Houston car wrecks happen frequently. Inclement weather, traffic jams, and inattentive drivers are all the culprits. If an accident injures you, things can turn ugly fast. Bills pile high. It is hard to work. Pain persists. If this is your situation, a Houston personal injury attorney can be your best buddy. This article informs you what to do after an accident, the legal process in Texas, and what a lawyer will do for you, step by step.
Why You Need a Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Most people are shocked after a car accident. The insurance company calls come soon enough. The bills arrive before you have time to repair. You might not even know what is reasonable and how to reply. That is where an attorney can assist. An injury lawyer tells you what you’re owed. They deal with the insurance adjuster for you. They know what to get that supports your claim.
This is what a Houston car accident lawyer does for you:
- Investigates the collision. They get photographs, reports, and witness statements.
- Secures medical evidence. Doctors and experts connect your injury with the crash.
- Deals with insurers. They get a fair settlement.
- Make the phone calls and paperwork. You will never have to communicate with adjusters.
- Take your case to court if needed. Some cases are tried in hopes of achieving justice.
Most Texas injury attorneys work on a contingent fee basis. That means, you pay nothing if you lose. It is risk-free to you.
What To Do Right After a Houston Automobile Accident
Those initial few minutes following the crash are crucial. What you do right away may affect your whole claim.
- Be on the lookout for injuries. If you are injured, dial 911.
- Report the accident to the police. Have an official report of the accident. You will need it for your claim.
- Get medical care, even for small pains and aches. They are often warning signs of serious injury.
- Take photos. Take photos of car damage, road signs, and skid marks.
- Gather facts. Record driver names, license numbers, and insurance.
- Don’t blame me. Don’t apologize or accept blame. It can be used against you.
- Call a lawyer immediately. They can protect your claim throughout the process.
It permits your lawyer to establish a firm case and maintain evidence.
How Texas Law Treats Car Crashes
Negligence and Blame
Texas is a fault system where the driver at fault is held responsible for damages. You must prove the other driver was careless to receive money. Carelessness is when the driver is not careful while driving. Maybe they were texting, speeding, or drove through a red light. If that lack of care actually resulted in your injury, then they are at fault.
Shared Fault
Both drivers are sometimes negligent. Texas has a rule named modified comparative fault. You may recover if you’re 50% or less at fault. But your percentage of fault cuts into how much you recover. Let’s say you’re 20% at fault and you’ve lost $100,000. You recover $80,000.
Time To File
Texas law gives you a two-year time frame from the date of the accident. You do not file within this time frame, you lose the right to collect money, even if your case is extremely strong. Early filing maintains your claim.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
Houston auto accident victims can recover two broad types of damages:
- Economic damages — therapy, medical bills, lost wages, fixing property that was destroyed, and future medical care.
- Non-economic damages — pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
There is also punitive damage for extraordinary instances. It is paid to punish drivers who have been negligent or willful in their actions — for example, drunk driving. A lawyer tells you what goes into each and how to bill them.
How a Lawyer Structures a Winning Case
Most folks think that a lawyer just fills out forms and goes to court. The reality is, most of the hard work gets done well before trial.
This is the way a personal injury lawyer structures your case more powerful:
- Review every aspect. Dashcam footage to traffic light captures.
- Requests authorities. Doctors or accident reconstructionists can be requested to testify.
- Negotiates witnesses. Their words can determine fault.
- Negotes insurance adjusters. They know how lowball adjusters work.
- Prepares for trial. Even when the case does settle before trial, preparation must be done.
This requires time, effort, and experience. That is why it is optimum to call an effective lawyer early.
Common Mistakes People Make After a Wreck
Most accident victims jeopardize their case too. Do not make these mistakes:
- Waiting to go in to see a doctor
- Talking freely with the other side’s insurance adjuster
- Photographing or posting on social media
- Settling too soon for too little money
- Missing doctor visits and doctor bills
A lawyer keeps you from doing these and saves your claim.
How Much Your Case Can Be Worth
Every car accident claim is different. Value is determined by:
- How badly you are hurt
- How much time off work that you’ve lost
- Whether you do or don’t have disability or long-term pain
- How sure we are of fault
- Insurance coverage limits
Your lawyer balances doctor bills, doctor reports, and pay stubs. Your lawyer combines these facts with expert opinion and arrives at a fair range of settlement. If the insurance company offers less than that, your lawyer can take or reject and file a case in court and help in the legal process.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Waiting causes you harm. Evidence vanishes. Witnesses move away. Insurance companies have the upper hand.
By getting an attorney early, they can:
- Gather crash data before it’s gone
- Interview witnesses before people forget
- Avoid insurance intimidation and protect your rights
- File all documents on time
Acting fast puts you in the position to heal fully — physically and financially.
How to Choose the Best Car Crash Lawyer in Houston
You can easily find an attorney but ensure you find the correct one. Take into account:
- Local expertise. Houston traffic laws and courts are unique.
- Good results and reputation. Look up online reviews and case records.
- Effective communication. You should be kept informed at all times.
- No surprise bills. Ensure you look into the contingency fee and other fees.
Most lawyers offer a free consultation. You can ask questions, exchange information, and decide whether it is for you without signing.
What to Do During a Free Consultation
Your lawyer will:
- Listen to your case.
- Ask questions about the accident, your injury, and witnesses.
- Review evidence available like the police report and medical bills.
- Clearly outline your options.
- Discuss future action in case you decide to pursue it.
You are not committed to hiring them at this time. The purpose is to advise you regarding your case and possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What if I’m partially at fault for the accident?
You can still receive damages provided you’re no more than 50% at fault. Your fault percentage will reduce what you’re going to receive.
2. When should I meet with an attorney following my accident?
Now. Prior counsel doesn’t allow evidence to become stale and your rights are still protected against insurance company tactics.
3. Will I have to appear in court?
Not typically. Car accident cases resolve. But if the insurance company won’t pay fairly, your attorney can sue.
4. How much is it going to cost me to get a car accident lawyer in Houston?
Most of the personal injury attorneys work on contingency fee, so you don’t pay a dime until you get recovered and they only earn a fraction of the award if you win.
5. How long will the case last?
These are straightforward cases and may be settled within a few months. Serious injury cases are more than a year old. Your lawyer will advise you.
Final Thoughts
An accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. But with the right legal help, recovery needn’t be so harsh. If you are hurt in a Houston accident, don’t wait. Speak to an experienced Houston car accident lawyer today. He or she will guide you through this, fight to get what’s yours, and enable you to proceed with certainty.