Our Experienced Attorneys Won’t Let You Get Pushed Around
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 Houston Car Accident Lawyers are here to handle your case and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. Navigating the aftermath of a car crash can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re trying to understand your rights and the value of your claim. You don’t have to face this challenging journey alone. Smith & Hassler brings over 30 years of dedicated experience in achieving favorable outcomes for clients across Houston. We are fully prepared to help you maximize the value of your claim and ensure your voice is heard.
Car accident injuries can range from mild to severe, impacting your life in numerous ways. Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, a concussion, or more serious trauma, the physical and emotional toll can be immense. You might require emergency room treatment, hospitalization, diagnostic tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, and ongoing care such as physical therapy, medication, or even surgery. The road to recovery can be long and expensive, but if the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.
Expenses after a car accident can accumulate rapidly. Medical bills, lost income, and vehicle repair costs can create significant financial strain. Unfortunately, insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line and may offer inadequate settlements or unfairly shift blame onto you. This is where a skilled Houston car accident lawyer becomes crucial. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation for all your damages.
Don’t hesitate to call our Houston car accident lawyer firm today. Our legal team knows how to build compelling cases that command the attention of insurance companies. We meticulously gather evidence to support your claim and are adept at dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters. As seasoned negotiators and trial-ready attorneys, we demonstrate to the insurance company that you are serious about obtaining just compensation for your losses. Choosing Smith & Hassler sends a clear message that you are prepared to fight for your rights.
“When an auto accident disrupted my life, and the insurance company attempted to undervalue my claim, Smith and Hassler intervened and supported me every step of the way. I am incredibly thankful for their assistance. Their professionalism is outstanding, and they resolved the situation promptly! Thank you for everything! A perfect 10 out of 10 experience.” — Alexander C. 4.8/5 stars, 493 reviews
FAQs About Car Accidents in Houston, TX
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Car Accident?
Remaining calm and composed after a car accident is paramount. Once you’ve ensured your safety and that of others, follow these crucial steps:
- Stay at the Scene and Contact 911: If anyone is injured, request an ambulance immediately. Otherwise, inform the dispatcher of the accident and await law enforcement arrival. In a hit-and-run incident, do not chase the fleeing driver. Instead, call the police and provide vehicle and driver descriptions if possible.
- Exchange Information with All Parties Involved: Gather names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details from all drivers. Refrain from discussing fault or arguing at the scene.
- Document the Scene Thoroughly: Take extensive photographs of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
- Identify Witnesses: If there were witnesses, request their names and contact information. Witness statements can be vital evidence in establishing fault.
- Record Accident Details: Document the time, location, weather conditions, road hazards, and any other pertinent details while your memory is fresh.
- Seek Medical Attention Promptly: Get a medical evaluation within 24 hours of the accident, even if you feel uninjured. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may have delayed symptoms. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. Delays in seeking treatment can be detrimental to your claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider: Inform your insurance company about the accident, providing only basic facts. Keep your statements brief and avoid speculation.
- Consult a Houston Car Accident Lawyer: Contact a Houston car accident lawyer to discuss the specifics of your case and understand your legal options. Most personal injury firms, including ours, offer free consultations.
- Avoid Contact with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company: Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company or provide recorded statements without consulting your attorney first. Refer them to your lawyer and avoid discussing fault or injuries, as anything you say can be used against you.
Learn about suing uninsured drivers 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 wasn’t your fault, the negligent driver is typically liable for your damages. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you are generally entitled to compensation.
Texas law mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance. This provides several avenues for recovering compensation if you’re injured in a not-at-fault accident, including:
- Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
- Filing a claim with your own insurance company (depending on your coverage).
- Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Texas uses comparative negligence rules. If you are found partially at fault for the 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 for more information on the claim process and hiring a lawyer
For example, if you are awarded $50,000 in damages but are found 10% at fault due to speeding, your compensation will be reduced by $5,000, resulting in a $45,000 award. It’s crucial to have a Houston car accident lawyer advocate for you to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery. We are experts in navigating comparative negligence laws and protecting your rights.
Our firm also handles cases involving vehicle defects. We have represented numerous clients harmed by manufacturer negligence, such as Toyota defects. When manufacturers fail to uphold safety standards, accidents can occur, causing injuries. We are committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable.
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement Amount in Texas?
The compensation you can recover in a car accident case depends on the specifics of your situation, particularly the severity of your injuries and the accident’s overall impact on your life. Generally, if you are injured in a not-at-fault car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Property Damage
- Medical Bills (past and future)
- Lost Wages (past and future)
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Replacement Services (e.g., for household tasks)
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
To understand the potential value of your claim, consult with a Houston car accident lawyer for a free case evaluation. We can assess your case and provide an estimate of the compensation you may be entitled to recover.
How Do I Interpret My Texas Car Accident Report?
Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Reports (CR-3) can be complex and challenging to decipher. A Houston car accident lawyer can help you thoroughly understand each section and its implications for your claim. You can obtain a copy of your Texas Accident Report online through the Texas Department of Transportation website.
- Page 1: Contains the date, time, and precise location of the accident, including county, city, street names, and whether it occurred at an intersection or in a construction zone. It also details information about each driver, passenger, bystander, and vehicle involved, along with injury codes indicating the severity of injuries.
- Page 2: Lists any charges filed at the scene against drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. It includes a crash narrative, a diagram of the accident scene, the officer’s opinion on the accident’s cause, and details about where injured parties were transported, including ambulance and hospital information. If fatalities occurred at the scene or within 30 days, the date and time of death are recorded here.
- Page 3: Provides information on commercial vehicles involved in the accident. If a commercial vehicle (truck, delivery van, etc.) was involved, this page includes details about the commercial carrier, cargo, vehicle weight, and commercial driver information.
- Page 4: Explains the codes and terminology used throughout the accident report. Our Houston car accident lawyers can provide a detailed analysis of your accident report, clarifying technical terms and explaining its relevance to your case.
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, your primary focus should be on healing and recovery, not on navigating complex legal processes and insurance claims. While your case might seem straightforward, effectively navigating the claims process and maximizing your compensation requires expertise. That’s where a dedicated Houston car accident lawyer from Smith & Hassler can make all the difference.
Let us take the burden off your shoulders. Our experienced attorneys possess the knowledge and skills to manage every detail of your claim, allowing you to concentrate on getting better. Whether through skillful negotiation or trial litigation, we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve. We also represent clients injured in bus accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents in Houston.
Importantly, there are no upfront costs, and you only pay if we win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring access to justice regardless of your financial situation.
Discover how our Houston car accident lawyers can help you. Visit our car accident FAQ page for answers to common questions and contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
“Mr. Brian Stansell was incredibly professional and communicative. He handled every aspect of my car accident case, maintained consistent contact, and kept me informed about everything I needed to know. He ensured everything was taken care of from day one.” – D
