HOUSTON CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Common Causes of Houston Car Accidents

Car crashes occur for a variety of reasons. As our Houston car accident attorneys have seen over the years, some of the most frequent causes of car accidents are:

Not all car accidents necessarily involve other vehicles. Many single-car crashes occur because of defective auto parts or due to poorly designed and/or maintained roads. In some cases, a faulty repair by an auto mechanic may contribute to a crash that results in injury or death.

Car Accident Liability in Houston

In many car crash cases, one driver is responsible for causing an accident. That driver can be held legally responsible, or liable, for all damages. Some crashes become more complicated when multiple vehicles are involved.

It is important to keep in mind that Texas is considered a modified comparative fault state. We follow a system called “proportionate responsibility.” Under Texas law, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for a crash. However, you cannot recover damages if you are 51 percent or more at fault.

Here is an example: Let’s say that you suffer $100,000 in damages in a car accident. However, you are 25 percent at fault. Your damages would be reduced by 25 percent, or by $25,000. If you were 75 percent at fault, you would be barred from recovering any damages. For this reason, it is important to work with a law firm that will aggressively protect you when dealing with insurance companies or presenting your case in court. You should not shoulder any undue blame for your crash.

Common Types of Houston Car Accident Injuries

People can suffer a wide range of injuries in car crashes. The severity of injuries often depends on factors such as the speeds of the vehicles, the points of impact and where occupants were seated. Common kinds of injuries include:

Many of these injuries will involve victims needing several weeks, months or even years to recover. In some cases, victims will never completely recover from their injuries. They may be unable to return to work and require lasting, long-term care.

Compensation for Your Houston Car Accident Claim

When you have been hurt in an accident, you may be forced to deal with mounting medical expenses and other unexpected costs. Accident victims are often unable to return to work, causing additional stress and strain as the bills begin to pile up.

Our experienced Houston car accident lawyers understand the financial pressures that people face after car accidents. We will pursue the full compensation you need to pay your bills and to take the time you need to recover from your injuries. Compensation that we will seek on your behalf may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
• Other out-of-pocket costs
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Wrongful death damages (if your loved one died in a crash).

Our team has made it our mission to help you get back on your feet. We will fight for every penny of compensation you are owed due to another person’s careless or reckless actions.

Time is limited to file your claim. So, don’t wait until it is too late. The statute of limitations to file an injury claim in Texas is, generally, two years from the date of the accident. Because it takes time to investigate a crash and prepare a claim, you should contact an attorney right away to discuss your legal options.

Steps to Take After a Houston Auto Accident

• After any car accident, you should always be sure to seek medical care. Even if you do not think that you were hurt, you still want to have your condition evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries can involve delayed symptoms, and insurance companies will be more critical of injury claims involving a delay in treatment.
• Another step that victims can take is to get pictures of the crash scene. The photos should be taken from a variety of angles and distances and include surrounding tire marks and debris, if possible. If you are unable to take these photos because you need immediate medical attention, you should ask a friend or family member to do this for you as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that crucial evidence will disappear. You should also photograph injuries before they heal.
• You should also refrain from talking with the other driver’s insurance company after a crash. Before you give any statements or sign any documents, you should speak with an attorney first. You don’t want to do something that will cost you the right to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.