If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Houston, Texas, that wasn’t your fault, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our experienced Houston car accident lawyers are here to stand by your side and fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve. Dealing with the overwhelming questions of your rights after a car accident and understanding the potential value of your claim can be incredibly stressful while recovering from injuries. Let Smith & Hassler, with over 30 years of dedicated service in Houston, guide you through this challenging time and work towards maximizing your claim’s value.
Car accident injuries can range dramatically, from the common whiplash to severe concussions and beyond. You or your loved ones might be grappling with emergency room visits, extended hospital stays, and a series of diagnostic tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Treatment can be extensive, potentially involving physical therapy, ongoing medication, surgery, and even long-term care. The financial burden of these medical expenses, coupled with other accident-related costs, can quickly become overwhelming.
Click here to learn more about different types of car accidents and their causes in Houston
When an accident occurs due to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t be responsible for these mounting expenses. However, insurance companies often complicate the recovery process by offering inadequate settlements or, unfairly, attempting to shift the blame onto you. This is where a skilled accident lawyer in Houston, TX becomes invaluable.
Learn about the most common car accident injuries in Houston and how we can help
Contact our Houston law firm immediately. Our accident attorneys are adept at constructing robust legal cases that command the attention of insurance companies. We excel at gathering crucial evidence to bolster your claim and effectively navigating interactions with persistent insurance adjusters. Known for our strong negotiation skills and proven trial experience, Smith & Hassler signals to the insurance company that you are serious about obtaining fair compensation for your losses. We are committed to ensuring you are not taken advantage of and receive the settlement you deserve.
“When an auto accident paused my life, and the insurance company tried to lowball me, Smith and Hassler stepped in and helped me every step of the way. I’m so grateful for them. Very professional and got the situation taken care of in a timely manner! Thank you guys for everything! 10 out of 10 experience.” — Alexander C. 4.8/5 stars, 493 reviews
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accidents in Houston, TX
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be confusing. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand the process:
What steps should I take immediately after a car accident?
In the moments following a car accident, it’s crucial to remain calm and assess the situation methodically. Here are the essential steps to take:
- Stay at the Scene and Contact 911: Your safety and the safety of others are paramount. Remain at the accident location and immediately call 911. If there are injuries, inform the dispatcher to send an ambulance. Even if injuries seem minor, reporting the accident is essential for documentation. In a hit-and-run situation, do not attempt to pursue the other driver; instead, provide the police with vehicle details and direction of travel if possible.
- Exchange Information Thoroughly: Collect essential information from all involved parties, including names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Refrain from discussing fault or accident details at the scene, as this could be misconstrued later. Stick to exchanging contact and insurance information.
- Document the Scene Extensively: Use your phone or camera to take numerous photographs of the accident scene. Capture damage to all vehicles involved, not just your own. Photograph any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and the overall accident environment. These photos can serve as crucial evidence.
- Gather Witness Information: If there were witnesses to your accident, request their contact information, including names and phone numbers. Witness testimonies can significantly strengthen your claim by providing an unbiased account of the events.
- Record Accident Details Promptly: As soon as possible, write down all details about the accident. Include the precise time and location, weather conditions, road hazards, construction zones, and any other relevant factors that may have contributed to the crash. Documenting these details while they are fresh in your mind is vital for accuracy.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Within 24 hours of the accident, it’s imperative to be examined by a healthcare professional. Even if you feel uninjured, some injuries like whiplash, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries may have delayed symptoms. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for both your health and your legal claim. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. Delays in seeking medical attention can be detrimental to your insurance claim, raising red flags for the insurance company.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider: Inform your insurance company about the accident, providing basic facts without going into extensive detail or speculation about fault. Keep your initial report brief and factual.
- Consult an Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX: Before making any significant decisions, contact a Houston car accident lawyer. A free consultation allows you to discuss your case details and understand your legal options. An attorney can advise you on the best course of action and protect your rights from the outset.
- Avoid Communication with the Other Driver’s Insurer: Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company directly. If they contact you for a recorded statement, politely decline and direct them to your attorney. Avoid discussing fault or injuries with them, as anything you say can be used against you to minimize or deny your claim.
Find out how you can take legal action against an uninsured driver after a car accident
What happens if the car accident wasn’t my fault?
Texas operates under a “fault” based car insurance system. This means that if a car accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, they are legally responsible for covering your resulting damages. If you were injured due to someone else’s fault, you are generally entitled to seek compensation for your losses.
If you’re a pedestrian injured by a car, learn how to get the compensation you deserve
In Texas, all drivers are mandated to carry minimum liability car insurance, which provides several avenues for recovering compensation when you’re injured in a not-at-fault accident. Your options include:
- Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance: This is often the primary route for recovering compensation. Your Houston accident lawyer can help you file and negotiate this claim to ensure fair treatment and adequate settlement.
- Filing a Claim with Your Own Insurance Company: Depending on your policy coverage (like Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection or Personal Injury Protection), you may be able to file a claim with your own insurer, especially if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
- Pursuing a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver: If insurance negotiations fail to provide a fair settlement, or in cases of severe injuries and high damages, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver may be necessary to recover full compensation.
It’s important to understand Texas’s comparative negligence law. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault. For instance, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but deemed 20% at fault (perhaps for speeding), your compensation would be reduced by 20%, resulting in a $80,000 award. Critically, under Texas law, you cannot recover damages if you are found to be more than 50% at fault.
Our firm also extends its expertise to cases involving vehicle manufacturer defects. Defects, like those seen in some Toyota vehicles, can compromise safety and lead to accidents. We advocate for individuals injured due to manufacturer negligence, holding them accountable for damages caused by faulty vehicles.
For more detailed information on the claims process, lawyer hiring, and what to do if you’ve been injured, visit our Car Accident FAQ page
What is the average settlement amount for car accidents in Texas?
The compensation you can expect from a car accident settlement in Texas is highly case-specific. It depends significantly on the extent of your injuries, the overall impact of the accident on your life, and the circumstances of the crash. Generally, if you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle or personal property.
- Medical Expenses: Covers all medical costs, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and future medical needs related to the accident injuries.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to being unable to work because of your injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for future income loss if your injuries impair your ability to earn as much as you did before the accident.
- Replacement Services: Costs for household services you cannot perform due to your injuries, such as cleaning, yard work, or childcare.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident.
To get a clearer understanding of your claim’s potential value, it’s best to consult with a Houston accident lawyer for a free, personalized consultation. Our attorneys can evaluate the specifics of your case and provide an estimated range of compensation you might be eligible to receive.
Understand your Texas Accident Report and how it affects your claim
How do I interpret my Texas car accident report?
Texas car accident reports can be complex and challenging to decipher. An attorney can expertly review and explain your report, page by page, to ensure you fully understand its contents and implications. You can obtain a copy of your Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) online through the Texas Department of Transportation.
- Page 1: This page details the fundamental accident information, including the date, time, and precise location – specifying county, city, street, and whether the accident occurred at an intersection or in a construction zone. It also lists information for each driver, passenger, bystander, and vehicle involved, along with injury codes indicating the severity of injuries sustained.
- Page 2: Page two outlines any charges filed at the scene against drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. It includes a narrative describing the accident and a diagram illustrating the scene. The officer’s opinion on the accident’s cause and the sequence of events leading to the collision are also noted here. Additionally, it provides details on where injured parties were taken, including ambulance and hospital identification. If fatalities occurred at the scene or within 30 days post-accident, the date and time of death are recorded on this page.
- Page 3: This page is dedicated to commercial vehicles involved in the accident. If a commercial vehicle (like a delivery truck or semi-truck) was involved, you’ll find details about the commercial carrier, including name, address, and contact information. Further information includes cargo details, vehicle weight, and additional data about the commercial driver.
- Page 4: The final page serves as a key to understanding the various codes and terminologies used throughout the accident report. Our Houston car accident lawyers are skilled at demystifying these technical aspects and will thoroughly analyze your accident report with you to clarify any confusion and ensure you understand every detail.
Click here to learn how to calculate the potential value of your car accident claim
Let Our Houston Accident Lawyers Manage Every Aspect of Your Claim
Following a car accident, your primary focus should be on recovery, not on the complexities of insurance claims and legal processes. While your case might seem straightforward, navigating the claims process and securing full compensation can be daunting. This is where having an experienced accident lawyer in Houston, TX in your corner becomes crucial.
Allow us to take charge. Our car accident attorneys possess the expertise and experience to handle every detail of your claim, letting you concentrate on healing. Whether through skillful negotiation or assertive litigation, we are committed to fighting for the maximum possible compensation for you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, bicycle accident, or any type of pedestrian accident in Houston, our dedicated lawyers are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
People injured in car accidents have the right to be compensated for their injuries — **learn more**
People injured in car accidents have the right to be compensated for their injuries — learn more
Significantly, there are no upfront costs when you choose us, and you only pay if we successfully win your case. We operate on a contingency fee basis, aligning our interests with yours – we only get paid when you get paid.
Discover how our experienced attorneys can assist you. Visit our Car Accident FAQ page for answers to common questions and contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
“Mr. Brian Stansell was very professional and communicative. He handled everything pertaining to my car accident, ALWAYS stayed in contact, and kept me updated on any and everthing I needed to know. He made sure everything was taken care of from day one.” – D
