair to you.
With any car accident settlement, you’ll want to check that the amount offered fully covers all of your accident-related medical costs. Depending on your situation, this may also include estimated costs of future care. If the settlement meets those needs, the next question is whether or not you feel comfortable with the amount offered. If you and/or your lawyer have concerns, there may be further negotiation.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A HOUSTON AUTO ACCIDENT?
When you’ve just been in an accident, it may be difficult to stay calm or remember what you need to do. A Midtown car accident lawyer can help you after the fact, but there are things you can and should do immediately to record the incident properly and get the information you need to prove what happened.
One way to make sure that you take the right steps after an accident is to keep a checklist in your glove compartment. This checklist can help you focus, calm you down, and get you into the right mindset for information gathering. When writing your checklist, make sure you include the following steps.
WHEN TO START A LAWSUIT
Personal injury lawsuits don’t need to be filed immediately. Most of the time, your attorney should be able to work out a reasonable settlement with the insurance company. If a settlement agreement doesn’t happen and the insurance company refuses to pay fairly for what you are owed, that’s when you might decide to sue. Settlement negotiations can take a while to complete, and several offers may go back and forth between your lawyer and insurance. If you do end up filing a lawsuit in your case, it will probably be several weeks after the accident.
WHAT IS THE CAR ACCIDENT LAWSUIT PROCESS?
In some car accident cases, lawsuits are necessary to get victims the compensation they deserve. Suing for damages may sound difficult, but your lawyer will guide you through each step, making it as easy as possible for you. Here’s how the lawsuit process works and what you can expect.
SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS
Before you think about filing a lawsuit, your lawyer will try to settle things through a negotiation process with the insurance company. This isn’t something you’ll need to do yourself; your car insurance claim attorney can do all of the necessary negotiating on your behalf. Negotiations can take some time, but it’s important to remember that your attorney’s job is to ensure that you get the fairest and complete compensation. As your representative, they are not afraid to push back against the insurance company’s offers as many times as needed to get the best possible result.
MEDIATION
Even after filing a lawsuit, the parties will still have an opportunity to resolve and settle the case without continuing to trial. This is known as “mediation,” and it involves bringing in an unbiased third party to help mediate discussions. Mediation is not a formal element of the process, and it is therefore not legally binding. However, it can still help the parties avoid trial-related expenses and resolve car crash cases in ways that benefit everyone.
THE DISCOVERY PHASE
If your case continues on to trial, there will be an initial “discovery” phase. During this time, both sides of the case will be able to ask questions about the case and their evidence. This gives both parties the opportunity to learn what information the other party has.
During discovery, attorneys for both sides may ask the other to prove certain facts, provide relevant documentation, or ask for depositions (testimony) from witnesses or involved parties. Once your attorney is satisfied with what they’ve discovered, they can use it to plan a strong trial strategy.
MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
After discovery, one party can decide to file what’s called a “motion for summary judgment.” This comes into play when none of the material facts in personal injury cases—like who was at fault, what kind of damage occurred, or what the insurance policy covers—are in dispute. The moving party has the responsibility of proving that the facts of the case are really undisputed and that the outcome can be decided by applying existing law (without a judge or jury).
If the facts of your case aren’t in dispute and the law supports ruling in your favor, your lawyer will likely move for summary judgment. If they’re able to prove that there are no important material facts in dispute, the motion will be granted and the court will rule in your favor.
TRIAL
If a case is not resolved during mediation or via a summary judgment, it will continue on to trial. During this phase, both sides will present their arguments. Each party’s lawyers will argue their respective cases, using evidence to prove their point to the judge or jury. After they’ve finished, the judge or jury will consider whether the evidence supports the plaintiff’s case, then rule accordingly.
There are many opportunities to resolve a case before this point, so most do not reach trial. Because it’s so uncommon, those that do go to trial often become higher-profile cases. For some victims, settling in mediation is preferable to the visibility of a trial. For others, a trial is an opportunity to hold the insurance company accountable in a more public way.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES OF A GOOD HOUSTON CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER?
If you’ve been in a vehicle accident in the Houston area, it’s critical that you contact an attorney immediately. Even if you don’t think you’ve sustained any injuries, it’s important to speak with an expert. Not only can a car accident lawyer help you deal with demanding insurance companies, but they can also assist you in the event that an injury has gone unnoticed. Since injuries do not always appear right away, immediate contact with an attorney can save you a great deal of trouble in the long run. Here are the three most important things to look for in a Houston car accident lawyer:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It’s not unusual to have a lot of questions after a car accident. Take a look at the following frequently asked questions before you take action or make any decisions. If you have further questions, contact our car wreck lawyers for information.
If you are being denied compensation that you are clearly owed as a crash victim, it’s time to talk to a lawyer. In your initial consultation, the attorney can determine if and how their services can help your case. They can also help you understand your rights as a victim and explain what you can expect from the legal process.
If you feel the amount of compensation you’re offered by insurance is fair, you might not need to hire an accident lawyer. Before you accept any offer, however, you may want to speak to an attorney working with personal injury to confirm whether their offer is truly in your best interest. There may be additional damages you aren’t aware of or are forgetting to account for.
Insurance companies are very particular about approving claims. This extreme caution is often a good thing that protects against insurance fraud. Unfortunately, they can also stretch the definition of caution, finding any excuse to deny claims and cut costs. If you’re in a vulnerable state and just want to “get it over with,” you might give up on fighting their decision. This is why having a lawyer is so important.
All Houston auto crash attorneys represent the rights of their clients and fight on their behalf. Talking to insurance companies and arguing for what you deserve is just part of what we do. When you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you need an attorney to handle the paperwork, make sure you’re treated fairly, and allow you to focus on recovering.
Hiring a lawyer after a Houston auto collision is completely free. Our Houston auto accident legal team does work on a contingency basis. It costs nothing to retain an attorney, and the cost of services depends (or is contingent) on whether our legal team recovers damages in your case. In other words, if you don’t receive any money, you don’t have to pay us a thing.
When you come in for a free consultation, one of our attorneys can walk you through how contingency works, what kind of work we’ll need to do, and how much those things may cost you in the case that you do receive compensation.
If you’ve been injured or the impact was significant enough to raise concerns about concussions or whiplash, you’ll want to seek medical care right away after the accident. If you initially feel fine but begin to experience symptoms in the weeks following your crash, you should follow up with a doctor as soon as possible. Some complications from car accidents can have a delayed onset, and any crash-related health effects are important to your case.
After any car accident, you’re going to want to get an official crash report to record what happened. With a report compiled by an unbiased authority, you’ll be able to refer to details of the incident without it being just your word versus the other driver’s. In Texas, drivers are also required to report any crash in which a person is injured or there is at least $1,000 of damage.
Accident reports are generally written up by the police. If anyone is injured in the crash or there is an emergency situation, call 911. When authorities arrive on the scene, a police officer can take the report. If there is not an emergency, you can call the police department’s non-emergency number and let them know that you’ve been in an accident and need a report. Ask the officer(s) where you can get a copy of the report when it is finished.
In personal injury litigation, the term “pain and suffering” refers to the kinds of harm that don’t come with a bill. It accounts for the personal toll of things like pain, anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional distress.
In the case of a car accident, vehicle damage and physical injuries are only part of the story. The other mental, physical, and emotional repercussions can be just as impactful, if not more so. In addition to payment for expenses incurred, payment for pain and suffering is often necessary to fairly compensate for those issues.
Who Is Liable for Damages in a Car Accident?
Determining liability is a critical aspect of filing a claim and getting compensation for your damages. In most cases, liability is based on negligence, which involves proving the at-fault parties caused your accident and injuries by failing to exercise reasonable care. Depending on the circumstances of your Houston-based car collision, potentially liable parties could include any of the following.
Other Drivers
The most frequently liable party involved in car accidents is other motorists. Aggressive driving, such as speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, and tailgating, can cause crashes. Other dangerous driving errors include distracted driving, fatigued driving, and driving under the influence.
Vehicle Manufacturers
When defective auto parts contribute to a collision, vehicle and parts manufacturers may be at fault. Faulty brakes, malfunctioning systems, tire defects, and other mechanical failures contribute to fewer accidents than other causes, but these accidents still happen and warrant compensation.
Government Entities
When dangerous road conditions, poorly maintained traffic signals, or inadequate signage contributes to an accident, you may hold government entities liable. Common hazardous conditions include poor lighting, large potholes, missing guardrails, and road debris.
Employers
The legal concept of vicarious liability dictates that an at-fault driver’s employer is responsible for the driver’s conduct based on their relationship. This ensures company liability when employees cause accidents while driving company vehicles or conducting business activities.
Trucking Companies
Again, vicarious liability holds employers responsible for their employees’ negligence if it occurs within the scope of their employment duties. Trucking companies are commonly found liable when commercial trucks collide with passenger vehicles.
Vehicle Maintenance Companies
When auto repair shops or mechanics fail to properly repair vehicles and ensure their safety, you could hold them liable. Improper maintenance of brakes, tires, or other safety systems can lead to accidents.
Property Owners
You could hold private and public property owners liable when their negligence contributes to your collision. This includes businesses or individuals whose poorly maintained parking lots, driveways, or private roads create hazardous conditions.
Bars and Restaurants
Bars and other establishments, as well as their bartenders and staff who overserve alcohol, could be liable when their patron causes a collision. Dram shop laws are designed to prevent drunk driving accidents.
Rideshare Companies
Because rideshare drivers are independent contractors, vicarious liability does not apply. However, rideshare services may be held responsible for accidents involving their drivers during active trips through their company’s third-party liability insurance.
Car accidents frequently involve multiple parties, making these claims and lawsuits complex. Having a trusted Houston car accident attorney ensures a comprehensive investigation into liability and could help you hold all parties accountable and maximize your compensation.
Where Do Car Accidents Occur?
Due to heavy traffic and complex highway systems, car accidents occur in several locations throughout the city. Common places where car accidents occur are:
- Interstate 45 (Gulf Freeway)
- Interstate 10 (Katy Freeway)
- US Highway 59/Interstate 69 (Southwest and Eastex Freeways)
- Downtown intersections
- The Galleria area and the West Loop
- Westheimer Road
- Richmond Avenue
Highway interchanges pose substantial risks for merging accidents, construction zones frequently lead to collisions due to altered traffic patterns and lane closures, and low-lying roads and underpasses become hazardous during thunderstorms and periods of heavy flooding. If you were in a car crash in one of these locations or anywhere else in Houston, contact our attorneys to help you with your case.
CONTACT OUR OFFICES TODAY!
At our law firm, we have years of legal experience. Our Houston law office has dealt with all of the major insurance providers, helping clients get the compensation they need and deserve. Don’t worry about costs when you call—we work on contingency, and we’ll evaluate your case for free.
