Houston Car Accident Lawyer

What You Need to Know About Houston Car Accidents and Protecting Your Legal Rights

As a Houston-based personal injury law firm with a national reputation, we receive a lot of questions about car accidents from friends, family, and, of course, our clients. We are honored to be a trusted source of information for auto accidents and what to do when you find yourself in an accident. Here, we provide answers to some of the most common questions we get about car accidents.

We truly believe that when it comes to legal issues, knowledge is power. When you know more, you can make better decisions about what to do following a car accident. If you have additional questions about your particular situation, please schedule a free consultation with one of our Houston auto accident attorneys by calling us at 713-800-1200 or contacting us online.

How Common Are Car Accidents In Houston?

Driving a car is something most of us do daily. Cars are a fundamental part of our daily lives. Cars help us get to work, take our kids to school, see friends and family, and, generally, take us where we want to go.

Driving gives us freedom. Yet, driving is also one of the more dangerous things we do. The United States averages 6 million car accidents annually, with over 35,000 deaths and far more injuries. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2018 there were more than 3,000 vehicle accident deaths in Texas and over 12,000 serious injuries.

Those of us who drive in Houston regularly may not be surprised to know that many of Texas’ car accidents occur in the Houston metro area. Houston is regularly listed as one of the top cities in Texas for serious car accidents and deaths. Despite efforts, road deaths in Houston continue to rise.

In 2019, there were over 64,000 car accidents in Houston alone. Of those, 189 were fatal, and 1,175 were suspected of having caused serious injuries. Statistics like these can be scary, but should not prevent you from living and enjoying your day-to-day activities, including driving. Simple safety steps — not driving while impaired by alcohol or fatigued, wearing seatbelts, and not driving in stormy weather — will keep you safer and help reduce the risk of being involved in a car accident.

Types Of Car Accidents That Happen In Houston, Texas

Car accidents can be of different natures. The type of accident you are involved in often determines who is liable for the damage you suffer. If you are not sure how to proceed after a crash, consult a Houston car accident attorney for legal advice.

The most common types of car accidents in Texas include:

• Head-on collisions
• Single-vehicle accident
• Rear-end accident
• Hit and run accident
• Rollover accidents
• Rideshare accidents
• Taxicab accidents
• Fatal accidents

What Should You Do After A Car Accident In Houston?

We recommend taking the following steps after a car accident:

Stop and Get to Safety

If you’ve been in a car accident in Texas, even if it just seems like a minor fender bender, you must stop. Failure to stop is a violation of Texas state law and could result in a ticket or even jail time, depending on the circumstances. Stop your vehicle as close to the accident as possible without obstructing traffic or parking in a dangerous spot.

For example, you could pull onto a wide shoulder off the highway. Immediately park your car, get out, and walk to a safe location away from the vehicle and oncoming traffic. Do not sit and pass the time on your phone in the car.

There may be hazards, not always immediately clear, that can cause the vehicle to catch fire or otherwise become a dangerous location. If you or one of your passengers is unable to get out of the car due to injuries, call 9-1-1 immediately for assistance.

Get Police and Medical Help

Following a car accident, if you can walk away from your vehicle, you may be tempted to begin evaluating the damage to the car and exchanging information immediately. You should do these things, but only after you have called 9-1-1 to report the accident and obtain medical and law enforcement support. The safety of yourself and everyone involved is the number one priority.

Sometimes it takes a medical professional to identify signs of a serious medical issue, especially because you could be in shock after the accident. Calling 9-1-1 is the fastest way to get trained medical and law enforcement personnel to the accident scene.

Record Important Accident Information

Once you have called 9-1-1, you should begin recording information about the accident if you are physically able to do so. When the police arrive on the scene, it is common practice for them to ask you to sign a citation. You are not accepting guilt by signing the traffic citation, so you should sign it. It can take months, or even years, for insurance and legal disputes related to car accidents to sort themselves out.

Your records can be vital in the future when your recollection of the details might otherwise fade.

Exchange Contact Information

Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information with any other drivers involved in the accident. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses, including passengers. Avoid the temptation of discussing the details of the accident, such as who was at fault, with other drivers.

You do not want to inadvertently admit guilt or cause an issue for any future legal case you may have.

Take Photos and Videos

After exchanging information, take photographs of the scene and write notes about what happened while it is fresh in your mind. You can use the notes section of your phone if you don’t have paper handy. Do not show or give your notes to anyone at the scene — just save them for later.

Once the police arrive, we strongly advise you to get the names and badge numbers of any officers at the scene, as well as the police report number. If available, get a copy of the accident report. You may have to ask the police for it. If it is not immediately available, ask them how you can procure a copy as soon as possible.

Obtain a Medical Assessment

A wide variety of car accident injuries are not immediately apparent to an untrained person after an accident, and some injuries will not show any symptoms until days or even weeks later. Even if you feel fine, you should obtain a medical assessment as soon as possible after your car accident to help catch hidden injuries early and start treating them. At the scene, medical providers will provide a preliminary assessment.

They may order you to go to the emergency room immediately by ambulance or by having someone else drive you. Even if they do not, we strongly advise you to still get a full detailed medical assessment as soon as possible. If you suspect there may be an acute injury, go to the hospital.

If not, make an appointment with your primary care provider.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Once you have taken care of your safety, report the car accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Some insurance companies now have phone apps that make it easy to report an issue. If not, you can simply call the number listed on your insurance card.

Reporting the car accident to your insurance company starts the claims process and is required you to utilize some types of coverage under your policy. Reporting is important whether or not you were at fault because your insurance company may need to cover costs while it pursues recovery against the other driver’s insurance. Your insurance company may request a recorded statement from you, but you are not obligated to provide it immediately.

You should consult with an injury lawyer before giving them your statement. You may need to use your insurance coverage to receive full compensation if the other driver does not have adequate coverage.

Do Not Divulge Sensitive Information to the Other Party’s Insurance Company

It is not uncommon for another person involved in the car accident or their representative — like their attorney or insurance company — to call you shortly after an accident, sometimes within hours. This is not a good time to talk to them. Be polite, but only offer minimal information such as your name and contact information.

Do not agree to a recorded call, and do not provide detailed information about the accident or injuries on the spot. You can tell them that you will give a written statement once you have gathered your information. Talking to them on the phone — and so early on — might cause you to say something that could later be used against you.

In fact, by calling so early, they are sometimes hoping to catch you off guard. For example, if you later discover you had more injuries than you initially thought, such as whiplash — a common delayed-onset injury — they may try to hold you to your initial description of your injuries. Waiting and providing a written statement gives you time to gather your thoughts, investigate the accident, evaluate your injuries, and obtain an attorney.

Contact an Attorney

You are not required to hire a car crash lawyer for your accident, but, as we’ll talk about next, it is often recommended. At a minimum, you should meet with one or more attorneys to learn about how they could help you before deciding whether to hire one.

No Upfront Costs

In a contingency fee case, the client does not pay any legal fees upfront. If and when the case resolves in the client’s favor through settlement or lawsuit, the law firm that represented the client gets paid out of those proceeds. If the case is unsuccessful, the client does not owe any attorney any fees.

These types of arrangements allow clients to pursue their legal remedies when they otherwise would not be able to afford to.

Insurance Companies Are In It For Themselves

Many people assume their insurance company will just handle their case for them. In this case, insurance companies are not your friends. They have lawyers working day and night to find ways to pay you less or deny your insurance claim.

Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for taking actions that are in their best interests — not yours — including low-ball offers that are less than your claim is worth, or refusing to pay a claim they should. Don’t face your insurance company alone. Experienced Houston auto accident attorneys are very familiar with common insurance bad faith tactics.

Attorneys serve as your adviser and advocate, protecting you against bad behavior by your and other involved parties’ insurance companies. For example, if an offer is unreasonably low, your attorney will likely advise you not to accept it. They will work to get you an offer that will fully compensate you and can tell you whether you can take action against the insurance company for their wrongful behavior.

Other Parties Might Blame You

Even if you think you were the victim of a car accident, other parties might see it differently and could accuse you of causing the accident. Determining who is liable in a case can involve complex legal and factual issues involving accident reconstruction, case law, and proof of causation. Your attorney will have the knowledge and resources, such as expert contacts, to defend you against allegations by opposing parties.

Medical Cost Management

If you are injured in a car accident, you will have medical bills from the care and treatment immediately after and on an ongoing basis until you reach your maximum medical recovery.

If another driver was at fault, they are responsible for paying these costs. However, they generally do not pay the expenses immediately, and you are responsible until they do. Your health care coverage might cover some of the costs, but in many cases, there are still thousands of dollars in medical bills left for you to pay.

A Houston car crash attorney can help prevent medical bills from causing you financial ruin in a few ways. They can help you sort through what is often a tangled web to figure out who is responsible for the payments. Then, they can help negotiate with medical providers to hold off on collection efforts until your lawsuit is settled, and possibly get bill amounts reduced so that less money comes out of your settlement payment.

How Can You Find The Best Houston Car Accident Attorney For Your Case?

Hiring an attorney for your car accident case may be the first time you’ve had to work with an attorney. If you don’t know any personal injury attorneys, you may not know where to start. Where do you find attorneys? How do you find good attorneys?

To find the right car accident attorney in Houston for your case, start by researching potential attorneys, meeting with your top candidates, and then making your decision. Start your attorney search by gathering a few names of potential car accident attorneys. You can ask friends and family, search Google, or contact the local bar association for ideas.

Look for an attorney or firm that focuses specifically on car accidents as one of their practice areas. Even the best business law attorney is not going to be a good pick to represent you in a vehicle crash case. Find two or more law firms that you are interested in, and schedule a consultation.

Reading about attorneys and law firms will only tell you so much. We recommend that you always meet with attorneys before hiring them for your personal injury case. Good attorneys understand this and will be happy to meet and discuss your case with you.

You can learn more from in-person interaction than from paper. A few examples of good questions you may want to ask are:

• What is your firm’s experience in handling these types of cases?
• Do you or your firm have experience in going to trial when needed?
• Will you be personally handling my case?
• If the case does not succeed, will I have to pay any fees or costs?
• Can you explain the process of filing my case and how we will work together?

Make sure that you trust the integrity and experience of your Houston car accident lawyer. You will be working with them closely for a while and sharing confidential information with them. Further, their capabilities will impact the outcome of your case.

What Are The Most Common Types Of Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents are traumatic events that can cause physical and psychological injuries. You should assess your physical and mental well-being immediately after the accident and continue to do so. Even minor car accidents can cause serious injuries.

Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not cause pain or other symptoms immediately. There are too many possible injuries from a car accident to list; however, the following are some of the most common injuries caused by automobile crashes:

• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
• Broken or fractured Bones
• Headaches
• Whiplash
• Concussion
• Neck and Back Injuries
• Blood Clots
• Internal Bleeding
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Laws You Should Be Aware Of

As frequent as accidents are these days, a majority of people still don’t know their rights and the Texas laws that explain the proper procedure for what to do after a car accident. Let’s go over a few laws that you should know before heading out on the open road.

SEC. 550.021: Accident Involving Personal Injury or Death

The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident that results or is reasonably likely to result in injury to or death of a person shall:

• stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible;
• return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident;
• determine whether a person is involved in the accident and if a person is involved the accident, whether that person requires aid; and
• remain at the scene of the accident until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023 (Duty to Give Information and Render Aid).

An operator of a vehicle required to stop the vehicle by Subsection (a) shall do so without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

A person commits an offense if the person does not stop or does not comply with the requirements of this section. An offense under this section:

• death of a person is a felony of the second degree; or
• serious bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07 (Definitions), Penal Code, to a person is a felony of the third degree; and
• involving an accident resulting in injury to which Subdivision (1) does not apply is punishable by:
  • imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for not more than five years of confinement in the county jail for not more than one year;
  • a fine not to exceed $5,000; or
  • both the fine and the imprisonment or confinement.

SEC. 550.022: Accident Involving Damage to Vehicle

Except as provided by Subsection (b), the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person shall:

• immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close as possible to the scene of the accident without obstructing traffic more than is necessary;
• immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident; and
• remain at the scene of the accident until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023 (Duty to Give Information and Render Aid).

If an accident occurs on the main lane, ramp, shoulder, median, or adjacent area of a freeway in a metropolitan area and each vehicle involved can be normally and safely driven, each operator shall move the operator’s vehicle as soon as possible to a designated accident investigation site, if available, a location on the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location to complete the requirements of Section 550.023 (Duty to Give Information and Render Aid) and minimize interference with freeway traffic.

A person commits an offense if the person does not stop or does not comply with the requirements of Subsection (a). An offense under this subsection is:

• a Class C misdemeanor, if the damage to all vehicles is less than $200; or
• a Class B misdemeanor, if the damage to all vehicles is $200 or more
• (c-1) A person commits an offense if the person does not comply with the requirements of
  Subsection (b). An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.

In this section, a vehicle can be normally and safely driven only if the vehicle:

• does not require towing; and
• can be operated under its power and in its usual manner, without additional damage or hazard to the vehicle, other traffic, or the roadway.

SEC. 550.023: Duty to Give Information and Render Aid

The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury or death of a person or damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person shall:

• give the operator’s name and address, the registration number of the vehicle the operator was driving, and the name of the operators motor vehicle liability insurer to any person injured or the operator or occupant of or person attending a vehicle involved in the collision;
• if requested and available, show the operator’s driver’s license to a person
  described by Subdivision (1); and
• provide any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including transporting or making arrangements for transporting the person to a physician or hospital for medical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary, or if the injured person requests the transportation.

5 Essential Steps to Follow After an Accident to Guarantee Insurance Compensation

Car accidents can be overwhelming and unsettling. The confusion that comes with them may cause the involved persons not to know what to do in the immediate aftermath. No matter how minor the accident is, every insurance policy requires drivers to report accidents immediately after they happen to guarantee smooth insurance compensation. Here are five essential steps after an accident to guarantee insurance compensation.

1. Remain at the scene of the accident

Fleeing an accident scene is considered illegal, whether at fault or not. The only exception is if you are in a life-threatening situation. After an accident, move your car out of the traffic flow if possible. If not, switch off your car engine and turn your hazard lights on to alert other road users that your vehicle is not working correctly.

While still in the car, access yourself, and other passengers, if any, for any possible personal injuries. If you are seriously injured, alert other road users and wait for their help. Unnecessary movements can cause additional pain and injury, complicating the recovery process.

If it is a minor injury with car damage and no personal injuries, you can leave your car and try to assess the damage as you report the incident to the authorities. 

Why You Should Never Leave the Scene of a Car Accident

Failure to remain at the scene of the accident may open a door for a comparative negligence claim against you. Comparative negligence is a principle used to assign blame in auto accidents by determining the fault and negligence of each involved party. It ensures that the damages from accidents are awarded proportionally between the involved parties.

Fleeing the scene can hinder the appropriate apportioning, especially if you are not at fault. The at-fault driver can attribute the entire blame for the car accident to you, especially in the absence of an independent witness. If this happens, you will not recover damages. Your chances of getting any monetary award also diminish.

Remaining at the scene of the car crash also ensures an accurate accident record, making it easier to prove you are not at fault.

2. Call Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurer promptly is one of the essential steps to follow after an accident to guarantee insurance compensation. Most people are reluctant because they believe that they can sort it themselves. Others fear when significant damages occur due to the fear of increased premiums. 

Reporting an accident to your insurer should not feel like an obligation because you agreed to it when you took the insurance policy. You could face heavy penalties for withholding this information, depending on the policy terms. In other incidents, your insurance company may also have the right to deny coverage.

In cases where the other driver is uninsured, and you have not reported the accident to your insurer on time, you could be obliged to cover all the damages on your own. Alerting your insurance company on time guarantees you compensation through underinsured coverage. The other driver might also decide to file a claim. If you do not alert your insurer, they might deny any claims, forcing you to pay from your pocket.

Usually, accidents are not what they appear to be at first sight. The car damages and personal injuries may be more complex when thoroughly examined. A proper assessment might take several days. If you have yet to immediately alert your insurer of the accident, the insurance company has the right to refuse coverage. You may also spend more money on your injuries due to an overlook.

It can take quite a while for an insurance company to settle. Therefore, reporting the incident, even when not at fault, allows you to seek immediate car repairs through your coverage. Alerting your insurance company after an accident is also important because it can help you find the best settlement. 

3. Call the Local Police or Authorities

Informing local authorities after an accident is a legal requirement for both major and minor crashes. Local authorities ensure you get prompt help in case of car damages, injuries, or death. They are essential in starting the medical process, especially in significant accident scenarios. Local authorities can clear the way for the ambulance and help EMTs move injured people to the ambulance.

After an accident, road users tend to crowd at the scene. Local authorities help disperse such crowds significantly if they interfere with traffic flow. Dispersing such crowds is also crucial in protecting accident scenes for ease during investigations. It also prevents further damage and tampering with the location. It also becomes more accessible for the police to gather witness reports, collect information on the parties involved and inspect damages and injuries without distractions.

Calling local authorities is also one of the essential steps to follow after an accident to guarantee insurance compensation because of the report they issue. These reports are vital as they document what happened during the accident. They are considered more objective than word of mouth by insurance companies. They also hold more weight as evidence in a court action.

What Does a Police Accident Report Contain?

• The date and location of the accident.
• Each driver’s name, identification card number, address, contact information, and driver’s license number.
• The make and model of the vehicles and their license plate numbers.
• Basic information on the passengers and other witnesses.
• Detailed information about the accident.
• Statements from the involved parties and the witnesses.

4. Record the Details of the Accident

After an accident, the documentation of the details using pictures and video clips is priceless. It is one of the essential steps to follow after an accident to guarantee insurance compensation because, over time, accident memories fade. Therefore, if you are still in the right physical state, leave your car and document as much information as possible using your smartphone. Remember also to include the contact information of any witnesses.

Why is it the Importance of Car Accident Photographs? 

A photograph can provide proof of how and why an accident occurred. It also clearly displays the extent of damages and personal injuries inflicted on the involved parties. When taking photos of the damage, taking some of the surrounding environment is vital. Going through them later, you might discover another eyewitness or a security camera that might have caught the entire accident. 

It is vital also to consider taking pictures of the traffic signs, if there are any, around the scene of the accident. You are probably wondering why this matters, but knowing the traffic signs on that particular road section is a clue towards re-constructing how the accident happened. It also helps in identifying who is at fault for the accident.

Taking pictures of the police, witnesses, and the other driver is also crucial. If your attorney requires several witnesses for a testimony, it will be easier for you to identify them. Taking pictures of the police officers at the scene of the accident makes it easier for you to identify them in case of any necessary additions to their report. If you are too injured to take pictures, request one of the road users, the medical team, or the police to do it for you.

5. File an Insurance Claim

Filing for an insurance claim is one of the essential steps to follow after an accident because it is the first step toward being compensated. There are two types of insurance claims; first-party and third-party claims. A first-party claim is filed with your insurance company, while a third-party claim is the one you file with the other driver’s insurance company. 

The type of claim you file depends on the available insurance coverage, the accident that occurred, and the driver at fault. After presenting the necessary documents required to file a claim, your insurance company will open an investigation into your claim because the police report does not ultimately determine who is at fault. It is only a guiding document.

During the investigation, the insurance company may require a detailed account of the accident. Most cases include pictures and clips of the scene of the accident, the car damages, personal injuries, witnesses, and their contact information. After calculating the value of your claim, the insurance company then gives you a settlement. 

If the insurance company denies your claim or if you believe that the settlement issued should have been higher, you may negotiate with the insurance company. Depending on the insurance company, negotiations may not be viable. In such a situation, you can appeal the company’s decision, where you will be required to submit additional information and evidence about the accident to support your claim. 

Documents Required to Make a Claim

• A copy of your insurance policy.
• The police report.
• A copy of your car’s registration certificate.
• A copy of your driving license.
• A detailed estimate of the repairs.
• Medical receipts in cases of personal injuries.
• Records of other expenses that you might have incurred.

Common Defenses Used By Insurances Companies In Car Accident Lawsuits

Insurance companies will work tirelessly to avoid having to pay damages in a car accident case. In their efforts, they are likely to employ defense tactics such as claiming the crash was:

Unavoidable

Negligence does not apply in an unavoidable accident. By proving that the crash was inevitable, the insurance company absolves the at-fault driver of any responsibility.

Caused by a Sudden Emergency

The insurance company can avoid paying damages if they prove that the crash occurred due to a sudden emergency. They have to establish that the emergency did not arise from negligence, was not created by the driver’s actions, and was unexpected. They may also try to show that the driver acted with ordinary care.

Caused by a New and Independent Cause

With this defense, the insurance company will accept partial responsibility for the accident. They will also argue that a third party was liable for the victim’s injuries and that this cause was unforeseeable. For this defense to be successful, the insurance company will then prove that the third party’s influence superseded the at-fault driver’s negligence.

An Act of God

This is the least used defense. It requires the insurance company to prove that the accident was a natural occurrence that happened without any human intervention. The basis of this argument is that human beings can’t be held responsible for events beyond their control.

For success, the insurance company may argue using factors like fog, rain, or wildfire smoke as acts of God. Husain Law + Associates P.C. has a combined experience of more than 50 years. We have handled cases involving these defenses many times.

Whatever the insurance company throws at us, we will fight it to make sure you get the maximum compensation possible for your misery.

What Happens In A Houston Car Accident Claim Or Lawsuit?

Generally, most car accident claims do not result in lawsuits. They are often solved through negotiations with the insurance company. Nonetheless, if our Houston car accident lawyer believes that your case requires a trial, they will advise you on how to pursue it.

A typical claim includes the following steps:

Investigation

During this stage, the attorneys seek to determine fault. This includes investigating the nature and cause of the accident to prove negligence. The attorney may study police reports, talk to the other driver, or interrogate willing witnesses.

Negligence is present when a driver acts or fails to act responsibly and, in turn, causes harm to someone else. Common examples of driver negligence include:

• Over speeding – This is driving faster than the posted speed limit. It could also refer to driving too fast for the prevailing weather condition or road design.
• Distracted driving – Includes driving while performing activities such as texting, talking on the phone, sending emails, applying makeup, or playing with a pet.
• Drunk driving – This is driving with a blood-alcohol level beyond 0.08, which is the legal limit. It could also refer to driving while under the influence of a combination of alcohol and another illegal drug.
• Drowsy driving – Refers to driving while fatigued or falling asleep at the wheel.
• Aggressive driving – Includes behavior such as tailgating, running a red light, or making dangerous passes.

It is important to note that fault may not always be placed on the other driver. In some instances, the attorney will have to turn to other at-fault parties such as a:

• Parts manufacturer or auto company whose features included a defect
• The mechanic who failed to make the car safe by completing a repair
• Government agency that failed to repair a road
• A contractor who failed to clear a hazard or create appropriate warnings

Filing an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit

After investigation, your attorney will present a compensation claim to the insurance company. The insurer can then agree or decline to pay the requested amount. They may also opt for further negotiations.

In most cases, it is advisable to let your attorney handle any negotiations. They may take a while, but the goal is to get you the compensation you deserve. On the rare occasion that negotiations fail to yield the intended results, your attorney may advise you to pursue litigation.

Again, the attorney will handle the entire process of filing a lawsuit. Your attorney and the insurance company can still negotiate before the date of the trial. If an agreement is reached before then, the lawsuit is dropped. If not, it goes to court.

Settlement

If negotiations are successful, you and the insurance company can settle. The alternative is a verdict obtained through court proceedings. Either way, you can take steps to recover your settlement amount.

This will often include a short wait as your attorney pays out any outstanding bills. The attorney will then extract legal fees and send you a check for the remaining amount. Remember, every car accident case is unique.

The entire process from start to finish may take anywhere from a few months to several years. The duration often depends on factors such as:

• The severity of injuries suffered by the victim
• The extent of property damage
• Insurance policy specifics
• Ease of determining fault
• Amount and quality of evidence available for the case
• Your attorney’s skills

Also, not every car accident case will go through every step mentioned here. To better understand what to expect from your case, it is best to work closely with a car accident lawyer.

Testimonial

Definitely the best litigation law firm that assisted me with my case. Mr. Husain leave mediation until he received a settlement that he deemed was suitable for what my case was worth. I am very pleased with the outcome and the hard work he put into it through the entire process.

He had an amazing staff as well that answered their phones and responded to every voicemail and email I left within 24hrs. I MUST say thank you to Ms. Brenda Leal, I think I bugged her the most, but she answered me every time with straightforward answers and with an upbeat attitude. Thank You All So Much!!!

–Monica G.

Car Accident FAQs

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Houston?

According to studies of Houston crash data, top hotspots include:

• W Bellfort Ave & Fondren Road
• Fannin Street & Pierce Street
• Gessner Road & Long Point Road
• Bellaire Blvd & S Gessner Road
• Bellaire Blvd & Ranchester Drive
• Patterson Street & Washington Avenue
• Bissonnet Street & Wilcrest Drive
• Shepherd & Allen Pkwy & Kirby Drive
• Hawthorne Street & Spur 527 & Holman Street
• Taylor Street & Spring Street & MKT Trail
• West Street & Airline Drive
• Nicholson Street & W 11th Street, and

Other hotspot roads include S Dairy Ashford Rd, Westheimer Road, the Cullen Boulevard pedestrian crossing, FM 1960, and Louetta Road.

Despite the statistics, you can reduce your chances of getting into an accident on these roads by practicing caution. Keep your seatbelts on, obey the traffic signs, and stay within the speed limit.

You could also opt to use alternative roads that are generally safer.

What Do I Need to Determine or Prove Negligence?

One of the most complicated aspects of a car accident case is determining who was at fault. Because Texas is an at-fault state, this is usually the party that is liable to pay the victim for damages caused by the crash. Their insurance policy often covers the other driver’s medical bills and property damage.

Concerning this, a car accident victim can either file a claim against the other driver’s insurer or a direct lawsuit against the driver. This is only possible if the victim can establish the following four elements:

• Duty of care – The victim must prove that the other driver owed them a duty of care. In this case, they should show that the other driver had the mandate to drive safely and responsibly.
• Breach of duty – The victim must then prove that the other driver breached this duty. An example would be that the driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
• Causation – Next, the victim must establish that this breach of duty was the exact cause of the accident. For instance, the accident would not have happened had the driver not been drunk.
• Damages – Lastly, the victim must show that they suffered economic and non-economic losses due to the accident. They must also show the extent of these losses.

To prove negligence, a car accident victim requires strong evidence. This is why you are advised to collect as much proof as you can immediately after a crash. The evidence can be in the form of:

• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report
• Photographs of the scene, property damage, and injuries
• Medical records

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

If you’ve incurred an injury in a car accident, your priority will likely be to get medical attention. You may not wish to get involved in a legal battle for damages. However, it is essential to note that you don’t have unlimited time to seek compensation.

The sooner you speak to an attorney, the better. Like in most states, car accident victims in Texas are subject to a statute of limitations. This means they only have 2 years from the date of an accident to file a claim for bodily injury or property damage.

In a wrongful death case, this limit is counted from the date of the victim’s passing. If this timeline expires, you lose your right to take legal action against the at-fault driver. This is why you shouldn’t procrastinate.

Don’t worry. Your attorney will handle the entire legal process as you focus on getting better.

Can You Sue an Insurance Company Without the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer?

Generally, you can. However, it is not legally advisable. An insurance company is a business. Their main focus is to take little or no losses. This is why they will likely deny your compensation claim or try to settle for a less amount than you deserve.

They may even try to extend the recovery process. Should they succeed, you could end up paying for your medical bills and property repairs out-of-pocket. Our Houston Car Accident Attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies.

By hiring us, you can focus on your recovery as we handle your compensation claim.

Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Houston?

You have probably heard of people hiring attorneys for car accident cases, or even seen them advertised on TV, radio, and the internet. Yet, you may not know why someone would hire an attorney for a car accident, especially if it seems like a simple, straightforward accident. The following are some of the key reasons to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you after an accident:

Should I Call the Police After a Houston Car Accident?

Car accidents tend to be unexpected. However, once they happen, you are expected to follow certain procedures to protect your ability to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. One of the most important steps is to call the police immediately.

Calling the police allows them to file an official crash report. This document contains evidence analysis, drivers’ contact information, witness statements, and other relevant information. It may also indicate that a driver was ticketed for the accident.

Aside from being a legal requirement, here are some reasons you should call the police after an accident:

• Protects you from penalties – In Texas, drivers are required to report an accident to the police or sheriff’s office if someone is injured in the crash or there is property damage of at least $1,000. Failure to do this could result in hefty fines.
• Prevents the driver from changing their story – Insurance companies are not in the business of handing out personal injury settlements. In most cases, they will try to deny fault. After the crash, talking to a police officer allows you to establish your story.
• Collects witness information – A witness’s memories of the accident may fade or distort over time. This could significantly harm your case unless the police report contains the official witness statement collected at the accident scene.
• Allows citation – Usually, the police will issue a ticket to a driver who violated traffic laws. This can serve as evidence of fault and help prove liability.

What Information Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation?

During your initial consultation, your attorney will listen to the specifics of your case. He/she will then guide you through the legal process, your rights, and all the legal options available to you. When meeting with an attorney, you could make the assessment easier by presenting relevant information.

This includes information such as:

• The date and location of the crash
• The police report case number
• Names of the collision investigation team
• Photographs of the scene, damage to the vehicles, and injuries suffered by the victims
• Medical records of the treatment you received after the accident
• Contact information of willing witnesses
• The at-fault driver’s identity, contact information, driver’s license, and insurance information
• Your auto insurance policy information
• Any recorded statements from conversations with insurance adjusters

It is advisable to collect this information immediately after the accident, even before you speak to an attorney. Nonetheless, your attorney will likely determine what’s missing from the information you already have and how to get what you need. Also, the data you provide during your initial consultation will go a long way in formulating the best approach to your car accident case.

Learn More About Your Options After A Car Accident

If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, you probably want to know more than just general information about car accidents; you want to know how it applies to your situation. Our team of experienced, passionate auto crash attorneys in Houston, TX are here for that.

Contact us online or call 713-800-1200 to set up a free initial consultation to discuss your car accident and potential legal claims. From our office in Houston, we proudly represent victims of car accidents in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Waller County including but not limited to Jacinto City, South Houston, Uptown, West University Place, Southside Place, Spring Valley Village, Northside, Hedwig Village, Jersey Village, Mission Bend, Four Corners, Chinatown.