The front of a heavily damaged car after a head-on collision
Car accident injuries can range from the common whiplash to severe concussions and beyond. You might be dealing with emergency room visits, extended hospital stays, diagnostic tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, and ongoing treatments. These treatments could include physical therapy, medication, surgery, and potentially long-term care, all stemming from an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Explore the most frequent causes of car accidents in Houston and learn more about different types of car accidents
The financial burden following a car accident can escalate rapidly. If you were not responsible for the crash, you shouldn’t bear the financial consequences of someone else’s negligence. Unfortunately, many accident victims face significant hurdles when trying to recover compensation for their losses. Insurance companies are notorious for offering settlements that are far less than what is fair, or even worse, attempting to place the blame entirely on you.
Common car accident injuries in Houston
Don’t delay in contacting our Houston law firm. Our skilled attorneys are adept at constructing robust legal cases that command the attention of insurance companies. We know precisely what evidence to gather to bolster your claim and how to effectively manage aggressive insurance adjusters. We are known for our no-nonsense negotiation tactics and our formidable trial capabilities. When an insurance company realizes you’ve hired Smith & Hassler to represent you, they understand you are serious about obtaining just compensation for your damages.
“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
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Car Accident?
In the moments following a car accident, it’s crucial to remain as calm as possible to effectively assess the situation. After ensuring your immediate safety, here are the essential steps to take:
- Stay at the Scene and Contact 911: Your first action should be to remain at the accident scene and immediately call 911. If anyone is injured and requires urgent medical assistance, instruct the dispatcher to send an ambulance. Otherwise, inform them of the accident and wait for law enforcement to arrive and conduct their investigation. In the unfortunate event of a hit-and-run, which can occur with uninsured drivers, do not attempt to pursue the fleeing driver. Instead, call the police immediately and provide them with any details you can recall about the vehicle, driver, and direction of travel.
- Exchange Information with All Involved Parties: It’s vital to exchange essential information with everyone involved in the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. It is crucial to refrain from discussing the specifics of the accident or arguing about who was at fault at the scene.
- Document the Scene with Photos: Thoroughly document the accident scene by taking numerous photographs. Ensure you capture images of the damage to all vehicles involved—not just your own—and remember to photograph any visible injuries sustained by anyone involved.
- Gather Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to your accident, ask if they would be willing to provide their names and contact information. Witness testimonies can be invaluable evidence when determining fault and liability.
- Record Accident Details: As soon as possible, while the details are still fresh in your mind, write down everything you remember about the accident. Note the precise time and location, weather conditions, any road hazards, construction zones, and any other factors that might be relevant to the incident.
- Seek Medical Attention Promptly: It’s imperative to see a doctor within 24 hours of the accident. Even if you feel fine and don’t perceive any immediate pain or symptoms, you could have underlying injuries that are not immediately apparent. Conditions like whiplash, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries often have delayed symptoms. Adhere strictly to your doctor’s recommended treatment plan and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. Delaying medical care or missing appointments can raise red flags with insurance companies and potentially weaken your claim.
- Inform Your Insurance Provider: Notify your own insurance company about the accident, but keep your initial report brief and factual. Provide only the basic details of the incident without going into extensive detail.
- Consult a Houston Car Accident Lawyer: Contact a qualified car accident lawyer to discuss the specifics of your case. Explain what happened and learn about your legal options. Most reputable personal injury law firms offer a free initial consultation to review your case at no cost.
- Avoid Contact with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company: Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company. If they contact you and request a recorded statement, politely decline and direct them to your attorney. Do not engage in discussions about fault or the extent of injuries. Anything you say could be used against you to challenge or deny your claim later.
Discover how to take legal action against an uninsured driver who caused your accident
What Happens If the Car Accident Wasn’t My Fault?
Texas operates under a “fault” car insurance system. This means that if you are involved in a car accident that was not your fault, the driver who caused the accident is typically legally and financially responsible for covering your damages. In most scenarios, if you sustained injuries in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for your losses.
Pedestrians injured by cars deserve compensation
Texas law mandates that all drivers must carry car insurance with minimum liability coverage. This provides several avenues for recovering compensation if you are injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault. These options include:
- Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
- Filing a claim with your own insurance company, particularly if you have relevant coverage like Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection.
- Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
It’s crucial to understand Texas’ comparative negligence laws. If you are found to be partially at fault for the car accident, the amount of compensation you can recover may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Learn more about your next steps after an injury, how to hire a lawyer, and the claim process on our comprehensive Car Accident FAQ page
For instance, if you are awarded $50,000 for your damages but are found to be 10 percent at fault because you were speeding, your compensation will be reduced by 10 percent ($5,000), resulting in a final award of $45,000. Under Texas law, to recover any damages from another party, your degree of negligence must not be greater than 50%.
Our firm also handles cases involving defective vehicles and manufacturer negligence. We have represented numerous individuals across Texas who have been injured due to defects, such as those associated with certain Toyota vehicles. When manufacturers are negligent in ensuring vehicle safety and reliability, accidents can occur, leading to injuries. We are committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable.
What is the Typical Settlement Amount for a Car Accident Case in Texas?
The compensation you may be eligible to receive for your car accident injuries will depend on the specifics of your case. This includes factors such as 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 to your vehicle
- Medical Expenses, both current and future
- Lost Wages from time off work
- Loss of Earning Capacity if injuries affect future work
- Costs of Replacement Services for tasks you can no longer perform
- Pain and Suffering, including emotional distress
To get a clearer understanding of what your claim might be worth, contact our law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Houston accident lawyer. Our attorneys can discuss the details of your case with you and provide an estimate of the potential compensation you may be entitled to.
Understanding your Texas Accident Report is key to your claim
How Do I Interpret My Texas Car Accident Report?
Deciphering your Texas car accident report and understanding all of its components can be challenging. This is why having an attorney to review it page by page with you is beneficial. If you need to obtain a copy of your Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3), you can do so online through the Texas Department of Transportation website.
- Page 1: This page of your Texas car accident report includes critical details such as the date, time, and precise location of the crash, including the county, city, street names, and whether the accident occurred at an intersection or within a construction zone. It also provides information on each driver, passenger, bystander, and vehicle involved. An “injury” code box indicates the severity of injuries sustained by each person involved.
- Page 2: Page two lists any charges filed against drivers, passengers, or pedestrians at the scene, along with a narrative description of the crash and a diagram illustrating the accident scene. The sequence of events leading up to the collision and the investigating officer’s opinion on the cause of the accident are also included. This page also notes where injured parties were transported, including ambulance and hospital information. If there were fatalities at the scene or within 30 days following the accident, the date and time of death will be recorded here.
- Page 3: This section of your crash report details information about any commercial vehicles involved in the accident. If a commercial vehicle (like a delivery truck or semi-truck) was involved, you will find the name, address, and contact information for the commercial carrier, as well as details about the cargo, vehicle weight, and additional information about the commercial driver.
- Page 4: The final page of your Texas crash report provides explanations for many of the codes and terminology used throughout the report. Our Houston car accident lawyers can expertly clarify these technical aspects and conduct a thorough analysis of your accident report with you personally.
Learn how to accurately calculate the potential value of your car accident claim
Let Our Houston Attorneys Manage Every Aspect of Your Claim
After being injured in a car accident, your primary focus should be on your recovery, not on the stress of mounting bills and complicated legal processes. While your case might seem straightforward, navigating the insurance claims process and securing full compensation for your damages can be daunting. This is where a Houston accident lawyer from Smith & Hassler becomes invaluable. You need experienced advocates in your corner who know how to achieve real results.
Allow us to take charge of your legal claim. Our car accident attorneys possess the in-depth knowledge and extensive experience necessary to handle every facet of your claim, allowing you to concentrate on your health and rehabilitation. Whether through skillful negotiation leading to a fair settlement or assertive litigation in court, we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation possible for you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, or any other type of traffic-related incident in Houston, our lawyers are equipped to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Car accident victims have rights to compensation
Importantly, there are no upfront costs to you, and you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you. We operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring our interests are aligned with yours.
Discover how our experienced Houston accident lawyers can assist you. Visit our car accident FAQ page for answers to common questions, and then contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
“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
