Every day in Houston, nearly 185 car accidents happen. One of them may have even changed your life. If you’re recovering from a car wreck, you’re not alone – and you have rights.
Accidents in Houston have been rising year-over-year, especially in areas like the 610 Loop and I-45 corridor. The city has identified a High Injury Network: just 9% of Houston streets account for 58% of serious crashes, which means certain areas are particularly risky to drive in.
You might be asking yourself if you really need a lawyer after your car accident. On this page, we’re going to discuss how an attorney can help you after a car accident, the best time to contact one, how much it costs to hire an accident lawyer, the different types of car accidents an injury attorney handles, and if you really to hire an attorney in the first place.
Our client stopped for traffic on a crowded highway but the vehicle behind her did not. Instead, it rear-ended her with terrible force, throwing her forward into a concrete barrier and causing life-threatening injuries to her brain and back: an epidural hemorrhage, concussion, and an unstable burst fracture to her thoracic spine.
A fusion surgery stabilized her back but left her with permanent hardware in her spine, limited mobility, and ongoing pain. She also suffered serious psychological trauma, resulting in flashbacks and difficulty sleeping.
The Verdict: $2,250,000
The best time to speak with a Houston car accident lawyer is immediately after your accident. Acting quickly ensures your rights are protected, evidence is preserved, and your claim gets off to a strong start.
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts to life-altering conditions. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with vehicle crashes in Houston:
1. Whiplash
A neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head.
2. Cuts, Lacerations, and Bruises
Result from broken glass, sharp objects, or impact with vehicle components.
3. Soft Tissue Injuries
Includes sprains, strains, and contusions, often affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
4. Broken or Fractured Bones
Commonly involve arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones due to the impact of the collision.
5. Spinal Cord Injuries
Can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of the damage.
6. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Includes concussions and more severe brain injuries caused by head trauma.
7. Serious Burns
Occur when fires, hot surfaces, or chemical spills are involved in the accident.
8. Severe Blood Loss (Exsanguination)
A critical condition caused by excessive bleeding, often requiring immediate medical attention.
Even if you feel fine after a car accident, it’s still a good idea to consult with a car accident lawyer, especially since most attorneys will offer free consultations.
Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away but can lead to serious, long-term issues.
Watch the video below for more information.
It depends.
After a serious car accident that causes personal injuries, high medical bills, and lost wages, most people will realize they need to hire a car accident attorney. But many are still unsure if they should especially if the insurance company is already offering a settlement.
Before you accept anything from the insurance company, there are a few questions you should ask yourself to determine if you need an attorney or not:
Still unsure? Contact our Houston attorneys for a FREE consultation and watch the video below for more information.
Yes! In Texas, you can recover compensation for a car accident as long as you are 50% or less at fault. This is called the Texas Modified Comparative Fault Rule.
Example: Under this rule, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your damages.
This means you may still be eligible for damages to cover medical bills, property damage, and other losses—even if you share some responsibility for the accident.
Car accidents come in many forms, each with unique causes, risks, and outcomes. Here are the most common types of accidents in Houston:
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide convenience, but accidents involving these vehicles can legally be very complex. Unlike typical car accidents, rideshare cases often involve multiple parties, including the rideshare driver, the company, and other motorists.
Determining liability requires understanding how insurance coverage applies during different phases of an Uber or Lyft ride. This is where a car accident attorney can help.
Uber and Lyft drivers are covered under a tiered insurance structure:
Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists present a unique challenge. In Texas, while drivers are legally required to carry minimum liability insurance, approximately 12% of vehicles remain uninsured, leaving many at risk.
UM/UIM coverage is designed to protect you when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. This optional coverage can compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Texas law mandates that insurers offer UM/UIM coverage, and it’s highly recommended to include it in your policy.
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you have two primary options:
Vehicle rollover accidents are among some of the most dangerous types of crashes. This type of accident often results in very bad or even catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, rollovers have also caused many fatalities too. These incidents are particularly common among SUVs and large passenger trucks due to their higher center of gravity, making them more prone to tipping over during sudden maneuvers or collisions.
Determining liability in rollover accidents can be complex, involving factors such as:
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents, often resulting from distracted or reckless driving. While these crashes might seem minor, they can cause serious injuries and lead to overly complicated legal headaches when it comes to determining fault and getting compensated fairly.
In most rear-end collisions, the rear driver is presumed to be at fault due to failure to maintain a safe following distance. However, there are exceptions, such as:
Intersection accidents are a major cause of car crash injuries in Houston. These crashes account for one-third of serious injuries and are the second most common type of accident in Texas. In six years, they caused 5,000 fatal crashes and 34,000 serious injuries.
Work zone accidents are a serious problem in Texas, let alone Houston. In 2023, over 26,000 work zone crashes occurred. These accidents caused 190 deaths and 803 serious injuries.
Work zone accidents often involve multiple parties. Liability may fall on drivers, construction companies, or even local governments. Key factors include:
Vehicle defects can cause serious accidents and injuries. These issues often result from manufacturing errors, poor design, or inadequate maintenance protocols. When a defect compromises safety, it can affect not only the driver but also passengers and others on the road.
Vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, or repair shops can be held liable for accidents caused by defects. Proving liability often requires:
Proving liability in a case of vehicle defect often requires the expertise of an experienced car accident attorney.
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are major causes of car accidents in Houston. Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction times, reduces focus, and increases the risk of deadly crashes. Victims of these accidents are often faced with very severe injuries, trauma (like PTSD), and financial setbacks.
In Texas, drivers found guilty of DUI or DWI are almost always considered at fault. In some cases, liability may also extend to:
Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Texas, let alone Houston. In 2020, speeding contributed to over 27,000 crashes. These accidents resulted in approximately 900 deaths and more than 2,100 serious injuries. Driving too fast reduces reaction times and increases the severity of crashes.
Speeding drivers are usually at fault in these cases. However, other factors, like poor road design or defective vehicles, can contribute to crashes. Determining liability often requires evidence such as:
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are not at fault, the settlement process means you’ll have to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. In an ideal scenario, this is how it works:
While this process seems simple in theory, many claims encounter challenges, including:
According to Texas law, you have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is strict. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
Delaying action can harm your case. Evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and medical records can become harder to obtain as time passes. Acting promptly ensures your car accident attorney has the best chance of building a strong case.
If you wait more than two years to file a lawsuit, the statute of limitations will likely have expired, and the court may dismiss your case. This could leave you without any legal recourse for recovering damages.
If you or a loved one had to seek medical treatment for your car accident injuries, then we recommend speaking with us as soon as possible. If you were not at fault for the accident and do not have the money to pay for medical care, a qualified accident lawyer can help you recover maximum compensation.
If a car accident damages your vehicle or completely totals it, we urge you to speak with a qualified car accident attorney as soon as possible. Purchasing another vehicle is expensive and vehicle repairs cost money.
An experienced car accident attorney can help you receive the full amount of property damage owed to you so that you can afford to replace what you’ve lost from the car accident.
After your accident, you should gather and hold onto the following documents to help prove your case:
You should keep all financial records on hand. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Texas has minimum insurance coverage requirements. As of 2023, Texas requires at least:
However, if you are ever involved in a car accident and are NOT at fault, we recommend having the following coverages on your insurance plan for the best possible outcome:
Purpose: Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other non-medical costs regardless of fault. Useful for immediate expenses while waiting for the at-fault party’s insurance to settle.
Texas Minimum Requirement (2024): $2,500 (opt-out available in writing)
Recommendation: Retain this coverage and consider a higher limit, such as $10,000 or more, especially if without health insurance or with a high-deductible health plan.
Purpose: Protection if hit by a driver without insurance or with insufficient insurance.
Recommendation: Consider limits at least equal to desired Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage to ensure coverage of medical expenses and potential lost wages.
Purpose: Covers vehicle damage from an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Recommendation: Match this with your vehicle’s value, ensuring enough coverage for repairs or replacement.
Purpose: Pays for vehicle damage from collisions, regardless of fault.
Recommendation: Essential for vehicles with a loan or lease. For older, low-value cars, consider opting out; for newer or valuable cars, it’s recommended.
Purpose: Covers medical expenses for passengers, regardless of fault.
Recommendation: Optional with PIP but can offer added protection. Consider based on health insurance circumstances.
Purpose: Covers damage from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
Recommendation: Required for some loans or leases. Consider based on car value and local risks.
Remember, while the above recommendations focus on protecting you when you’re NOT at fault, it’s always a good idea to consult with an insurance agent or attorney to tailor the coverage to your personal circumstances and potential risks.
In Texas, every driver is REQUIRED to have a certain amount of insurance coverage. The minimum is $30,000 for each person hurt, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for damage to property in each accident.
If you’re involved in a car accident and the other driver either doesn’t have enough insurance or none at all, we can assist you in taking legal action against them to get the compensation you need.
Sometimes, taking legal action is the only way to ensure you get the funds to cover your medical bills and other losses/damages.
If you’ve got insurance, it might include coverage for accidents with drivers who are uninsured or don’t have enough insurance (uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage). This means your insurance could help pay for the damages you incur.
Dealing with accidents involving uninsured/underinsured drivers can be tricky. Our team of Houston car accident lawyers is here to guide you through it and make sure you get what you’re owed.
In the State of Texas, liability for car accidents is determined based on the “at-fault” system. This means that the individual deemed responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for any resulting damages and injuries.
Consequently, drivers are required to carry liability insurance to cover potential claims. The minimum liability insurance limits in Texas are:
Upon filing a claim, insurance providers have a 15-day window to either approve or deny the claim. If denied, they must provide a clear reason for the decision. If any portion of your claim is approved, the insurer is obligated to disburse the payment within five business days.
Additionally, Texas adheres to the modified comparative fault rule. In situations where both drivers are found to be at fault, a claimant can still recover damages, provided they are deemed 50% or less at fault. However, the compensation awarded will be reduced by a percentage equivalent to the claimant’s degree of fault, as determined by the courts after thorough investigation.
If you permit another individual to operate your vehicle, and they are not listed on your insurance policy, it may still be possible to submit a claim with your insurance provider. This is because insurance coverage is often linked to the vehicle, rather than the specific driver. Therefore, with your consent, the individual operating your vehicle is typically covered in the event of an accident.
In the event of an accident, the driver deemed “at fault” is primarily responsible for addressing any resulting damages or injuries. If the individual you permitted to drive your vehicle was not at fault, there shouldn’t be any issues. On the other hand, if they were found to be responsible for the accident, they might bear liability.
It’s worth noting that while some insurance policies cover any driver operating the insured vehicle, others may only cover designated drivers. To find out the specifics of your coverage, you should consult with your insurance provider.
If you get hurt in a car wreck and don’t have health insurance, it’s important to talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
You might need to file a personal injury claim to get money to pay for your medical care. Medical bills can add up quickly, and some people even go bankrupt trying to pay them. A car accident lawyer in Houston can guide you through this tough time.
A severe car accident can result in injuries ranging from bone fractures and internal bleeding to spinal damages and burns. While these injuries are frequently observed, others, such as traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and even amputations, might also occur. Tragically, in the gravest of situations, fatalities can happen.
There are legal implications in Texas for car accidents that result in a fatality.
Please see our Wrongful Death page for more information on car accidents that involve a death.
For most car accident cases, hiring an attorney is essentially risk-free because they typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront costs, and your attorney only gets paid if they recover money for you.
No Upfront Costs: Attorneys cover the costs of handling your claim, such as court filing fees, expert witness expenses, and investigation costs.
Attorney’s Fee Percentage: If your lawyer wins or settles your case, their fee is a percentage of your compensation—typically between 35% and 40%.
Example:
If no settlement or verdict is reached, you don’t owe anything for legal fees.
Insurance companies usually pay settlements in one lump sum rather than splitting the amount into smaller payments. This simplifies the process and ensures you receive your compensation in full.
Click here for a more detailed breakdown on car accident lawyer fees and costs.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE consultation.
There is no “average” settlement, and the value of a car accident case will vary because every claim is unique. There are many things to consider like how the accident happened, the extent of your injuries, and the impact on your life all play a role in determining how much you’re going to be able to get.
While it’s impossible to predict an exact figure, documenting everything thoroughly can help maximize your compensation.
Keeping detailed records of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related losses is incredibly important. These records can be the proof you need to support your claim and can even help maximize your payout.
The timeline for settling a car accident case varies depending on its complexity. While many cases usually settle within 2 to 12 months, others can take much longer (years) to resolve.
The duration depends on factors like how severe the accident was, the extent of your injuries, and whether or not the case goes to trial.
“I am incredibly impressed with the level of service I’ve received from Jim Adler & Associates and Eleazar Salas so far. After my car accident, I initially tried to handle everything on my own while also focusing on the medical attention I needed for my injuries, but I wasn’t making any progress. As soon as I reached out to Jim Adler & Associates, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. They have been attentive, amazing, and truly supportive every step of the way. From the moment they took my case and when Eleazar spoke with me to document all my details, I have felt reassured and confident that I’m in good hands. Not only have they handled the legal aspects efficiently, but they have also ensured I’m receiving the care I need to recover fully. I highly recommend Jim Adler & Associates to anyone in need of legal assistance—their expertise, dedication, and compassion are unmatched!”
– Chris Trevino
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