Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Houston car accident lawyers play a crucial role in helping victims of car accidents get fair compensation.
Houston, Texas experiences many car accidents daily. On average, there are around 160 accidents per day here, which translates to roughly six accidents every hour, or one crash every 10 minutes.
According to the Vision Zero Annual Report 2021 for the City of Houston, between 2017 and 2021, “the number of traffic deaths and serious injuries increased by an average of 18% each year. Over this four-year period, traffic deaths increased by 61% and serious injuries increased by 34%.”
Looking at the frequency and scale of car accidents in our city, it’s not difficult to see how important it is to be knowledgeable and prepared to defend your rights in the case of a motor vehicle accident.
Several factors frequently contribute to Huston car accidents. The most common causes include drunk driving, driving while distracted, speeding, and failure to comply with traffic laws. Each of these increases the likelihood of car accidents on our roads. Other factors, such as mechanical issues, poor road conditions, and bad weather, can contribute to accidents as well.
Car accidents can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens from both immediate and long-term costs.
In such challenging times, having a skilled car accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
A car accident attorney can provide legal expertise, support, and resources to navigate the complex process of seeking compensation. They understand the intricacies of personal injury law and can guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Car Accident Cases
The negligent or “at-fault” party in a car accident is liable for the victim’s expenses, and car accident attorneys hold them accountable.
Whether it’s a case of distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, Houston car accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to build a strong case on behalf of their clients.
When it comes to car accident cases, time is of the essence. Evidence can quickly disappear, witnesses’ memories may fade, and insurance companies may try to take advantage of the situation. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
They can immediately begin investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and building a solid case to support your compensation claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston
Oversized vehicles, changing traffic patterns, and bumper-to-bumper congestion are some additional causes of car accidents in Houston.
With its sprawling highways and busy streets, Houston presents a lot of challenges for drivers. The sheer volume of traffic, along with factors like road construction and aggressive driving, can increase the risk of accidents significantly.
For example, with the increasing use of smartphones and other electronic devices, distracted driving has become a massive safety concern in recent years.
Many drivers engage in activities like texting, talking on the phone, or using social media while behind the wheel, taking their attention away from the road and increasing the likelihood of an accident and serious injury, or worse.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,522 people were killed due to distracted driving in 2021 in the United States. This number represents just a fraction of the total accidents that phone calls, texting, and other distracting behaviors were to blame for.
When these accidents occur, Houston car accident lawyers can help innocent victims hold the responsible parties accountable for their irresponsible driving choices and seek fair compensation for injuries and losses.
Types of Injuries in Car Accidents
Not surprisingly, car accident victims often sustain a variety of injuries, most commonly:
- Whiplash
- Fractures & broken bones
- Chest contusions, broken ribs, and internal injuries
- Knee injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The extent and severity of these car accident injuries can vary greatly, and even minor car accidents can result in multiple injuries or varying types.
Of course, seat belts, airbags, and other safety features can, of course, reduce your risk and severity of injuries significantly in an accident.
If you’ve been in a vehicle accident, the most important thing to do is seek medical attention immediately. This is true even if you don’t feel hurt at the time, as some car accident injuries aren’t always immediately apparent.
Car accident injuries can have a huge physical and emotional impact on your life, possibly leading to extensive medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term ramifications.
Let’s say, for example, someone is involved in a car accident and suffers a traumatic brain injury.
The chances are good that they will require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, as resulting cognitive impairments can have lasting effects on memory and mental function.
Injuries like this can result in substantial medical expenses, and a reduced ability to work only furthers the financial impact. Even more damaging, they may find themselves unable to participate in their favorite activities or enjoy life as they did before the accident.
Nobody should have to go through that alone, and it’s important to have someone by your side who understands the complexities of these injuries and their effect on your life. Someone who’ll work tirelessly and fight to ensure that you receive the medical care and compensation you need for your pain, suffering, and financial loss.
Houston car accident lawyers help victims pursue personal injury claims and fight for just compensation to cover not only their medical bills but lost wages and other damages, as well.
Long-Term Car Accident Consequences
A car accident can be over in seconds, but the long-term results can last a lifetime and profoundly impact your life and future health.
Chronic pain often lingers long after an injury, restricting mobility and affecting quality of life.
Some accidents result in disabilities, like spinal cord damage. These can mean long-term impairment and need ongoing, even lifelong, medical attention.
There’s also the possibility of psychological consequences following the trauma of a serious accident, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These also can require ongoing therapy, while scarring or other disfigurement may also affect a victim’s self-image and social interactions, sometimes necessitating surgical correction.
Of course, the loss of earning capacity due to injuries is a serious concern. One that can lead to financial struggles, often requiring legal action for compensation. Ongoing medical costs and the need for expensive lifestyle adjustments, such as home modifications or mobility aids, are also common.
Relationships and social lives may also be strained due to these ongoing and overlapping physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Overall, the long-term consequences of car accident injuries clearly underscore the importance of early and comprehensive medical care, rehabilitation, and support. Both to optimize recovery and to prepare and adapt to the challenges that lie ahead.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
A car accident lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in handling cases related to automotive accidents and personal injury claims. Their main role is to provide legal representation and assistance to people who have been in car accidents and have suffered resulting injuries or damages.
Here are some of the key tasks and responsibilities of a car accident lawyer:
- Legal Consultation: Car accident lawyers offer initial consultations to clients to assess the details of their cases. During this consultation, they gather as much information as possible about the accident, injuries, and any other damages. This helps them determine the potential merits (the likelihood of success) of the case.
- Investigation: Next, they conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. This can include gathering evidence like accident reports, witness statements, medical records and receipts, and photos of the scene. Investigation helps them establish liability (fault) and to assess the extent of damages.
- Liability Assessment: Your car accident lawyer will also analyze traffic laws, eyewitness accounts, and any other evidence to establish negligence on the part of one or more parties and determine who was responsible for the accident and to what extent.
- Negotiation: Car accident lawyers may negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of their clients to reach a fair settlement. They can fight for your rights and seek fair compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages.
- Filing Lawsuits: If negotiations with the insurance company fail to reach a satisfactory settlement, your car accident lawyer can take the next step and file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. They will prepare the necessary legal documents and make sure that your case adheres to court procedures.
- Representation in Court: Should your case go to trial, your car accident attorney will represent you in court. They will present evidence, question witnesses, and make legal arguments to support your claim.
- Expert Consultation: If necessary, your lawyer may consult with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to provide expert testimony to strengthen your case.
- Legal Advice: They will provide legal advice, as needed, and guide you throughout the entire process, ensuring that you understand your rights and options at every stage.
- Settlement Negotiations: Car accident lawyers work to negotiate fair settlements with the at-fault party’s insurance company. They aim to secure compensation that covers your medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and other losses.
- Advocacy: Your Houston car accident lawyer will advocate for your best interests and fight to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
To summarize, the role of a car accident lawyer is to protect the legal rights of individuals who have been injured in car accidents and to help them navigate the complex legal process involved in seeking compensation for their suffering and damages.
Attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring that accident victims receive the support and compensation they deserve.
Steps To Take After a Car Accident
Following a car crash, it’s crucial to call 911 immediately, especially if there are injuries, and to notify the police of the accident.
Collecting detailed information and taking accident scene photos (damages, street signs, road conditions, etc.) can be of vital importance in building a strong case. Don’t forget to exchange contact and insurance information with any other people involved in the accident and gather contact information from any eyewitnesses.
These details can be crucial in assisting your lawyer in filing your claim or pursuing legal action.
Your next steps are to inform your insurance company, seek any additional medical care you need, and consult with a car accident attorney. These are all crucial steps to improve your chances of getting fair compensation in the future.
Importance of Contacting a Car Accident Attorney
Contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible, especially if the injuries are serious, to ensure fair compensation.
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident requires caution and experience and is best handled with the assistance of an attorney. Car accident attorneys have the expertise to lead negotiations, protect your rights, and fight for maximum compensation.
For example, if you’re involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver and you suffer severe injuries, you may require extensive medical treatment and be unable to work for several months.
An insurance company may try to downplay the severity and extent of your injuries or argue that you were partially to blame for the accident.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney will gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a compelling case to counter these arguments to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.
The Car Accident Claims Process
The car accident claims process involves several steps, typically handled by your attorney, including:
- Gathering evidence
- Demanding compensation
- Conducting investigations
- Negotiating settlements
- Potentially going to trial
Once you hire a car accident attorney, they will begin by gathering all the necessary evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and receipts.
They will then present a demand letter to the insurance company, which details your injuries, suffering, medical and other expenses, and any additional damages.
At this point, the insurance company may respond with a settlement offer, and negotiations for the amount of financial compensation will ensue. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, or the insurance company refuses to negotiate, your attorney may recommend taking your case to trial.
Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.
They understand the intricacies of the claims process, know how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and can fight for your best interests along every step of the legal path.
What If You’re Not at Fault?
Even if you believe that you’re not at fault, it’s a good idea to consider hiring a lawyer if you’ve been involved in a car accident.
Regardless of fault, dealing with insurance companies and navigating the legal process can be complex and challenging. A lawyer can provide several valuable services, like:
- Legal expertise
- Protection of your rights
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Gathering evidence
- Legal representation in court
- Negotiating contingency fees.
These benefits can greatly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation from an insurance company and help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
While it’s not legally required that you hire an attorney, having professional guidance in such situations is often a wise decision.
Automobile Accidents and the Law
Texas follows a “fault” or “at-fault” system. This means that the person responsible for causing the accident will typically be held responsible for the costs of the damages resulting from the accident.
Insurance
You’re required to report an accident to the police if it involves injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Accidents should also be reported to local law enforcement from where the accident occurred.
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, there is a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a personal injury or property damage lawsuit after an accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident, while property damage claims have a two-year statute of limitations as well.
Comparative Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if you’re found to be partially at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault you’re assigned.
If your degree of fault is more than 50%, you may not be able to recover any damages.
These are general guidelines, and the specific circumstances of each accident will affect how the law is applied. Hiring a Houston car accident lawyer is crucial to help ensure that victims can understand how these laws (and other legal complexities) affect their case and prove fault to receive the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been in a vehicle accident, you need an experienced law office that offers dedicated support, resources, and expertise to help you get your life back on track and recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, don’t face these challenges alone.
Contact Barrera Law Group LLC today for a free consultation and let our expert car accident attorneys fight for your rights.