Our Experienced Attorneys Stand Up for Your Rights
Front view of a car severely damaged after a head-on collision
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, Texas, that wasn’t your fault, you need a strong advocate on your side. Our experienced car accident lawyers in Houston at Smith & Hassler are ready to take on your case and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash is overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand your legal rights and the value of your claim. Questions like “What are my rights after a car accident?” and “How much is my car accident claim worth?” can add stress to an already difficult situation. You don’t have to navigate this challenging process alone. For over 30 years, Smith & Hassler has been dedicated to achieving favorable outcomes for car accident victims in Houston. We are prepared to help you maximize your claim and get your life back on track.
Car accident injuries can range from mild to severe, significantly impacting your life. Whether you’re suffering from whiplash, a concussion, or more serious trauma, the physical and emotional toll can be immense. You might have faced an emergency room visit, hospitalization, and a series of diagnostic tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Your recovery journey could involve physical therapy, medication, surgery, and potentially long-term care. These medical expenses, coupled with lost income and other damages, can quickly become overwhelming.
Learn more about the common types of car accidents in Houston. Click here to understand the different accident scenarios.
The financial burden following a car accident can escalate rapidly. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t be forced to pay for someone else’s negligence. Unfortunately, many car accident victims encounter difficulties when seeking fair compensation for their losses. Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts, offering inadequate settlements or even attempting to shift blame onto you, the victim. This is where a car accident lawyer in Houston becomes crucial.
Image depicting common car accident injuries in HoustonExplore the most common car accident injuries in Houston and how they can impact your claim.
Contact our Houston law firm immediately. Our experienced attorneys understand how to build compelling legal cases that command the attention of insurance companies. We are adept at gathering crucial evidence to support your claim and know how to effectively deal with aggressive insurance adjusters. As skilled negotiators and seasoned trial lawyers, Smith & Hassler brings a no-nonsense approach to every case. When insurance companies see that you’ve hired our firm, they recognize you are serious about obtaining fair compensation for your damages. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you are not taken advantage of.
“When a car accident disrupted my life, and the insurance company tried to undervalue my claim, Smith and Hassler provided invaluable support every step of the way. I am incredibly thankful for their professionalism and timely resolution of my case! A truly exceptional experience, 10 out of 10.” — Alexander C. (4.8/5 stars, 493 reviews)
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Houston, TX
What steps should I take immediately after a car accident?
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, it’s vital to remain calm and assess the situation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Stay at the Scene and Call 911: Your first action should be to remain at the accident scene. Call 911 immediately. If anyone is injured and requires medical assistance, inform the dispatcher to send an ambulance. Otherwise, report the accident and wait for law enforcement officers to arrive. In cases of hit-and-run accidents, which unfortunately occur, especially with uninsured drivers, do not attempt to pursue the fleeing driver. Instead, call the police immediately and provide them with as much detail as possible about the vehicle, driver, and direction of travel.
- Exchange Information with All Parties Involved: Collect essential information from everyone involved in the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Avoid discussing fault or arguing about the accident at the scene.
- Document the Scene with Photos: Thoroughly document the accident scene by taking numerous photographs. Capture damage to all vehicles involved, not just your own, and photograph any visible injuries.
- Gather Witness Information: If there were witnesses to your car accident, ask for their names and contact information. Witness testimony can be critical evidence in determining fault and liability.
- Record Accident Details: As soon as possible, write down a detailed account of the accident. Include the time, location, weather conditions, road hazards, construction zones, and any other factors that may have contributed to the crash. Memory can fade quickly, so documenting these details promptly is important.
- Seek Medical Attention Promptly: Within 24 hours of the accident, it is crucial to be examined by a qualified medical professional. Even if you feel fine and aren’t experiencing immediate pain, serious injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries may not present symptoms immediately. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. Delaying medical care or missing appointments can raise red flags with insurance companies and potentially weaken your claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident. Provide basic facts only and keep your comments brief. Avoid going into extensive details at this stage.
- Consult a Houston Car Accident Lawyer: Contact a car accident lawyer in Houston to discuss the specifics of your case. Explain what happened and understand your legal options. Most personal injury law firms, including Smith & Hassler, offer free consultations.
- Avoid Contact with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company: Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company. If they request a recorded statement, politely decline and refer them to your attorney. Refrain from discussing fault or injuries. Anything you say could be used against you to challenge or deny your claim.
Learn about your options to sue an uninsured driver who caused your accident.
What if the car accident was not my fault?
Texas operates under a “fault” car insurance system. This means that if you were involved in a car accident that was not your fault, the at-fault driver is typically responsible for covering your damages. In most cases, if another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you are entitled to compensation. A Houston car accident lawyer can help you navigate this process.
Image representing pedestrians who have been hit by a carPedestrians injured by cars have rights – find out how to get the compensation you deserve.
Texas law mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability car insurance coverage. This provides several avenues for recovering compensation if you are injured in an accident that was not your fault:
- Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance: This is the most common approach. Your attorney will deal directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to negotiate a settlement.
- Filing a Claim with Your Own Insurance Company: Depending on your policy coverage (e.g., Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, Personal Injury Protection), you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company.
- Pursuing a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver: If negotiations with insurance companies are unsuccessful, or if your damages exceed policy limits, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
It’s important to understand Texas’s comparative negligence laws. If you are found to be partially at fault for the car accident, your compensation can be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is not greater than 50%.
Visit our Car Accident FAQ page to learn more about what to do after an accident, how to hire a lawyer, and the claims process.
For instance, if you are awarded $50,000 in damages but are found to be 10% at fault for speeding, your compensation will be reduced by $5,000 (10% of $50,000), resulting in a final award of $45,000. A skilled car accident lawyer in Houston will work to minimize any fault assigned to you and maximize your recovery.
Our firm also handles cases involving manufacturer defects. If a car defect contributed to your accident and injuries, we can pursue a claim against the negligent manufacturer. We are committed to holding accountable those whose negligence, whether it’s another driver or a vehicle manufacturer, causes harm.
What is the average settlement amount for a car accident in Texas?
The compensation you can recover in a car accident case depends on the unique circumstances of your situation, including the severity of your injuries and the overall impact the accident has had on your life. Generally, if you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Property Damage (Vehicle repair or replacement)
- Medical Expenses (Past and future medical bills)
- Lost Wages (Past and future income loss)
- Loss of Earning Capacity (If injuries impact future earning potential)
- Replacement Services (Costs for household services you can no longer perform)
- Pain and Suffering (Physical pain and emotional distress)
To get a better understanding of the potential value of your claim, it’s best to speak directly with a car accident lawyer in Houston. Call our firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and provide an estimate of the compensation you may be entitled to.
Image of a Texas Accident ReportLearn everything you need to know about your Texas Accident Report and how it can impact your case.
How do I interpret my Texas car accident report?
Texas car accident reports, officially known as the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3), can be complex and challenging to understand. A car accident lawyer in Houston can help you decipher your report and explain its significance to your claim. If you need to obtain a copy of your Texas crash report, you can purchase it online through the Texas Department of Transportation website.
- Page 1: This page contains the basic details of your accident, including the date, time, and exact location, specifying the county, city, street name, and whether the accident occurred at an intersection or in a construction zone. It also includes information about each driver, passenger, bystander, and vehicle involved. An “injury” code indicates the severity of injuries sustained by each person.
- Page 2: Page 2 details any charges filed against drivers, passengers, or pedestrians at the scene. It also includes a narrative description of the crash, written by the investigating officer, and a diagram illustrating the accident scene. The officer’s opinion on the cause of the accident and the sequence of events leading up to the collision are also provided. This page also lists where injured individuals were transported, including ambulance and hospital information. If there were fatalities at the scene or within 30 days of the accident, the date and time of death are recorded here.
- Page 3: This page is dedicated to information about commercial vehicles involved in the accident. If a commercial vehicle (like a delivery truck or tractor-trailer) was involved, you will find details about the commercial carrier, including name, address, and contact information. Additional information about the cargo, vehicle weight, and commercial driver details are also included.
- Page 4: Page 4 is crucial for understanding the various codes and terminology used throughout the accident report. Our Houston car accident lawyers can thoroughly review your accident report with you, explaining the technical aspects and analyzing its content to build a strong understanding of the official accident details.
Click here to learn how to calculate the potential value of your car accident claim.
Let Our Houston Attorneys Manage Every Aspect of Your Claim
After a car accident injury, your priority should be your recovery, not the stress of managing a complex insurance claim and mounting bills. While your case might seem straightforward, navigating the insurance claims process and maximizing your compensation can be challenging. You need a dedicated advocate who knows how to get results – a car accident lawyer in Houston from Smith & Hassler.
Let us take the burden off your shoulders. Our car accident attorneys possess the in-depth knowledge and extensive experience to handle every detail of your claim while you focus on healing. Whether through skillful negotiation or determined litigation, we will fight to secure the maximum possible payout 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 lawyers are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Image showing that people injured in car accidents have the right to be compensatedPeople injured in car accidents have the right to be compensated for their injuries — learn more about your rights.
The best part is that there are no upfront costs. You only pay if we win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fees are a percentage of your recovery.
Discover how our experienced Houston car accident lawyers 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 Smith & Hassler be your advocate in your fight for justice and fair compensation.
“Mr. Brian Stansell was exceptionally professional and communicative. He expertly managed every aspect of my car accident case, maintained consistent contact, and kept me informed about everything I needed to know. He ensured everything was handled from day one.” – D
