In 2021, one Texan was killed every 1 hour and 57 minutes, with 4,489 Texans losing their lives on our roadways.
Car accidents caused 15,764 serious injury crashes, with 19,448 people sustaining severe injuries.
These serious accidents continue to happen every day.
While no one expects to get into a collision, knowing what to do is essential when the unforeseen happens. Read on to learn more about car accidents in Texas and how a Houston car accident lawyer can help you.
Unexpected collisions leave most of us feeling overwhelmed. With adrenaline pumping, it is not easy to maintain composure. Remembering the following steps after a crash can help if you decide to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Secondary accidents are possible. If your vehicle is in a position that may be struck again by oncoming traffic, move the car to a safer place. If driving your vehicle is not possible, put your hazard lights on to warn passing drivers that your car is in the roadway and to take caution.
Texas law requires you to report a car accident to the police if it results in serious injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
However, it is wise to call the police anyway.
A reporting police officer can assess the physical condition of involved parties and request medical assistance if needed. Additionally, they create an accident report detailing the facts surrounding your accident.
In some situations, a police officer may even decide on fault in their report.
Many serious injuries are evident following an accident, and reporting police will request emergency medical care.
However, some injuries are not immediately apparent and may lead you to believe you have escaped from your collision injury-free.
Many serious injuries appear in the hours, days, or even weeks following an accident, so seeking a medical evaluation is crucial regardless of how you initially feel.
For example, internal bleeding and concussions can be life-threatening but may not hinder you at the scene.
Medical records strengthen your claim for compensation by maintaining a connection between the collision and your injury. If you wait days or weeks to obtain a diagnosis, insurance companies and the at-fault driver may argue that your injuries did not result from the accident.
As you wait for the police to arrive, speak to individuals at the scene. Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. You should also obtain the contact details of any witnesses.
Your attorney will contact the witnesses to determine whether their testimony may help establish the driver’s liability.
Write notes detailing the events leading up to, during, and immediately after the collision.
A traumatic event may seem unforgettable. But important details can disappear from memory in the days and weeks following an accident.
Writing these observations down shortly after your collision can refresh your memory.
If you are physically able, take photographs of the accident scene, including:
Video footage can be helpful if you suspect the other driver was intoxicated or to record inclement weather at the time of your accident. Any evidence that helps maintain an accurate picture of the scene at the time of the accident is useful for your attorney.
Speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Insurance adjusters may be eager to speak with you and push you into an unfair settlement.
A car accident attorney in Houston can take over these communications and negotiate on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Houston, Texas, you may find yourself facing a number of challenges. From dealing with insurance companies to managing medical bills and lost wages, the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. That’s where a car accident lawyer can help.
One of the first things a car accident attorney can do for you is provide a thorough evaluation of your case. We will listen to your side of the story, review police reports and medical records, and assess the strength of your claim. This evaluation will help you understand your legal rights and options moving forward.
Once your case has been evaluated, your lawyer can provide you with valuable legal advice. We will explain the laws that apply to your situation, advise you on the best course of action, and help you understand the potential outcomes of your case. To summarize, your lawyer will make sure you are informed, educated, up-to-date, and empowered with resources and passionate advocacy.
If you want to work with the best Houston car accident lawyer, then you want a savvy, brilliant negotiator, like the team at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. We can demand top dollar for your injuries, avoiding common lowball offers from the insurance company. Negotiation skills are also helpful in swaying a jury or even just winning an objection with the judge in court.
Litigation is an artform, and not all attorneys in Houston are eloquent, quick-witted, and savvy enough for the rigors of the courtroom. Our fierce and educated auto accident legal team will build an ironclad courtroom strategy, gather evidence, and fight for your rights. With a skilled litigator on your side, you can relax.
Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of a car accident. A car accident lawyer can provide you with peace of mind by handling all aspects of your case. They will take care of the legal details, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Everything comes down to evidence—what can we prove and what can the other side prove? A Texas car accident lawyer has the resources and experience to root out this evidence, whether it is an accident report, a witness statement, and expert testimony. We will fortify your case with the strongest possible proof presented in the best possible light.
Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution that involves working with an objective third-party mediator. If you decide to mediate your case, you’ll want to have an attorney advise you in advance of pitfalls to avoid. When insurance companies see an accident victim without a lawyer at their side, they often have the advantage. Some mediators will allow you to have a lawyer by your side during the sessions—we can handle this aspect for you as well.
The aftermath of a catastrophic auto accident involves more than just insurance settlements. It’s helpful to have a resource who knows car collisions from A to Z to make getting information streamline, from care providers to transportation options. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we strive to assist our clients in any way we can, and resources are a big part of our top-notch client experience.
Timely Drafting & Filing of Legal Paperwork
Navigating the legal system involves a significant amount of paperwork, unfortunately. Your car accident lawyer will handle the drafting and filing of all necessary legal documents, ensuring that everything is accurate, complete, and submitted within the required timeframe. This attention to detail is absolutely not negotiable towards getting you to the settlement you deserve.
Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated and time-consuming. A car accident lawyer can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. This includes submitting claims, negotiating settlements, and addressing any disputes that may arise. Having a Houston lawyer by your side can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
The sooner you lawyer up after a car crash, the better. In fact, we even recommend not speaking to the insurance company without our guidance first. They will no doubt try to twist your statements and use them against you later. Additionally, if you are unsure about your legal rights and options, just email or call us for a quick answer. Our know-how and guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Texas operates as an at-fault state for car accidents. At-fault states require injured victims to file claims with the negligent party’s insurance company. Determining fault in Texas car accidents requires proving the following elements of negligence:
Even when you may be partially at fault for causing the accident, do not assume you will be unable to recover compensation.
Texas’s comparative negligence standard allows a victim to recover damages for an accident as long as their percentage of responsibility does not equate to or exceed 51%.
There is no such thing as an average car accident settlement. How much you can expect in a settlement depends on various factors, including:
The degree to which these factors affect your case could result in more or less compensation than you could have anticipated.
A Houston car accident lawyer works to maximize impact to get you the financial support you deserve.
Fill out the free and confidential form below and one of our accident lawyers will contact you to go over the next steps.
A Texas car accident report is usually around two pages long and contains the following information about your crash:
Accident reports provide unbiased third-party facts regarding a collision and can sometimes assist in determining fault. Our Houston car accident attorneys can help you get a copy of your report from the agency that reported to the scene of your accident.
Retaining a car accident lawyer in Houston should not add stress to your situation.
As you focus on your recovery, your attorney begins analyzing the facts of your case to strengthen your legal claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. There are various ways that an attorney can help you include the following:
At a minimum, managing these aspects of a personal injury case without a lawyer while recovering from injuries is incredibly challenging. You should never have to settle for less than what your case is worth.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are not out to pay the total value of your losses, and you may fall victim to their aggressive pushes forcing you to accept an insufficient settlement.
A car accident lawyer in Houston TX, helps you get the compensation you need to move forward.
Car accidents in Houston caused 328 fatalities and 1,599 severe injuries in 2021. Horrible wrecks take many forms, but the following are among the most common.
T-bone accidents involve the front of one vehicle colliding with the side of another. These often happen at intersections and can result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection on the side of the impacted vehicle. Factors like running red lights or failing to yield right-of-way contribute to these accidents.
Sideswipe accidents occur when the sides of two vehicles collide while traveling parallel to each other. These accidents often happen due to improper lane changes, distracted driving, or failure to check blind spots. Although they may result in minor damage, they can lead to more significant accidents if drivers lose control of their vehicles.
While less frequent, head-on collisions are among the most severe types of car accidents in Houston. These occur when the front ends of two vehicles crash into each other, often at high speeds. Head-on collisions can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the force of impact.
Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP attorneys have extensive experience helping victims of car accidents in Houston. If you’ve been injured in a collision that wasn’t your fault, we’re here to stand up for your rights and fight on your behalf.
There are many common causes of Houston auto accidents. These are just a few.
There were 484 fatalities in distracted driving accidents in 2022, an increase of 11% over the previous year. When drivers text or talk on their phones, adjust the radio, or daydream, they don’t focus on the road. This behavior leads to delayed reactions and an increased risk of collisions.
Another of the leading causes of Houston auto accidents is speeding. When drivers drive too fast or fail to adjust their speed to road conditions, they compromise their ability to control their vehicles and react to hazards effectively. Speeding increases the severity of accidents and reduces the time available to avoid collisions.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant contributor to auto accidents in Houston. Impaired drivers experience reduced coordination, impaired judgment, and slowed reaction times, making them more likely to cause accidents. Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries and fatalities, impacting not only the impaired driver but also innocent victims.
Tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and running red lights are common examples of reckless driving that can lead to collisions. Drivers who engage in such risky maneuvers not only put themselves in danger but also endanger the lives of others.
Houston’s unpredictable weather, including heavy rain, turbulent wind, hail, and fog, can make driving conditions hazardous. Limited visibility, dangerous conditions, and slippery roads increase the likelihood of accidents if motorists do not adjust their driving accordingly.
Long hours behind the wheel, lack of sleep, and shift work can all contribute to driver fatigue—all of which are very common in Houston. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more prone to causing accidents. Driver fatigue is a huge factor in far too many truck accidents.
Running stop signs, ignoring traffic lights, and failing to yield are common traffic violations in Houston that can result in serious accidents. Aggressive driving and adhering to traffic laws saves lives!
At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, our attorneys are very familiar with the common causes of Houston auto accidents. We have the expertise to thoroughly investigate the cause of an accident and determine liability.
When choosing the right Houston car accident lawyer, it’s crucial to keep several factors in mind to ensure you have the best representation for your case. Here are just a few.
You want a lawyer with previous experience and proven success in similar cases. An experienced attorney can handle the complexities of your case and give you the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Also, consider the reputation and credibility of the lawyer and their law firm. Look for client testimonials, reviews, and referrals from trusted sources to gauge the lawyer’s reputation and past clients’ satisfaction levels. A reputable lawyer will have a strong reputation for professionalism, integrity, and dedication to their clients’ best interests.
Communication is also essential when choosing the right car accident lawyer in Houston. A lawyer who takes the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide regular updates on your case will help alleviate stress and uncertainty during this challenging time.
A car accident lawyer of Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP will check these and many other boxes.
Ready to get started on your case? Reach out to our firm today to go over the details of your case.
You expect the at-fault driver’s insurer to handle your claim in the fastest, most efficient manner possible. Texas has stringent guidelines regarding how long an insurance company has to resolve a claim.
In most cases, the timeline works like this:
Unfortunately, even though there are deadlines regarding how long the insurance company has to resolve a claim, insurers are notorious for resorting to delay tactics. They’ll often contest fault, arguing their client wasn’t to blame for the accident.
However, a skilled Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP attorney can defeat this and other insurance company tactics. We’re familiar with how insurers work and ready to use that knowledge to your benefit.
Determining the average settlement for a Houston, Texas car accident can be complex. It depends on various factors, such as the severity of injuries, extent of property damage, and liability issues. Settlement amounts can vary widely from case to case, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
In general, the more severe your injuries and damages, the higher the average settlement for a Houston, Texas car accident will be. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. In addition, if an investigation shows the other party is at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to a larger settlement to cover your losses.
Insurance companies often use various methods to calculate settlement amounts, including medical expenses, lost income, and the severity of injuries. They may also consider factors such as the strength of evidence, witness statements, and expert opinions in determining a fair settlement offer.
It’s essential to consult with a qualified Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP attorney with experience in personal injury law to assess the value of your claim accurately and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence, document your damages, and build a solid case to maximize your potential settlement.
After a car accident, you should take several important steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. First, you must seek medical attention for any injuries you sustained, even if they seem minor. Some injuries may not immediately show symptoms. If you don’t get to see a doctor, your injury could get much worse.
Next, notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all relevant information, including the details of the accident and any injuries or property damage. Be honest and accurate when communicating with the insurance company to avoid any potential issues with your claim.
It’s also essential to keep receipts of all expenses related to the accident. These include doctor’s visits, treatment, costs to fix your car, and many others. This information will be important when seeking compensation for your damages from the at-fault party or their insurance company.
One of the most important things to do after a car accident is to speak with a qualified attorney. An experienced lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and advocate to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
After a life-altering car accident, many individuals ask, “How long can it take my lawyer to settle my car accident case?” There’s no way to predict this exactly, but understanding the factors that influence the timeline can provide valuable insights. In this section, we will discuss the various elements that affect the length of time it takes to settle a car accident case and why hiring an tried-and-true Houston car accident lawyer can expedite the process. Let’s start by looking at a sample timeline with general timing estimates:
Several factors can influence the time it takes to settle an auto collision case in Houston. Understanding these factors can help manage expectations. Here they are in more detail:
It’s frustrating not to know whether your case will settle smoothly and efficiently or whether it will drag out and run into stalls. Statistics can provide a general overview, and individual cases can deviate from these numbers, but here are some average timeline statistics for settling car accident cases:
While timing the settlement process can be a lot of guesswork, there are strategies for expediting the process:
Remember, the journey to a fair settlement may be a lengthy one, but with the right legal representation and a clear understanding of the process, you can navigate through it with ease.
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. As Houston car accident attorneys, here are the most some common injuries we see from car accidents:
This type of injury occurs when the head experiences a sudden impact or jolt, causing damage to the brain.
While external injuries such as cuts, bruises, and broken bones are easier to detect, internal injuries can be just as serious…even life-threatening.
Definitely be on the look out for signs of internal injuries after a car accident since they are harder to detect:
Some common treatments for internal injuries sustained in a car accident include:
Some internal injury complications include:
Sadly, among the most common and life-altering injuries we see as Houston car accident lawyers are paralysis and spinal cord injuries.
Paralysis and spinal cord injuries can manifest as:
The road to recovery is generally long and arduous after a spinal cord injury. Treatment options include:
Long-Term Health Effects and Potential Complications
Some of the grave consequences of a spinal cord injury include:
Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing damage to the neck and upper spine. It may seem like a minor injury, but whiplash can have long-term consequences even with proper treatment.
Whiplash can present a variety of symptoms which include:
Common treatments for whiplash include:
Whiplash is not a minor injury—it can lead to life long problems. Some of these include:
In addition to physical injuries, Houston car accident survivors can also experience psychological trauma. The most common psychological condition that arises after a car accident is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Airbags and windshields, among other things, can cause severe damage to the eyes, resulting in partial or complete loss of vision.
As auto accident lawyers in a major city like Houston, some symptoms we see when a crash survivor has an eye injury include:
Treatment for vision loss depends on the specific injury and severity. Treatments include:
Some potential complications include:
Did you know airbags explode loudly with gun powder? One car accident injury that often gets overlooked is hearing loss. In a traumatic car collision, the sudden impact can cause severe ear damage, leading to temporary or even permanent hearing loss.
Get a referral to an ear, nose, and throat doctor who may offer these treatments:
Long-Term Health Effects and Potential Complications
Although hearing loss is often considered a standalone condition, it can have significant long-term effects on your overall well-being, such as:
Sadly, car crashes do cause explosions from time to time. Victims may sustain burns and scars that have long-lasting physical, cosmetic, and emotional impacts.
It seems the laundry list of injuries caused by car collisions is never-ending. Bones definitely get broken, but, on top of that, shoulders get dislocated and limbs get amputated as a result of car accidents.
Dental problems and facial injuries also occur due to smashing windshields, deploying airbags, roll-overs, and other auto collision damage. Losing your smile or having your face change is a difficult loss.
Common treatments for these injuries include:
Some of the complications as a result of facial and dental injuries include:
Road rash is a type of skin abrasion that occurs when the skin scrapes against a pavement or gravel. It’s most common with motorcycle accidents but also occurs when people get ejected from their vehicles.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you fail to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation. There are exceptions to the two-year rule, depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, if the accident involved a government entity, stricter deadlines and notice requirements might apply. Waiting too long to pursue legal action can significantly impact your ability to recover damages. Don’t hesitate to reach out now to a Houston car accident lawyer and start the process.
At Armstrong, Lee & Baker LLP, we are your advocates.
The relationship between our firm and clients represents a sacred trust. We never view our clients as a number or just another case.
Instead, we are always mindful that we represent individuals who have been wronged, injured, and lost loved ones.
Our legal team draws on a strong and diverse body of expertise and experience to provide our clients with the highest-caliber legal representation in all kinds of personal injury cases.
If you or someone you care about is injured, please do not hesitate to contact us for a case review.
Our consultations are always free, and we never charge a fee unless we obtain a settlement or judgment on your behalf. Call or email us today.
Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his client’s behalf. In the process, he has recovered millions for his clients.
Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.
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