Have you been involved in a car wreck in Houston, TX? If the accident wasn’t your fault, you might be entitled to significant financial compensation. At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, our Houston-based car wreck lawyers are dedicated to helping you recover the damages you deserve. We specialize in ensuring you receive substantial compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the pain and suffering endured due to someone else’s negligence.
Our team, spearheaded by a Board Certified civil trial specialist, has a proven track record of success in Houston. We are well-regarded for achieving outstanding outcomes for car wreck victims and their families. We are committed to standing up against large insurance companies and defendants with substantial resources. Our daily mission is to secure life-changing compensation for our clients, and we have a history of winning millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
Our firm has successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars for individuals injured in various types of accidents, including car wrecks, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, wrongful death cases, and brain injury claims. Our results are a testament to our dedication and effectiveness.
For a free consultation to discuss your case, reach out to our Houston law offices. We have seven convenient locations across Houston. Call us at (713) 500-5000 or visit our contact page to schedule your appointment today.
How Houston Car Wreck Lawyers Near You Can Help After an Accident
Experiencing a car wreck in Houston can drastically alter your life. The repercussions can range from minor inconveniences to major life disruptions. In such times, seeking accountability from the responsible parties is crucial. This is where the expertise of Houston car wreck lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers becomes invaluable.
For decades, we’ve been relentless advocates for car wreck victims and their families throughout the Houston metropolitan area.
Our founding attorney, Brian White, holds Board Certification in civil trial law, a distinction achieved by only 3% of attorneys in Texas. This certification underscores our profound expertise and commitment to excellence in legal representation.
More importantly, our firm boasts a strong history of winning cases. Our skilled legal team in Houston has successfully secured tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Each client we represent benefits from a personalized and thorough approach to their case, which includes:
- In-depth investigation into the circumstances of your car wreck.
- Strategic legal advice tailored to your specific situation.
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to maximize your settlement.
- Experienced litigation in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Compassionate support and guidance throughout the entire legal process.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, allow our Houston car wreck lawyers to fight for your rights and hold them accountable. With over 45 years of combined experience, our team is ready to stand by you. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Why Hiring Local Car Wreck Lawyers is Essential
Here’s why having a Houston car wreck lawyer on your side is crucial:
Insurance Companies Discourage Legal Representation: Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts, making low initial offers in hopes you’ll accept. They are well-versed in claims processes, while you likely are not. Houston car wreck lawyers level the playing field, negating the insurer’s inherent advantage.
Increased Likelihood of Winning and Higher Compensation: Statistics show that individuals represented by car wreck lawyers are more likely to win their cases and typically receive larger settlements than those who navigate the legal system alone.
Protection Against Blame Tactics: At-fault drivers often deflect responsibility by blaming victims. An experienced attorney can preemptively counter these tactics, protecting your claim from being undermined by blame-shifting.
Independent Investigation to Uncover the Truth: While insurance companies conduct investigations, their focus is on limiting their financial liability. Hiring your own car wreck lawyer ensures an independent investigation aimed at supporting your claim and uncovering all relevant facts.
Resistance to Pressure for Unfair Settlements: Insurance adjusters are trained to pressure you into accepting quick, low settlements. They may use your stress and financial concerns against you to minimize their company’s expenses. Your Houston car wreck lawyer will act as a buffer, handling communications and negotiations to ensure you aren’t pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
Ultimately, if another party is even partially responsible for your car wreck, you deserve to be fully compensated. Hiring experienced car wreck lawyers in Houston significantly increases your chances of achieving a fair and just outcome.
Understanding the Cost of Car Wreck Lawyers Near Me
Most Houston car wreck lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means that attorney fees are contingent upon winning your case. It’s often referred to as a “no win, no fee” agreement in the personal injury legal field in Texas.
Under a contingency fee structure, car wreck lawyers near you agree to represent you in exchange for a percentage of the financial compensation they secure for you. This percentage typically ranges from 33% to 40% of your total recovery, depending on the firm and the complexity of the case.
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we are confident in our ability to secure substantial compensation for your injuries and damages resulting from a car wreck in Texas. We are so confident that we handle all upfront costs associated with negotiating and litigating your claim. You owe us nothing unless we successfully win your case.
This fee structure allows you to access top-tier legal representation from a Board Certified civil trial specialist without any financial risk. Contact our Houston, Texas law offices today for a free consultation to learn more about our contingency-based legal services. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and options.
Determining the Value of Your Houston Car Wreck Case
Assessing the value of a car wreck case, especially early on, is complex. Each car wreck in Texas is unique, and every victim’s experience is different.
However, considering these questions can provide insight into the potential value of your case:
- How severe are your injuries from the car wreck?
- Is full recovery expected, or are there long-term implications?
- Did the car wreck exacerbate any pre-existing conditions?
- How long is the expected time to reach maximum medical improvement?
- Will you experience lost income due to time off work?
- Will your injuries affect your future earning capacity?
- What are your out-of-pocket expenses related to the wreck, including medical bills and vehicle repair?
- Is your vehicle repairable, or will it need replacement?
- What emotional trauma have you suffered due to the car wreck?
Generally, the more serious the injuries, the higher the potential compensation.
According to the National Safety Council, in 2019, the average value of a car accident case involving “possible” injuries was around $160,000. For accidents resulting in “disabling” injuries, the average value exceeded $1.2 million.
When to Contact Car Wreck Lawyers Near Me
It’s advisable to hire Houston car wreck lawyers near you as soon as possible following a car wreck.
Here’s why immediate action is beneficial:
- Prompt Investigation is Crucial: The sooner your attorney can begin investigating, the better. Memories fade, and crucial evidence can deteriorate or disappear over time. Early involvement allows for a more thorough investigation, including visiting the accident scene with specialists if needed.
- Focus on Recovery, Not Lawsuits: Dealing with the aftermath of a car wreck is stressful enough. Hiring car wreck lawyers early allows you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery, while your attorney handles insurance claims, legal filings, and deadlines.
- No Added Cost for Early Engagement: Car wreck lawyers in Texas operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay more for engaging them early. The benefits of early legal intervention far outweigh any perceived drawbacks.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers are available 24/7 to assist you. With seven office locations across Houston, we are conveniently accessible. Contact us today to understand your legal rights. Your initial consultation is free.
Contact Our Houston Car Wreck Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers has multiple locations throughout Houston, TX, to serve you better. Our main office is at 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77098. You can call us at 713-500-5000 or complete our online form by clicking here.
Should You Accept an Insurance Settlement Offer After a Car Wreck?
Only consider accepting an insurance settlement offer after it has been thoroughly reviewed and negotiated by experienced car wreck lawyers. Remember, insurance companies prioritize their profits, not your well-being.
Initial settlement offers are often lower than what your case is actually worth. Insurers hope you’ll accept quickly, relieved to have some immediate funds.
However, accepting an initial offer without legal counsel is risky. Once you settle, you waive your right to pursue further compensation, even if you later discover the settlement is insufficient to cover long-term medical needs or lost earning potential.
Engaging car wreck lawyers to handle settlement negotiations ensures that insurers cannot take advantage of you. Your Houston car wreck lawyer will meticulously investigate your case, present a compelling demand letter supported by evidence and legal arguments, and advocate for a settlement that accurately reflects the full value of your claim.
Immediate Steps After a Car Wreck in Houston
Your actions immediately following a car wreck are crucial and can impact both your health and any potential legal claim.
Even minor missteps can jeopardize your well-being and financial recovery.
Here are essential steps to take (and avoid) after a car wreck to ensure your safety and improve your chances of financial recovery:
- Stay at the Scene: Remain at or near the accident location. If necessary for safety, move to the shoulder or a nearby safe area.
- Report the Accident: Call the Houston Police Department immediately. Texas law requires reporting any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not apologize or accept responsibility for the accident, as even seemingly innocuous statements can be used against you later.
- Exchange Information: Exchange essential details with all involved parties, including names, license plate numbers, and insurance information.
- Gather Evidence: Document the scene thoroughly. Take photos and videos, note details, and collect names and contact information of witnesses. Be sure to photograph the damage to all vehicles involved.
- Seek Medical Attention Promptly: Get medical evaluation as soon as possible. This ensures all injuries are diagnosed and treated, and medical records are crucial for establishing a link between the wreck and your injuries for any claim.
- Decline Recorded Statements: Do not provide recorded statements to insurance companies without consulting your attorney. Insurers may use these statements to find reasons to deny or minimize your claim. Provide only basic information and direct further inquiries to your lawyer.
Finally, and importantly, contact experienced car wreck lawyers in Houston. The more experience your attorney has with car wreck cases, the better they can assist you.
Our car wreck lawyers have extensive experience handling hundreds of car wreck insurance claims and lawsuits in Houston, Texas. We deal with insurance companies regularly and have developed effective strategies to win financial compensation for our clients.
We understand the challenges you face and possess the knowledge and resources to help you succeed. Contact Houston car wreck lawyers at our firm to discuss your case details during a free initial consultation.
Common Causes of Car Wrecks in Houston
Car wrecks are unfortunately common in Houston, Texas. Understanding the leading causes can highlight the prevalent risks on our roads. Here are some key factors contributing to car wrecks in Houston:
Distracted Driving: Texting and More
Texting while driving is exceptionally dangerous, diverting your full attention from driving. It’s considered the most perilous form of distracted driving.
Studies comparing drunk driving to texting while driving reveal that drivers are six times more likely to be involved in a car wreck when texting than when driving under the influence.
Distractions extend beyond texting. Other forms of distracted driving include:
- Eating and drinking while driving
- Conversing with passengers
- Managing children in the backseat
- Reaching for objects inside the vehicle
- Daydreaming or mental distraction
Any activity that takes your hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off driving is considered distracted driving and significantly increases accident risk.
Drunk Driving: A Persistent Danger
In 2022, Houston witnessed at least 2,355 reported car wrecks involving drunk driving. This averages to about 6 DUI accidents daily. These wrecks are not only frequent but often severe. In these incidents, at least 521 people suffered serious injuries, 744 sustained possible injuries, and tragically, 88 fatalities occurred due to drunk driving.
Speeding: Compounding Houston Traffic
Houston ranks among the top cities in the nation for traffic congestion. In a recent year, Houston drivers spent an average of 49 hours in traffic, costing approximately $1,097 per driver in wasted fuel and time.
To compensate for lost time, many drivers resort to speeding. Speeding was a factor in a reported 38,679 car wrecks in Houston and Harris County in 2022, according to the Department of Transportation.
Other frequent causes of car wrecks include:
- Failure to yield right of way
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- Inexperienced drivers
- Driving under conditions of limited visibility, such as at night or in poor weather
- Hazardous road conditions and inadequate road maintenance
- Vehicle color and visibility factors
- Poor road design contributing to accidents
- Tire blowouts due to wear or defects
- Defective vehicle components like brakes or airbags
A comprehensive investigation by car wreck lawyers can identify all contributing factors in your Houston car wreck, establishing a clear understanding of liability.
Texas: An At-Fault State for Car Wrecks
Texas operates as an at-fault state regarding car accidents.
In an at-fault state, the insurance company of the party responsible for the car wreck is liable for covering the resulting damages.
Unlike no-fault states where each driver claims from their own insurer regardless of fault, in Texas, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This system aims to ensure that the responsible party bears the financial burden of their negligence.
If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, you have the option to pursue a lawsuit against the driver and any other liable parties.
Partial Fault in a Houston Car Wreck
In Houston, even if you are partially at fault for a car wreck, you may still be able to recover compensation, provided you are not more than 50% responsible. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar to recovery.
However, your degree of fault will reduce the amount of compensation you can recover proportionally. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your total recoverable damages will be reduced by 30%.
Under these rules, if your share of fault exceeds 50%, you are legally barred from recovering any damages from the other at-fault parties or their insurers.
Proving Negligence in a Houston Car Wreck Lawsuit
In most car wreck lawsuits in Houston, proving negligence is essential. While strict liability might apply in specific scenarios, such as those involving defective vehicle parts, negligence is the most common basis for legal claims.
Negligence, in legal terms, means that someone acted carelessly, breaching a duty of care and causing your injuries as a result.
To establish negligence in a car wreck case, you must prove four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The at-fault party owed you a duty to act reasonably and safely (e.g., all drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws).
- Breach of Duty: The at-fault party violated this duty through careless or reckless actions (e.g., speeding, distracted driving).
- Causation: This breach of duty directly caused the car wreck.
- Damages: You suffered actual damages as a result of the wreck, such as injuries and financial losses.
In Texas, you must demonstrate these elements by a preponderance of evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that each element is true. Meeting this burden of proof is crucial to winning your negligence case.
Time Limit for Filing a Car Wreck Lawsuit in Houston
The statute of limitations for most car wreck lawsuits in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. This timeframe is a critical deadline to be aware of.
Exceptions to this two-year limit are rare but can occur. For instance, claims against government entities have significantly shorter deadlines. If a government employee’s actions contributed to your car wreck, you typically have only 90 days to file a notice of claim with the City of Houston.
Conversely, the statute of limitations may be paused (tolled) under certain circumstances, such as if the victim is a minor or if the at-fault party cannot be found within Texas.
Missing the applicable deadline means forfeiting your legal right to recover compensation, making it essential to consult with car wreck lawyers promptly.
Types of Damages Recoverable After a Houston Car Wreck
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck in Houston, you may be entitled to compensatory damages, which are divided into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages: Quantifiable Losses
Economic damages are designed to compensate for the direct financial costs resulting from a car wreck. These are tangible losses that can be documented and calculated, often through receipts, bills, and financial records.
Examples of economic damages in car wreck cases include:
- Medical expenses: hospitalization, surgery, medical devices, medication, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income: wages and benefits lost due to time off work during recovery.
- Property damage: costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle and personal property.
- Reduced earning capacity: losses due to long-term or permanent injuries affecting future employment.
- Other out-of-pocket costs: ambulance fees, transportation to medical appointments, and home modifications required due to injuries.
- Costs associated with disability, whether temporary or permanent, and necessary nursing care.
In cases of fatal car wrecks, economic damages can also cover funeral and burial expenses and loss of financial support for surviving family members.
Non-Economic Damages: Addressing Intangible Losses
Non-economic damages address the subjective, non-monetary impacts of a car wreck. These damages compensate for personal losses that are harder to quantify financially but significantly affect the victim’s quality of life.
Examples of non-economic damages, often referred to as pain and suffering, include:
- Physical pain and chronic discomfort.
- Emotional distress, mental anguish, and psychological trauma such as PTSD or depression.
- Disfigurement and scarring that affect appearance and self-esteem.
- Loss of enjoyment of life and reduced quality of life due to injuries.
- Loss of consortium, affecting spousal or familial relationships.
- Inconvenience and disruption to daily life.
These non-economic impacts can be as debilitating as physical injuries and are a significant component of car wreck claims.
Valuing Pain and Suffering in Texas Car Wreck Cases
Determining the monetary value of pain and suffering is challenging because it involves subjective experiences. How do you assign a dollar amount to chronic pain or emotional distress?
Texas courts and insurance companies typically use two methods to calculate non-economic damages: the multiplier method and the per diem method.
Multiplier Method: This approach involves assigning a multiplier, usually between 1 and 5, based on the severity of your injuries and suffering. This multiplier is then applied to your total economic damages to calculate non-economic damages. A higher multiplier indicates more severe pain and suffering.
Per Diem Method: This less frequently used method assigns a daily dollar value to your pain and suffering from the date of the accident until you reach maximum medical improvement. This daily rate is then multiplied by the number of days of suffering.
Punitive Damages: When Punishment Becomes Compensation
Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for egregious misconduct, rather than to compensate the victim. These are rare in car wreck cases and are reserved for situations involving extreme negligence or intentional harm.
In Texas, punitive damages might be considered in cases involving drunk driving accidents, fatal hit-and-run incidents, or instances where a driver intentionally caused a wreck or serious injury.
How the Type of Car Wreck Affects Your Case
The type of car wreck you experience can significantly impact your case. Each type of accident presents unique circumstances and challenges in terms of investigation and litigation.
For example, investigating a rollover accident differs greatly from a pedestrian accident. Expert requirements for a hit-and-run investigation versus an intersection collision will vary. The nature and severity of injuries from a head-on collision are typically more significant than those from a fender-bender or rear-end collision.
This is why it is crucial to have car wreck lawyers with extensive experience handling all types of car accident cases.
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent clients injured or bereaved due to various types of car wrecks, including:
- Rollover Car Accidents: Particularly dangerous, often involving SUVs and leading to severe injuries like head trauma. Houston SUV Rollover Accident Lawyers specialize in these cases.
- Rear-End Car Accidents: Common but can still cause significant injuries, especially whiplash. Houston Rear-End Collision Lawyers can assist in securing fair settlements.
- Fatal Car Accidents: Require sensitive and experienced handling to pursue wrongful death claims. Our Houston Fatal Car Accident Lawyers are committed to seeking justice for bereaved families.
- Head-On Car Accidents: Often catastrophic, leading to severe injuries. Houston Head-On Crashes Lawyers are skilled in handling these complex cases.
- Whiplash Injury Car Accidents: Even seemingly minor whiplash can have long-term effects. Houston Whiplash Injury Lawyers ensure these injuries are taken seriously in compensation claims.
- Single-Vehicle Car Accidents: Compensation may still be possible even in single-vehicle wrecks. Houston Single Vehicle Car Accident Lawyers can explore all avenues for recovery.
- Car Accidents Due to Road Defects: When road conditions contribute to wrecks, Houston Road Defects Accident Lawyers can help navigate claims against responsible entities.
Since 2007, our firm has been dedicated to assisting car wreck victims in Houston. We have the experience to handle any type of collision and are ready to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Trustworthy Car Wreck Lawyers in Houston
Choosing the right attorney is paramount after a car wreck. You need someone with proven experience, a strong record of success, and a genuine commitment to your best interests.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers are the car wreck lawyers in Houston you can trust. We understand the upheaval a car wreck causes and are here to guide you through this challenging time.
We are available 24/7, offering consultations at your convenience – whether at our office, your home, workplace, or hospital.
Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery and justice. Your first consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring access to justice without upfront costs.
Client Testimonial
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clint was my trial attorney. Before the trial and throughout the process he was attentive and communicated with detail all I needed to do and expect throughout the process. My settlement was more than expected. I would most definitely recommend this law firm to my family and friends! They will take great care of you!
I’m grateful for them!!
Krys S. – February 2022
Houston Areas Served
Northside, Independence Heights, Central Northwest, Greater Fifth Ward, East Downtown, Central Business District, South Central Houston, Greater OST/South Union, Southwest Houston, Spring Branch East, The Memorial Villages, Briarforest, Chinatown, Mission Bend, Energy Corridor, Northwest Houston, Acres Homes, Aldine, East Aldine, East Houston, Jacinto City, Galeana Park, Deer Park, Southeast Houston, South Park, Greater Hobby Area, Hyde Park, Fourth Ward, Rice Military, Bellaire, South Main, Second Ward, Magnolia Park, Pearland, Friendswood, League City, Dickinson, La Marque, Texas City, Humble, Shady Acres, Jersey Village, Pasadena.
Local Auto Repair Shops
- Dent Dogs Inc – 3900 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77056
- JJ Auto Body – 340 Erin St, Houston, TX 77009
- Brookston Body Shop – 1330 N Durham Dr, Houston, TX 77008
- Dent Sharks – 5090 Richmond Ave Ste 179, Houston, TX 77056
- Ryan Automotive Glass & Collision Center – 716 Fairview St – Houston, TX 77006
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
