If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, Texas, that wasn’t your fault, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Dealing with the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens after a crash can be overwhelming. Trying to understand your rights and the value of your claim while recovering from injuries is an added stress you don’t need. A Houston car accident lawyer from Smith & Hassler can help you navigate this challenging time and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. With over 30 years of experience serving the Houston community, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and maximizing your claim’s value.
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from whiplash and concussions to more severe trauma requiring extensive medical treatment. You might be facing emergency room visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, and ongoing care such as physical therapy, medication, or even surgery. The financial strain of these medical expenses, coupled with potential lost income from time off work, can quickly become unbearable. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t be burdened with these costs.
What are the most common causes of car accidents in Houston? Click here to find out more about different types of car accidents
Expenses following a car accident can escalate rapidly, encompassing vehicle repairs, medical bills, and lost wages. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you should not be responsible for these costs. However, recovering fair compensation from insurance companies can be a complex and frustrating process. They are known for tactics that minimize payouts, sometimes even attempting to shift blame onto the accident victim. A Houston car accident lawyer acts as your shield against these tactics, ensuring your rights are protected and your claim is taken seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Houston, TX and How a Lawyer Can Help
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Car Accident in Houston?
The moments after a car accident are crucial. Staying calm and assessing the situation is the first step. Prioritize safety and then:
- Stay at the Scene and Call 911: If anyone is injured, request an ambulance. Otherwise, report the accident to the police and wait for them to arrive. In a hit-and-run, do not chase the other driver; instead, provide the police with vehicle and driver descriptions if possible.
- Exchange Information: Gather contact and insurance details from all involved parties. Avoid discussing fault or accident details at the scene.
- Document the Scene: Take extensive photos of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
- Find Witnesses: If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information. Witness statements can be vital evidence.
- Record Accident Details: Note the time, location, weather, road conditions, and any contributing factors while your memory is fresh.
- Seek Medical Attention Promptly: Get a medical evaluation within 24 hours, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may have delayed symptoms. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all appointments. Delays in seeking medical care can negatively impact your claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurer of the accident with basic facts, but avoid providing lengthy details.
- Consult a Car Accident Lawyer: Contact a car accident lawyer Houston to review your case and understand your legal options. Most firms, including Smith & Hassler, offer free consultations.
- Do Not Communicate with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company: Refer them to your attorney and avoid giving recorded statements or discussing fault, as anything you say can be used against you.
Find out how you can sue the uninsured driver who hit you
What Happens if the Car Accident Wasn’t My Fault in Texas?
Texas operates under a “fault” car insurance system. This means that if you were not at fault for the accident, the responsible driver is typically liable for your damages. In most cases, negligence on the part of another driver entitles you to compensation for your injuries and losses. As a car accident lawyer Houston, we can help establish fault and ensure the responsible party is held accountable.
Texas law mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance. If you are injured by a negligent driver, you generally have several avenues to pursue compensation:
- File a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance: This is the most common approach.
- File a Claim with Your Own Insurance Company: Depending on your policy, you may have coverage options like Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection or Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
- File a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver: If necessary, a lawsuit can be filed to pursue damages.
It’s important to understand Texas’s comparative negligence laws. If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault. To recover damages from another driver, your negligence must be less than 50%. A car accident lawyer Houston can help protect you from unfair fault assignment and ensure your compensation is not unjustly reduced.
Learn what to do next if you’ve been injured, how to hire a lawyer and find out more about the claim process on our Car Accident FAQ page
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement Amount in Texas?
There is no “average” settlement, as each car accident case is unique. The compensation you may recover depends on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the overall impact the accident has had on your life. Generally, if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Property Damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Medical Expenses (past and future)
- Lost Wages (past and future)
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Replacement Services (e.g., help with household tasks)
- Pain and Suffering and Emotional Distress
To get a clearer understanding of what your claim might be worth, it’s essential to consult with a car accident lawyer Houston for a free case evaluation. We can assess your specific situation and provide an estimated range of potential compensation.
How Do I Understand My Texas Car Accident Report?
Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Reports (CR-3) can be complex and confusing. A car accident lawyer Houston can thoroughly analyze your accident report for you. You can obtain a copy of your report online through the Texas Department of Transportation. Key pages include:
- Page 1: Details the accident date, time, location (county, city, street, intersection, construction zone), and information about drivers, passengers, bystanders, and vehicles involved. It also includes injury codes.
- Page 2: Lists any charges filed, a crash narrative describing the events, a diagram of the accident scene, the officer’s opinion on the cause, and details about injured victims’ transport and hospital information. It also notes fatalities, if any.
- Page 3: Contains information about commercial vehicles involved, including carrier details, cargo, vehicle weight, and commercial driver information.
- Page 4: Explains codes and terminology used in the report. A car accident lawyer Houston can decipher these technical aspects and help you understand the report’s implications for your claim.
Click here to find out how to calculate the value of your claim
Let a Houston Car Accident Lawyer at Smith & Hassler Manage Your Claim
After a car accident, your priority should be healing and recovery, not battling insurance companies. Navigating the claims process and maximizing your compensation can be overwhelming. A Houston car accident lawyer at Smith & Hassler can handle every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on getting better.
We are experienced in negotiating settlements and litigating cases in court. Whether through skillful negotiation or a jury verdict, we are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation possible in your case. We also handle accidents involving buses, bicycles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. If you’ve been injured in any type of accident due to someone else’s fault, a car accident lawyer Houston from our firm is ready to assist you.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs, and you only pay if we win your case. There’s no financial risk to learn about your legal options.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable Houston car accident lawyer. Visit our Car Accident FAQ page for more information and then reach out to us to discuss your case. Let Smith & Hassler be your advocate in your fight for justice and fair compensation.
