Houston Car Accident Lawyers
It is impossible to predict when an automobile accident will happen, but when it does you’re not alone. Call our car accident attorneys in Houston for a free case review.
Have You Been Hurt in a Car Wreck?
A car wreck can dismantle your life. In some cases, life-changing car accident injuries manifest months or years after the crash. Dealing with a car accident is tough, but your situation is not as hopeless as it seems. Choosing the right car accident lawyer may not eliminate the pain you’re going through, but it can greatly improve your future.
The Car Accident Lawyer You Hire Matters
While all car accident lawyers may sound the same, the truth is that the law firm you hire matters. It could mean the difference of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars. The compensation you receive should fit the injury you sustain. If you or someone you love have sustained a serious injury in a car crash, our law firm can help.
Call our law firm today for a free, confidential case review. We handle every auto accident case on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we win your settlement or verdict.While
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
A n attorney will do the difficult work for you. It is important to hire an attorney that understands civil procedures and has trial experience. Whether you are trying to recover lost wages, medical bills or property damage, a car wreck attorney will help you get compensated for your damages.
- Legal Experience: Education as well as legal experience is crucial when litigating a car accident case. Insurance companies use tactics that car accident lawyers are prepared for. There are legal filings, paperwork, and trial strategies that only an experienced attorney would have knowledge of. It is always a good idea to hire a lawyer in any legal situation outside of a general traffic ticket.
- Investigation of Evidence and Reports: Looking at an accident report through the lens of an experienced trial attorney is far different than someone without experience. Experienced car accident attorneys will see the important factors needed to build a good case against the insurance companies, whether analyzing video evidence or taking a deposition from a witness.
- Calculating the Value of Your Case: Understanding the value of the damages you’ve incurred is crucial for determining the value of your case. There are hard-cost damages such as medical bills and vehicle repairs, but also intangible damages like mental anguish that an experienced car wreck lawyer can help you calculate. They must paint a picture for a jury so they understand the less tangible damages.
- Negotiation: Negotiation is a skill that requires experience and confidence. A good car accident lawyer will help you negotiate damages so that you can maximize your claim.
- Represent you in court: When the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are skilled trial attorneys who never shy away from filing a lawsuit and taking them to court.
From rush hours on the 610 loop to the swerving lane changes at the interchange of I-45 and I-10, Houston is a dangerous city for drivers. The constant construction causes changes in traffic patterns that take people out of their routines, making sudden stops and turns as they pay more attention to their phone’s navigation than the road ahead. Unfortunately, these situations can quickly escalate into a life-changing accident.
No matter how complex a car accident claim is, our legal team remains focused on delivering results that matter. We are a team of forward-thinking attorneys who anticipate your needs to secure the compensation you need and deserve. It all starts with a FREE consultation, so call our office now to schedule your case review.
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
In 2023, there were 169,203 recorded car accident injuries in Texas. These injuries can be broken down into two categories:
- Impact Injuries are injuries that were caused by the person hitting something inside of the car. These are not cuts, lacerations or anything caused by a penetrating object. Impact injuries often manifest themselves into injuries like:
- Whiplash is a neck or back injury caused by a sudden back and forth movement of the head. This is a common injury caused by car accidents.
- Concussions are head injuries that result in bruising of the brain. Concussions should be taken seriously and if you suspect you’ve sustained a concussion after an automobile collision, seek medical attention immediately.
- Bruises are common after car accidents. It is common for the driver to be unaware of their injuries right away. Bruises will often show up days after the accident, which is why it getting checked out by a medical practitioner is good idea.
- Internal Bleeding is a life threatening condition. If you’ve been in a serious accident and suspect that you have internal bleeding, you need to get to an emergency room right away.
- Broken Bones are a common, but serious injuries that occur in car accidents.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries are often caused by car accidents. Someone suffering from a traumatic brain injury may experience blurry vision, confusion and concentration difficulty. Infants may cry persistently or be irritable.
- Penetrating Injuries
A Penetrating injury occurs when an object pierces the skin and enters a tissue of the body, creating a deep but relatively narrow entry wound.
- Scrapes
- Cuts from broken windshield
- Lacerations
In Texas, hundreds of thousands of people sustain injuries in auto accidents every year. Unfortunately, many people don’t take action immediately after the accident, resulting in the crash victim not being able to pay their bills or medical care needed to get well.
Meet Your Houston Car Accident Attorneys
Universal Law Group, PLLC has extensive experience with complex lawsuits based on injuries or fatalities caused by misconduct or negligence. Our attorneys have a reputation of excellence with recognition from clients, legal organizations, and their fellow attorneys.
We take on large corporations, insurance companies, and government entities whose negligence leads to our clients’ injuries, holding them accountable and securing the compensations our clients deserve.
Our experienced legal team is dedicated to finding solutions and delivering results, no matter how complex the case. As top-rated Houston car accident lawyers, we are champions of Houston drivers and their rights. The clout, size, or financial capabilities of our opponents never deter us from the pursuit of justice.
Our law office is conveniently located at Richmond Avenue and Beltway 8 in the Towers at Westchase. Meet your attorney when you schedule a free case review with our firm.
$180,000
Rear-Ended By a Commercial Vehicle
$190,000
Auto Accident Involving a Child
$250,000
commercial truck accident
Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents
As Car Accident Attorneys in Houston, we see various types of collisions every day. While every car accident case is unique, here are some of the most common collisions we see.
- Head-on Collision: The most fatal type of car accident is the Head-On collision. These wrecks occur when two drivers are driving in the opposite direction and hit each other head on. They typically occur at a high rate of speed, which makes them even more deadly.
- Rear-End Collisions: A Rear-end collision is the most common type of car accident. I-45 is considered the nation’s deadliest highway, most accidents being rear-end collisions. In most cases, if you’ve been rear-ended by another driver, you are not at fault.
- T-Bone Car Accidents: When one vehicle is hit directly on its side in a perpendicular fashion, it is called getting T-Boned. In many cases, these accidents occur when one driver is distracted at an intersection, often causing impact at a high rate of speed.
- Side Swipe: When one vehicle swipes the side of another vehicle. These accidents commonly occur while one vehicle is switching lanes or when a driver is distracted and drifts into another driver’s lane.
- Roll-over accidents: These accidents occur when a vehicle rolls over during the accident. These types of accidents have a high rate of serious injury.
- Intersection Accidents: These accidents commonly happen when one driver fails to yield at a stop light or other traffic signal/sign. Many of these result in T-Bone collisions.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
While there are many causes for car accidents in general, here are some of the top reasons why car accidents happen:
- Distracted Driving: In an age of mobile devices and distractions, distracted driving is one of the leading reason for car accidents. In 2022 alone, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,308 people. Common examples of distracted driving include talking or texting on your phone, eating or drinking, fiddling with your stereo and, but not limited to, talking to other people in the vehicle.
- Speeding: Speeding is a great way to find yourself in a car wreck, which is why it is the number 2 reason auto accidents occur.”Speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022, killing 12,151, or an average of over 33 people on a typical day,” reported by nsc.org.
- Drunk Driving: Not only is drunk driving one of the leading causes of accidents, but it is also one of the leading causes of motor vehicle deaths.
- Reckless Driving is unsafe and puts the perpetrator and other drivers on the road at serious risk. Reckless driving is the 4th most common cause for automobile related accidents.
- Weather-related Events: Rain, Hail, and snow are among the top causes for accidents.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Offer?
No, call an auto accident attorney before accepting any offers. In fact, avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company all together. Handling a claim on your own means you’re leaving money on the table.
Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind, and they are not on your side. Don’t fall for a catchy jingle when they send you a lowball settlement offer that protects their bottom line while doing nothing to help you.
The initial offer an insurer sends is never enough to cover all of your expenses. While you’re still undergoing treatment, there’s no way for them to know the severity and impact of your injuries.
Insurance adjusters prey on car accident victims at an incredibly overwhelming and stressful time. Most likely, you want to move forward and leave the stress behind you. That stress you feel is why you need a skilled Houston auto accident attorney on your side.
A qualified attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Universal Law Group can determine the value of your claim and fight for every cent you deserve.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Auto Accident Attorney?
Most attorneys handle motor vehicle collision claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay any upfront fees. The same is true for our Houston car accident lawyers. When your attorney earns you a settlement, we process legal fees from that amount.
The contingency fee arrangement allows you to hire an attorney with no upfront cost. Often, our firm advances expenses so that our clients can receive the care they need without worrying about the cost of treatment.
Through this arrangement, your attorney works on your case in exchange for a percentage of the award. At the end of your case, our firm deducts legal fees, and the rest goes to cover your bills and expenses as well as other damages.
People often avoid hiring an attorney because they believe they cannot afford quality legal representation. However, you can’t afford not to work with a lawyer. Insurance companies prey on victims without representation.
Your future is on the line after a car accident, and you deserve the best car accident lawyer in Houston, TX. The fee arrangement allows you to hire Universal Law Group without worrying about the expense.
How Do I Know Whether I Have a Car Accident Case?
If you suffered any form of injury in an auto accident, you may have a case.
However, there is no way for an attorney to give you a clear answer without evaluating the circumstances of your claim. Motor vehicle collision cases involve many different factors, including the scope of your injuries, who is at fault, insurance coverage, and the potential of multiple liable parties, among others.
Whether you believe you have a viable case or aren’t sure, we encourage you to consult a personal injury lawyer for a free case evaluation.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Texas?
In Texas, someone injured in an auto accident may be eligible to recover compensation for relevant expenses incurred in the collision. We refer to these expenses as damages. Often, you’ll receive compensation for these damages through an insurance policy. It does not come directly from the at-fault driver.
There are several forms of recoverable damages in Texas motor vehicle accident claims. However, there are three categories that they fit into: economic damages, non-economic, and punitive damages. Additionally, if someone dies in a car accident, they may be eligible for a survivor action and wrongful death claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages encompass the physical financial losses as well as any hardships caused by the accident. This may include:
- Medical Bills: Severe injuries may incur significant medical expenses immediately after the incident and potentially throughout your life. Current and future medical expenses, cognitive therapy, physical therapy, emergency medicine or ambulance fees, medical accessories, medical devices, and in-home medical care required due to a present or permanent disability are examples of recoverable economic damages.
- Property Damage: If the other driver in the accident is at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for property damages. Typically, this includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. However, it may extend to other property damaged in the accident.
- Lost Income: If an accident or injury prevents you from going back to work, even for a brief period, your lost income and any resulting hardship, such as missed mortgage payments or rent, are recoverable damages as well. This may apply to hospitalization, medical appointments, and temporary disability.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injury impacts your future ability to earn pay, you may be eligible for damages based on past earnings. Generally, the calculation of potential wages may include your age, experience, occupation, skill, or life expectancy.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages provide coverage for the abstract ways in which an injury impacts your life. Because of that intangible nature, the amount you recover depends on your lawyer’s ability to provide proof of the valuation.
Per Section 41.001 (12) of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas includes pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment, damage to reputation, and other nonpecuniary losses.
- Disfigurement: When mental suffering accompanies disfigurement or severe scarring in a personal injury claim, compensation may be available. Physical impairment, reduced quality of life, loss of companionship, and other damages that cannot be measured via financial value are also recoverable.
- Pain and Suffering: Texas law allows you to assign a monetary value to the pain and suffering that results from an injury. This encompasses multiple factors, including the severity and type of the injury, the duration of the pain, and the likelihood of continued pain or suffering.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are limited to accidents that involve intentional harm or particularly reckless behavior. Typically, punitive damages are a consequence reserved for individuals or entities as a warning against similar behavior from the offender or others.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Houston, Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for motor vehicle collisions is two years from the date of the injury, as outlined in Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code section 16.003.
If you do not file a lawsuit within these two years, the court may refuse to hear the case. However, the specifics of your case can also shorten or lengthen the time frame.
For example, claims that involve a government entity have a much shorter window. Additionally, some situations affect when the clock starts, potentially extending the deadline. For instance, if you are in a catastrophic collision in a bottleneck around NRG Stadium that hospitalizes you and puts you in a coma, you may be able to have your file period begin once you become aware of your injuries.
If you believe you have a case, your best path forward is to consult a Houston car wreck lawyer to recover compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. At your free consultation, our legal team can help you understand the options available to you.
What Is Legal Liability in Auto Accident Claims?
Legal Liability means that someone is legally liable to pay a debt. In the case of a car accident, it means that the at-fault driver has a legal liability to pay for the other driver’s damages. These damages include medical bills, damage to the vehicle, etc.
In motor vehicle accident cases, negligence plays a key role in determining liability for a crash. The basic definition of negligence shows someone’s failure to meet the level of care an ordinary individual would exercise in the same situation. This failure may occur through someone’s actions or lack thereof.
Out on Texas roads, drivers owe each other a duty of care. Simply put, they should drive in a way that does not endanger others. This includes following the law, signals, and signs, refraining from distractions like texting, and not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, governmental entities must design and maintain safe roads to minimize the risks faced by drivers. Any poor design choices or defects may cause an increase in motor vehicle collisions.
Vehicle and parts manufacturers also have a duty to ensure their products are safe and do not have defects. Failure to meet this duty leaves the party legally responsible for accidents and resulting injuries. Based on the details of the accident, one or multiple parties may be responsible for damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?
Generally, it is best to leave communication with other parties to your Houston car accident lawyer. This includes even your own insurance company.
It is essential that you do not accept blame or fault in any type of accident. Often, your biggest opponent in an auto accident claim is the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance firms typically have their own investigators and insurance adjusters who seek to undermine your claim and your case. Additionally, they may offer you an initial settlement hoping you’ll accept it without really thinking about it.
When you work with a car accident lawyer in Houston, TX, you have an advocate against these companies. Attorneys know when a settlement offer is not in your best interests and can negotiate for just and fair compensation.
What If I Was Working or On-the-Clock When the Accident Happened?
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible to make a claim for workers’ compensation and file a lawsuit against the at-fault third party (not your employer). Universal Law Group can help you understand your legal options and how to navigate the situation.
How Do You Determine Negligence in an Auto Accident Case?
Establishing negligence in a motor vehicle collision case requires that the:
- Defendant owed the plaintiff a legal duty.
- Defendant breach that duty of care.
- Plaintiff suffered an injury or actual harm.
- Injury resulted from the defendant’s breach.
In layman’s terms, the person who caused the accident acted or failed to act in a way that resulted in your injury.
This is the legal threshold for negligence in Texas. However, the state also follows a Modified Comparative Fault rule, meaning you may still recover compensation if you share less than 50% of the blame. However, the level of compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault you bear.
What Are Common Mistakes People Make After an Accident?
Some of the most common mistakes people make after an accident include:
- Fleeing the scene, which is illegal in Texas
- Failing to call the police to report the accident. A police report is an important part of your claim.
- Waiting to see a doctor. Adrenaline can mask injuries for a time, so we recommend you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Forgetting to take pictures. Photos and video help your attorney reconstruct the scene of the accident.
- Not consulting an attorney before they accept a settlement. An experienced attorney can help you get a better settlement offer.
These are relatively easy mistakes to avoid. The earlier you speak to a lawyer in your area, the better. A Houston car accident lawyer can answer your questions, guide you through the claims process, and build a claim insurers can’t deny.
I’m Undocumented. Can You Still Take My Case?
Yes, you have the right to file a car accident lawsuit and recover damages. If a negligent driver causes your injury, it doesn’t matter why or how you are in Houston. However, your Houston car accident lawyer can issue a privacy objection to stop any line of questioning that may elicit this information.
Generally, English is the language used in the courtroom. However, it is common for non-English speakers to use a licensed interpreter. Our attorneys can work with a licensed interpreter to help you share your store, ensuring you convey your meaning and emotions.
What If I’m At Fault for the Accident?
First, do not make a statement in which you admit blame. Motor vehicle collisions are rarely straightforward. Your attorney’s investigation may reveal new evidence that proves liability is shared.
Under Texas personal injury law, you can recover compensation so long as you are no more than 50% responsible for the accident. If you share the blame at 50% or less, you can still recover compensation to cover property damage and expenses.
Insurance companies determine fault based on the facts. Any statement you make can impact your claim, so it’s important to communicate clearly and concisely. Your Houston auto accident attorney will handle all communication on your behalf, making the process much easier on you
Speak With a Car Accident Injury Attorney Today
At Universal Law Group, our Houston car accident lawyers have the experience and resources to handle any auto accident and collision cases. Whether you were injured in a truck accident or a head-on collision caused by product defects, you deserve the best representation for your claim.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in an accident, call our law office in Houston today at 832-767-0339. We provide confidential, free consultations with experienced attorney and serve Houstonians throughout Harris County and surrounding areas.