Houston Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality for many drivers in Houston, one of the largest and most bustling cities in the United States. Whether it’s due to distracted driving, heavy traffic, or unsafe road conditions, accidents can occur in the blink of an eye and leave you with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal claims. This is when a skilled Houston car accident lawyer plays a crucial role, helping you and your family navigate the complex legal process and secure the compensation you deserve for your personal injuries and losses.

Car accidents can happen instantly, but the effects can last for months or even years.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Texas, you could be dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and snowballing financial losses and stress. Handling the aftermath alone can be overwhelming, especially when recovering and making sense of the legal implications.

At Barrera Law Group LLC, we are here to assist with the entire process.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Houston is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and one of the busiest cities in Texas.

Its roadways are filled with cars, trucks, and motorcycles, and its expansive layout often requires long commutes for work, school, and daily activities. Heavy traffic increases the risk of accidents.

Understanding the most common causes of accidents can help you avoid them.

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents anywhere in the U.S. Whether it’s texting, eating, or using in-car technologies, distractions take a driver’s focus away from the road. Even a brief lapse in attention can result in a serious accident. According to reports by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,308 died in vehicle-related accidents due to just distracted driving alone in 2022.
• Speeding: We have posted speed limits in place for a reason, but many drivers still ignore them. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and typically increases the severity of an accident.
• Drunk Driving/DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, yet it remains a significant problem on Houston roads. Drunk drivers pose a serious, even fatal, risk to others on the road. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, they could face both criminal charges and civil liability. It’s vital to remember that even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. In 2022, there were 2,337 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a blood alcohol (BAC) reading of .01 to .07 g/dL.
• Weather: Houston’s weather can be unpredictable, with rain, fog, and other hazardous conditions often making driving dangerous. While bad weather isn’t any person’s fault, those behind the wheel are still responsible for adjusting their driving behavior to adverse conditions. If a driver fails to slow down to a safe pace or drive carefully during poor weather and causes an accident, they can still be held liable for the damages.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be disorienting and traumatic, so knowing what to do immediately after one will make a significant difference in how you and your family may recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

From a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, the steps you take can help protect your rights and can help ensure that your case is successful, and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Here are some tips for what you should do after a car accident:

Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety

Your health and safety should always be your first priority.

If you or anyone else in your vehicle (or others) were seriously injured, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, you’ll still want to get checked out by a medical professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent or will worsen over time.

Seeking medical care also creates a record of your injuries, which can be crucial if you decide to file a personal injury claim. Follow all medical advice from your healthcare provider, and keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and additional expenses.

If it was a minor accident and no one was seriously injured, you’ll want to move your vehicle to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so. This can help avoid additional collisions and keep everyone at the site safer. If your car is inoperable or can’t be moved out of traffic lanes, use your hazard lights and flag markers, and stay in a safe area while waiting for help.

Call the Police

In Texas, you are required to get a police report for any vehicle accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 (Texas Transportation Code §550.062). It’s a good idea to contact the police to file a report anyway, even if the accident seems minor. A police report is a valuable piece of evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.

When the authorities arrive at the accident scene, provide them with a clear account of what happened, but avoid speculating (what you “think” might have occurred) or admitting fault. Offer just the facts and let the police handle the investigation.

Be sure to request a copy of the police report for your legal records.

Document the Accident Scene

Gather as much information as you can at the scene of the accident. This can include:

• Photos of the scene, damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries
• Photo of any relevant lights or signage
• Video or photos of surrounding road and weather conditions at the time of the accident

Photographs can be powerful evidence in demonstrating how the accident occurred, and having this documentation will help your lawyer build a strong case for compensation.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company promptly to report the accident. Again, give them the facts of the case, but avoid giving a recorded statement or admitting any fault without consulting your lawyer first.

Feeling shaken after an accident is natural, but it’s important to avoid admitting fault, even if you think you might be responsible. Determining fault in a car accident is a legal matter that requires a thorough and professional investigation of all the facts.

Any statement you make admitting fault could be used against you during settlement negotiations or in court. Instead, let the police and insurance companies handle the investigation.

Insurance companies may try to use your statements against you to reduce or deny your claim.

Provide only the necessary information about the accident and let your car accident attorney handle any detailed discussions with insurance companies or adjusters.

Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is often an overwhelming experience, especially when you’re trying to recover from your injuries and deal with financial hardships at the same time. A car accident lawyer in Houston can take these legal burdens off your shoulders while still ensuring that your rights are being protected.

Car accidents are stressful and can disrupt your life and the lives of your family, too.

Knowing what to do after an accident can help protect your rights and ensure that you can seek the compensation you need to cover your expenses.

Taking the right steps can make all the difference in your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.

Compensation for a Houston Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Houston, one of your biggest concerns is likely to be how the accident will impact you and your family financially, both now and in the future.

Between medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs or rental fees, the costs pile up fast!

Getting the compensation you need to cover these costs is crucial to your recovery, and your car accident attorney can guide you step-by-step through this process. Compensation generally falls into two categories: economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages are most often the tangible, out-of-pocket expenses that arise from the accident.

These can include:

Medical Expenses

Car accident injuries can range from minor abrasions to severe, life-threatening conditions. Whether it’s emergency treatment, surgery, or long-term rehabilitation, the costs of medical care can snowball quickly and become overwhelming.

Compensation for medical expenses often covers:

• Hospital bills
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy
• Future medical care
• Specialized treatments

Your car accident lawyer is there to help ensure that your compensation includes not just your current medical costs but also any future treatments you may need related to long-term injuries.

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you are entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes any time you miss from work while recovering from your injuries and any potential future earnings you may lose if your ability to work is permanently affected.

Compensation for lost wages may also include any bonuses, overtime, or other financial opportunities you missed due to injuries from the accident.

Property Damage

Car accidents often typically involve some level of vehicle damage or even total loss. Compensation could include the cost of repairing or replacing your car and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.

Also, that cost may be covered if you have to rent a vehicle while your car is being repaired.

In addition to out-of-pocket expenses, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages, which are more subjective but equally important. Including:

Pain and Suffering & Emotional Distress

Pain and suffering compensation takes into account the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced following the accident. While these types of losses can be harder to quantify, they can still profoundly impact your quality of life.

Car accidents can leave lasting emotional scars, leading to anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation for emotional distress seeks to account for the psychological toll the accident has taken on your mental health.

How Your Houston Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Maximize Compensation

While it’s true that you can attempt to negotiate with insurance companies on your own, and some folks do, most accident victims find that hiring a lawyer significantly improves their chances of securing fair compensation.

A Houston car accident lawyer will:

• Assess the full value of your claim: Your lawyer will calculate the total amount of economic and non-economic damages you are entitled to, ensuring that no aspect of your injury or financial losses is overlooked.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often offer quick and lowball settlements far below what you actually deserve. Your lawyer will handle negotiations, and counter these attempts, fighting for your maximum compensation.
• Gather evidence: Proving liability is key to receiving compensation. Your attorney will collect evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to strengthen your case.
• Litigate if necessary: If negotiations fail, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and take your case to court, ensuring that your case is argued before a judge and jury and that your rights are fully protected.

Texas Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims

In Texas, car accident victims have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Texas’ statute of limitations for car accident claims is typically two years from the accident date. This means that you must file a lawsuit within this time frame or risk losing your right to pursue compensation.

While two years may seem like a long time, it’s important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories may fade over time. The sooner your lawyer can start building your case, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Barrera Law Group LLC Is Ready to Take on Your Case

A car accident can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our Houston car accident lawyer is here to assist.

Choosing the right lawyer is often critical to a case’s success. You want someone with experience handling car accident claims in Houston and a track record of securing fair settlements for their clients.

Look for a lawyer who is responsive, communicative, and willing to fight for your rights.

At Barrera Law Group LLC, our experienced car accident attorneys can provide the support and guidance you need to recover compensation and move forward. Whether through negotiation or litigation, your lawyer will be by your side, fighting for your rights every step of the way.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait—reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation that you and your family deserve.