Houston Car Accident Lawyers Fighting for Your Rights

Houston’s roadways are filled with hazards. Many crashes result from preventable actions or unsafe driving behaviors. Identifying the most common causes helps explain why serious injuries happen so often on local roads.

Distracted Driving

This is one of the top causes of crashes in Houston. It includes texting, using mobile devices, eating, or adjusting in-car systems. Texting while driving increases crash risk by up to 23 times, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Drunk Driving

Harris County reports high numbers of alcohol-related accidents every year. Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and increases the chance of fatal injuries.

Speeding

Speeding is especially common on major roads like Beltway 8, I-10, and Westheimer. Driving above the speed limit reduces stopping distance and control, making crashes more severe. Texas leads the nation in speeding-related deaths.

Aggressive Driving

Behaviors such as tailgating, running red lights, and sudden lane changes are common in Houston’s heavy traffic. These aggressive actions raise the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.

Inexperienced Drivers

Teen drivers and those new to driving often misjudge speed, ignore blind spots, or fail to yield. These mistakes are frequent near schools, intersections, and residential areas.

Poor Weather Conditions

Rain, fog, and flooding reduce visibility and traction. Wet roads increase braking distance and contribute to rear-end crashes and highway pileups, especially during storms.

Vehicle or Road Defects

Some accidents result from external conditions—potholes, broken signals, poor lighting, or faulty road design. If a city or agency like TxDOT had prior notice of a road hazard, they may share liability.

Fatigue and Drug Impairment

Driving while drowsy or under the influence of drugs, including prescriptions, reduces alertness and control. These crashes often happen during late-night or early-morning hours.

Our Houston car accident lawyers use traffic data, dashcam footage, black box records, and police reports to investigate fault. This evidence is essential when building strong personal injury claims.

Car accidents vary in severity and cause. Our car accident lawyers Houston handle a wide range of cases, from minor impacts to fatal collisions. Below are the main types of accidents we regularly investigate and litigate:

Rear-End Collisions:

These crashes often occur in traffic on major roads like I-10 or I-45. They usually involve a trailing driver hitting the back of another car due to distraction, tailgating, or sudden stops. Even at low speeds, rear-end crashes can cause whiplash or spinal injuries.

Head-On Collisions:

These are among the most severe accidents, typically happening on undivided roads when a driver drifts into oncoming traffic. High speeds often lead to serious or fatal injuries, including internal damage and brain trauma.

T-Bone Accidents (Side Impact):

These occur at intersections when one driver strikes the side of another vehicle—often due to red light violations or failure to yield. Side impacts frequently injure passengers seated on the struck side.

Sideswipes:

These happen when two cars brush sides while traveling in the same direction, often during lane changes. While often low-impact, sideswipes can lead to secondary crashes or loss of vehicle control.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups:

Chain-reaction crashes involve three or more vehicles and usually occur in traffic or poor weather. Determining fault in these cases is complex, involving multiple insurance companies.

Rollovers:

Vehicles like SUVs and pickups are prone to rollovers after sharp turns or overcorrections. These crashes can lead to severe injuries or ejection from the vehicle.

Hit-and-Run Accidents:

When a driver flees the scene, victims may rely on uninsured motorist coverage. We investigate and help identify liable parties where possible.

Intersection Accidents:

Common causes include running red lights, improper turns, or failing to yield. These often result in T-bone or head-on collisions.

Accidents in Work Zones:

Construction zones involve lane changes, signage confusion, or reduced speed zones. Liability may involve drivers, contractors, or government agencies.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber, Lyft):

Liability depends on the driver’s app status. We handle cases involving Uber or Lyft insurance policies, which range from limited to $1 million in coverage depending on whether a passenger was present.

Our Houston car accident lawyers specialize in these complex claims, protecting your rights against attempts by rideshare companies to shift blame or limit payouts.

Fatal Car Accidents (Wrongful Death):

Surviving family members may pursue compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional loss after a fatal crash. We handle these claims with care and urgency.

Accidents While Working:

If injured while driving for work, you may have a workers’ comp claim and possibly a third-party claim against another driver. We assess all legal options to maximize compensation.

Undocumented Victims:

Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation in Texas. We file motions to exclude immigration questions and use interpreters to support your case.

Suing the City of Houston:

You may sue the city if poor road conditions or public vehicles caused the crash. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, a claim must be filed within 6 months. Compensation is capped at:

• $250,000 per person
• $500,000 per incident for bodily injury
• $100,000 for property damage

Vehicle Defect-Related Accidents:

Crashes caused by tire blowouts, brake failures, or steering issues may result in a product liability case. We pursue claims against manufacturers when faulty components cause injury.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accidents:

If the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage, we help clients file claims through their UM/UIM policies to recover damages.

Car accidents can cause serious harm beyond vehicle damage. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, so always get a medical evaluation to protect your health and document your condition.

Houston car accident lawyers often handle cases involving these common injuries:

Soft Tissue & Whiplash Injuries:

Common in rear-end crashes, whiplash results from sudden head movement causing neck pain and stiffness. Symptoms may appear later and lead to long-term discomfort.

Head & Brain Injuries:

Impact with a window, steering wheel, or airbag can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Signs include confusion, memory loss, headaches, and vision changes. Children may show vomiting or fussiness. These injuries may require long-term care.

Spinal Injuries:

Damage to vertebrae, spinal cord, or nerves can cause numbness, pain, tingling, or paralysis. Treatment might include surgery or rehabilitation. Universal Law Group secured $250,000 for a client with a herniated cervical disc.

Broken Bones:

High-speed or side-impact crashes often cause fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones. Injuries range from simple breaks to compound fractures needing surgery. These cases often lead to substantial compensation.

Pregnancy-Related Injuries:

Even minor crashes can harm mother and fetus. Risks include placental abruption, uterine trauma, preterm labor, and seatbelt injuries. Texas law allows claims for medical care, emotional distress, future complications, and wrongful death.

Penetrating Injuries:

Cuts or punctures from debris or glass risk infection, nerve damage, and blood loss.

Internal Injuries:

These hidden injuries affect organs like the liver, spleen, lungs, or bowels. Warning signs include abdominal pain and dizziness. Immediate emergency care is critical.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

Accident trauma can cause anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Compensation claims for emotional distress require proof the condition stems directly from the crash and impacts daily life. Universal Law Group has recovered damages for clients with PTSD.

According to TxDOT, Houston saw over 169,000 crash-related injuries in 2023, with nearly 185 crashes daily. High-risk areas include the 610 Loop and I-45, part of Houston’s High Injury Network.

Other factors include:

• The strength of evidence supporting your claim.
• Whether you share any fault in the accident.
• The amount of insurance coverage available.
• How the accident happened.
• Whether a person or company caused the crash.
• The skill and reputation of your Houston car accident lawyer. Experienced firms known for taking cases to trial often recover higher settlements.

Understanding Texas car accident laws is vital to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. Here are the main rules that affect your case:

Statute of Limitations:

You have two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to sue, even with strong evidence. Claims against government entities often have shorter deadlines. Act promptly to preserve evidence and protect your claim.

Texas Is an At-Fault State:

The driver responsible for causing the accident must pay for the damages.

Modified Comparative Fault:

You can recover damages even if partly at fault, as long as your fault is 50% or less. Compensation reduces by your share of fault. For example, 30% fault means you recover 70% of damages.

Proving Negligence:

To win a claim, you must prove:

• The other driver had a duty to drive safely.
• They breached that duty (e.g., speeding, texting).
• Their breach caused your crash and injuries.
• You suffered actual damages (medical bills, lost wages).

Proof requires a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not they caused your injuries.

• Duty of Care: The other driver had a legal duty to drive safely.
• Breach of Duty: They failed to meet that duty (e.g., by texting, speeding, or running a red light).
• Causation: Their actions directly caused your crash and injuries.
• Damages: You suffered actual losses as a result of the accident, such as medical bills or lost income. Negligence must be proven by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that the other party caused your injuries.

Required Minimum Coverage in Texas:

Drivers must carry at least:

• $30,000 per injured person.
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury.
• $25,000 for property damage.

Recommendation for Additional Coverage:

Minimum insurance may not cover severe accidents. Consider:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
• Collision coverage.
• MedPay and comprehensive coverage.

The timeline for a car accident case varies based on the case details. Some settle quickly; others take longer.

Factors Influencing Case Duration:

• Medical Treatment Length: Serious injuries require longer treatment. Your Houston car accident lawyer will wait until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before negotiating, to include future medical costs.
• Disputed Liability: If fault is contested, the case becomes more complex and takes more time.
• Insurance Cooperation: Some insurers delay or offer low settlements, especially without an attorney advocating for you.
• Case Complexity and Injury Severity: Severe injuries needing expert opinions or long-term care extend the process.
• Litigation Needs: If a fair settlement is not reached, filing a lawsuit can add months or years.

Typical Timeframes:

• Minor crashes with clear fault: 1 to 3 months.
• Soft tissue injuries or ongoing treatment: 3 to 6 months.
• Severe injuries requiring surgery or causing disability: 6 to 12+ months.
• Lawsuits due to disputes or low offers: 12 to 24 months or more, depending on court delays and case complexity.

Choosing the right legal team after a car accident affects your recovery and compensation. Universal Law Group offers experience, accessibility, and client-focused service to support you fully.

Proven Injury Law Experience:

• Over 40 years of combined Texas personal injury law experience.
• Hundreds of successful car accident claims in Harris County.
• Millions recovered for Houston drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Exceptional Accessibility:

• Available 24/7 for calls after a crash.
• Bilingual staff to assist Spanish-speaking clients and ensure clear communication.

Recognized Legal Excellence:

• Founding attorney Anissah Nguyen named to Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Stars List (2021–2025), an honor for less than 2.5% of Texas lawyers.
• Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, awarded to only one-third of 1% of Texas attorneys annually.
• Licensed in all Texas state courts and federal courts in Southern and Western Districts of Texas.
• Active member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

Dedicated Team Expertise:

• Led by Attorney Brian Nguyen with decades of trial experience.
• Senior Case Manager Kaylin Wang ensures clear, urgent, and caring case management.
• Trial-tested litigators ready to take cases to court if needed.
• Local Houston knowledge of roads, insurers, and courts benefits your claim.

Client-Centric Philosophy:

• Focused on achieving the outcome you need.
• Handle every case with care, urgency, and respect during difficult times.
• Motto: “We Handle the Work, You Focus on Healing,” relieving your legal stress so you can recover.

Choosing Universal Law Group means gaining a committed Houston car accident team ready to protect your rights and secure the best results for your future.