Houston Car Accidents: What a Personal Injury Lawyer Wants You to Know
Houston car accidents have the power to alter lives instantly. The victims are left agitated, with bills, lost income, and pain. A Houston personal injury lawyer can hold victims by the hand and walk them through the process, safeguard rights, and demand reasonable compensation. This page explains what Houston accident victims ought to know.
Why Houston Car Crashes Happen So Frequently
Houston is located within the busiest road system in Texas. Freeway speeders, distracted driving, and high volumes of traffic during rush hours contribute to the likelihood of accidents.
The top causes being:
- Speeding on I-10, I-45, and Beltway 8.
- Distracted drivers using mobile phones
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Aggressive lane changing and tailgating
- Weather and road conditions
Every accident is distinctive. But most involve injury that necessitates medical care and legal representation.
Common Injuries Following a Houston Automobile Accident
Accidents are bound to cause visible and latent injuries. Some heal with time, while others persist for years. Some of the common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck damage
- Back and spinal damage
- Broken and fractured bones
- Head and brain damage
- Bruises, burns, and lacerations
There are victims who are fine after a crash and end up injured later in the day. This calls for a trip to the doctor, even for minor injuries.
Why You’ll Need a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
After an auto accident, insurance providers move fast to shield themselves. Victims are strong-armed into taking less than what they deserve. A personal injury attorney helps by:
- Evaluating the accident and gathering evidence
- Negotiating with insurance firms on their behalf
- Coming up with real damages, not fast cash
- Suing if need be to negotiate fair compensation
- Speaking for victims in court
Victims receive less than they deserve if not represented by an attorney.
What Compensation Is in Car Accident Claims
The victim may be compensated for financial loss and personal trauma. Compensation may be in the form of:
- Emergency treatment and hospitalization
- Future treatment and therapy
- Lost wages and future lost wages
- Replacement or repair of a motor vehicle
- Pain, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life
Every case is unique. A lawyer examines medical records, bills, and witness reports to estimate damages.
What to Do Immediately After a Houston Car Accident
The right action after an accident maintains rights and health. The following are what victims should do:
- Call 911 and report the accident to the police.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Take information from other motorists.
- Take witness details in case of providing evidence.
- Avoid apologizing on the scene.
- Get an injury solicitor to call before speaking with insurers.
All these actions are useful in preparing a good legal case in case of claims or litigation becoming necessary.
How Much Time Victims Have to Make a Claim
Texas law also sets time frames for how long to delay in filing accident lawsuits. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. Most victims of auto accidents from Houston have two years from the occurrence of the accident in which to file a claim. Delay can lead to loss of right to recover damages.
How Insurance Companies Process Claims
Insurance adjusters most often want to resolve things economically and promptly. They will:
- Deny the extent of injuries
- Ask victims to give taped statements
- Delay processing claims
- Offer lowball settlement amounts
A lawyer is aware of such tactics and represents the best interests of victims.
When Cases Are Tried
Not every Houston car accident case settles. In cases where insurers are unwilling to pay fairly, cases can be tried. In court, a lawyer shows:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photographic and video evidence
- Expert witness testimony
Trials are a hassle, but sometimes the best hope for full reimbursement.
Why Timing is Important in Houston Accident Cases
It makes cases more difficult to be slow. Evidence vanishes, witnesses forget, and insurers build defenses. Securing an attorney early after the accident optimizes the opportunities for fair recovery.
Choosing the right lawyer in Houston
Not all lawyers view auto accident cases with the same level of priority. Choosing one requires victims to look for:
- Experience in handling Houston accident cases
- Settlement and trial won record
- Client communication
- No fee upfront
The right attorney can be the difference between a lowball settlement and full justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Houston car accident attorney charge?
Most personal injury lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee basis. That is, no charge if they lose. The lawyer then receives a percentage of the recovery or award that was previously agreed upon.
- Was I partly to blame for the accident?
Texas has comparative fault statutes with some variation. Victims may recover if they are under 51% at fault. Percentage of fault will also affect the amount of damages.
- How long will it take to settle my auto accident case?
Varies depending on facts of the case. Simple claims can be settled in a few months. Complicated cases with serious injury may take more than one year, especially if tried.
- Do I really need to deal with insurance companies myself?
Yes, but it’s not safe. Insurance companies like to bully victims and get them to take small settlements. An attorney advocates for you and negotiates reasonable compensation.
- What if my hit-and-run driver is not insured?
The victim can use his or her own uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer may also pursue alternative legal remedies, including suing the driver personally.
Final Thoughts for Houston Car Accident Victims
Car accidents often leave victims worried, hurt, and financially scared. Luckily, there is hope. A Houston car accident lawyer can fight for your rights, deal with the insurance companies on your behalf, and ultimately address justice. The sooner you act, the better your representation will be, as well as the qualification of your lawyers that you are thinking about contacting.
