Question 1

How Much Does a Houston Lawyer Charge for a Car Accident Case?

Accepted Answer

Most legal practices and attorney’s offices work on a contingency basis. What this means is that, after conducting a preliminary investigation of the strengths and merits of your case and discussing case specifics with you, if they choose to take on your case, they will do so at no up-front cost, and you only pay them a predetermined fraction of your settlement payout once you win your claim and receive damages from your insurance company or the at-fault party. Insurance payouts can range from a few thousand dollars to several million as shown by National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA) settlement figures, so it is important you know what you are likely going to win and have to pay to win a settlement.
The Standard Contingency Percentage
The percentage that your lawyer will take for winning your case varies from state to state and from case to case. It is usually somewhere between 20% and 40%, with one-third or 33% the most common rate that legal offices use. So if you are awarded a settlement of, say, $300,000 for damages, injuries, and other costs that arise directly from an accident you were in, you will receive $200,000 and your lawyer will receive $100,000, but only after you have been paid.
Talk with your lawyer about the percentage they charge and also ask for clarification of any other fees or charges that may apply in special circumstances. For example, some lawyers charge 33% for handling cases, but if your claim goes to trial, they may increase their fee to, say, 40%.
Additional Fees
It is important to keep in mind that the 33% charge – or whatever contingency fee your lawyer charges – is for handling your case. You may or may not have to pay additional fees yourself. Other fees include things like paying for official police reports, obtaining comprehensive medical histories, paying for court fees, and paying experts such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction experts for their testimonies. You may have to pay many of these fees as they become due or as soon as they are needed.
Many small practices require the client to pay these fees as soon as they need to be covered, but many large, established practices cover them themselves and deduct these expenses from the final settlement you are awarded.
Other Arrangements
In addition to the zero up-front cost approach outlined above, some legal offices take cases on a retainer basis. In such cases, the standard lawyer fee is generally the same (i.e. somewhere between 25% and 40% of your final settlement, with the standard being 33%) but they may take an up-front retainer of a few thousand dollars to cover running expenses as they arise. Having cash in hand helps your legal team avoid delays in getting things done as needed when they work on your claim, and you recover that money in any case since it is deducted from your lawyer’s share of the settlement once a settlement is awarded.
Evaluating Costs Versus Benefits
You may wonder whether or not hiring an attorney to handle your car accident case on your behalf is worth the cost. The rule of thumb is that the higher your damages are, the more important it is that you hire a lawyer. For small-scale accidents or fender benders, you can probably handle a claim on your own using your insurer’s online filing tools or by speaking to an agent directly.
Even with small claims, it is still recommended that you speak to an attorney since you may miss important filing deadlines or fail to include possible future losses or damages in your demand letter, which will cause issues for you down the road should any damages or injuries manifest themselves at a later point in time. This is common in accidents involving whiplash and in spinal cord injury cases.
When it comes to larger claims, however, you can expect more resistance from your insurer, more complex proof and documentation requirements, as well as a fair amount of intimidation and low-balling as your insurer tries to get you to agree to a lower settlement than what you actually deserve. Under these circumstances, it is critical that you have legal representation by your side to avoid being duped or defrauded out of damages that you deserve.
Speak to Houston’s Local Legal Experts Today
If you’ve been involved in an accident of any type, give us a call at 713-677-2253 to learn about claim filing options, what damages you can recover, and how to proceed with collecting the evidence needed to support your case. We are Houston’s local legal experts and have helped hundreds of victims recover damages and insurance payouts from negligent third-parties as well as large, corporate insurers responsible for making settlement payments. We will help protect your rights and interests so call now.

Question 2

How Much do You Get for Pain and Suffering in a Houston Car Accident?

Accepted Answer

In the aftermath of an accident, you will likely face many questions and challenges. How long will it take for you to return to full physical health? Who will pay for your damaged car and have it repaired so you can get back to work? Who can you turn to if you need help understanding intricate auto laws and insurance policies or need help with filing a claim?
In addition to all of the above, one of the biggest concerns that victims of car accidents have is whether or not they will be compensated for the pain and suffering they were made to endure by a negligent third-party responsible for the accident. This is especially true for cases that require expensive medical treatment, such as brain injuries or spinal cord damage.
According to the National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA), insurance payouts in 2016 civil cases ranged from between $25,000 and $10,000,000. Depending on the nature of your accident, the damages sustained therein, and the overall impact of the accident on your life, your claim will likely fall in the same range.
A harsh reality of medical care is that it is prohibitively expensive, and motor vehicle accidents represent 99% of non-fatal transportation injuries and 94% of transport-related deaths every year. These facts stress the importance of having professional legal counsel on your side should you be faced with pain and suffering, medical bills, and other accident-related damages that were not your fault.
The Different Types of Damages
In general, most states, including Texas, classify damages as either general damages or special damages.
Special damages are those that can be easily quantified. They include:

Car repair costs
The costs of medical tests or procedures for personal injuries or for burial and funeral expenses in case of a fatal car accident
Earnings lost as a result of being away from work for a specific period of time
Money spent on rentals, caregivers, or other services you had to pay for while injured

General damages include non-economic or non-quantifiable costs. They include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Loss of consortium
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement

What is clear is that special damages are somewhat easier to claim because they can be quantified using medical bills, car repair invoices, and the like. General damages – including pain and suffering – are harder to put a number on and can vary widely depending on the unique circumstances of your case.
Calculating Pain and Suffering
Texas uses a multiplier method for calculating pain and suffering costs. You need to come up with all the documentation needed to prove that you have indeed suffered after an accident, and the link between your pain and suffering and the accident needs to be established as well. Your lawyer can help you collect the evidence needed to establish these connections.
The way the multiplier works is a number is arrived at for your pain and suffering based on your age, special circumstances surrounding your accident, the type of work you used to do, and the extent of the damages you have sustained. Future lost earnings, a loss in the enjoyment of life, and other future losses will also be incorporated into the multiplier.
Keep in mind that the multiplier provides a rough estimate for what your losses are as a result of the accident; this is one of the reasons it is so broadly defined. That said, the range of pain and suffering payouts varies widely from case to case and client to client, so speak to your lawyer to learn more about the expected payout that victims in situations similar to yours can expect to win.
Remember: if you can produce documentation and proof of your pain, emotional trauma (for example, using the testimony of a licensed psychologist), and estimates of lost future earnings as calculated by economic projection experts will help you make a solid claim for all damages you’ve sustained in an accident.
How Our Team Will Help
Putting together a comprehensive documentation file, convincingly conveying the information therein to the court or insurance claims panel, and negotiating a fair settlement with your insurer are just some of the ways we can help you. In addition to keeping you on top of important filing deadlines, following up with your claim once it has been submitted, and helping you with everything from finding a reliable car repair shop to a trusted healthcare services provider are some of the other services we help our clients with so that they can concentrate on what matters most: getting better as soon as possible.
Talk to Our Pain and Suffering Lawyers Today
Contact us today at 713-677-2253 for help understanding and filing a claim for pain and suffering that result from a car accident. We will help you identify the parties that can be held liable for damages as well as the different pain and suffering costs that you can claim. We will also take charge of evidence collection, proving liability, and making sure all filing deadlines are met. Call now.

Question 3

How Long Does It Take to Get A Settlement From a Car Accident in Houston?

Accepted Answer

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III),auto insurance payments for the average car user in the United States has risen steadily every year since 2010 to almost $1,000 per road user per year in 2016. The III also estimates that, while the top three auto insurers in the country collected over $100 billion in insurance premiums in 2017, less than $200 million in losses were incurred by road users in liability and physical damage across both private as well as commercial vehicles.
Insurance is all about covering victims of a car accident for the damages that they have sustained. However, even after a traumatic car accident, many victims are left wondering about a key question regarding their coverage: when will they be paid for damages?
To break things down, you need to first understand that there are two important things that need to happen before you are covered for damages: you need to submit a demand settlement letter to your insurer, and you need to then wait for a settlement check from them.
Receiving a Settlement Check
Before you can receive a settlement check from your insurer, the following must happen:

Your treatment must be complete, or you must have an accurate projection of how long and how much treatment will continue to be needed.
All your medical bills and records are available, accompanied by expert testimony or debriefs regarding timelines for recovery, tests that have been administered or will be needed, and all treatment and their costs up to that point in time.
Finally, you need to wait for a response to your demand letter, which usually takes between two weeks and three months depending on the insurer.

Let’s now look at each of these in more detail.
Completing Your Treatment
As a client demanding insurance payment, you have to show that you are either fully recovered from your injuries and the damages sustained in your accident, or that you are as healthy as you are going to be. If there are any surgeries or treatments that have yet to take place, you need to know a good doctor who can outline the treatments, tests, medicines, and other medical procedures you will likely require and the cost for all of them will be added to your demand letter.
Obtaining Medical Records and Bills
Cases are settled more quickly when you have a legal team working behind the scenes collecting the evidence needed to support your case and making sure all document requirements are met, as well as all filing deadlines and other legal provisions.
To make your claim progress as quickly and easily as possible, we will put together your medical history, gather all records needed for your claim, and have expert medical witness testimony ready should it be required to prove your injuries or substantiate any of your injury claims.
Getting a Response to Your Demand Letter
Once your medical record has been compiled and sent off to your insurer in a settlement demand letter, the insurance company will evaluate your claim. Most claims are processed within 21 days or so, but you need to follow up regularly with your appointed insurance agent to make sure you do not fall out of the queue due to missing documentation or for any other reason. It can be hard to predict how an insurance company will respond to a unique accident claim case, but under normal circumstances, a settlement offer is sent to the claimant within two months of receiving the demand letter.
The Benefits of Working with Houston’s Auto Accident Experts
As Houston’s local legal experts, we have represented hundreds of clients in cases of road accidents, negligence, insurance claims, and courtroom representation. The goals of your insurance company are directly opposed to your goals: you want to maximize your settlement and have paid regular premiums to benefit from coverage, while the insurance company wants to minimize its insurance outlays despite having received regular payments from you to provide coverage to you.
We can help you argue your case, put together a thorough settlement demand letter complete with all of the evidence required to support your claim, and follow up with the claim to make sure it makes its way through the processing queue. If you are looking for experts in insurance claim settlements, look no further than our team of Houston accident attorneys.
Professional Legal Assistance Is Just a Call Away
If you have been involved in a car accident or have questions about the claims process, give us a call at 713-677-2253. We have helped hundreds of clients with their accident claim cases and are Houston’s local experts. Call now for a free, private, no-obligation consultation. We provide contingency-based services so you pay nothing until you collect.

Question 4

How Do Houston Lawyers Calculate Pain and Suffering?

Accepted Answer

By default, most traffic accidents involve some sort of physical damage that can be quantified in one way or another. For example, if your vehicle was damaged in a crash, you can get a few repair estimates from reliable repair shops and use those to quantify your losses. If you’ve missed time from work, you can prorate the days or weeks missed by your average earnings to arrive at a figure for lost earnings as a result of the accident.
However, many accidents involve pain and suffering. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that traffic accidents cost the US economy roughly $240 billion in 2010. Out of this total, treatment for pain and suffering, as well as lost productivity as a result of pain and suffering, made up a significant portion of 20% of the total, or part of $50 billion overall.
These damages are somewhat more difficult to quantify, but they can still be claimed in addition to other costs that arise from your accident. What is important to understand, however, is what constitutes pain and suffering, when do insurance companies cover for such damages, and how a pain and suffering claim is quantified in dollar terms.
What Are Pain and Suffering Damages?
In general, pain and suffering damages are simply the emotional stress, distress, and anxiety you experience as a result of injuries sustained in an accident. These include:

Physical pain from your bodily injuries, as well as the cost of surgery, medicine, rehabilitative care, and doctor’s visits.
Emotional suffering and anguish that arise from your injuries, including a fall in your quality of life if you are unable to enjoy activities or pastimes you used to participate in before, such as jogging, fishing, etc.

Insurance Claims for Damages Related to Pain and Suffering
Before an insurance company will even consider pain and suffering demands, a few points need to be established:

You need to establish that you have indeed suffered physical and/or mental pain and suffering.
The connection between your pain and suffering must be connected to the accident you were involved in.
You should be able to prove that the accident you were involved in was the result of someone else’s negligence.

Calculating the Value of Pain and Suffering Claims
Placing an exact dollar amount on the pain and suffering that someone experiences after an accident can be difficult. However, there are scientific ways to go about estimating the value of such claims. Two of the more common methods used to calculate these damages are the per diem method and the multiplier method.

Per Diem: In the per diem method, a dollar figure is estimated and that is used as a compensation figure for each day that the injured party takes to recover.
Multiplier: In the multiplier method, the actual damages of the accident are multiplied by a number that increases with the severity of the accident. The more severe the accident and its resultant injuries, the higher the multiplier will be.

Factors That Affect Your Case
The eventual payout you will receive will depend on more than a straightforward multiplier or a single number used in the per diem approach. Other factors that are used to arrive at the value of a pain and suffering claim include:

The long term prognosis of your injuries – Severe injuries carry heavier awards than short-term or superficial injuries. For example, spinal cord injuries will likely involve higher payouts than basic fractures or bumps and bruises.
The type of work you used to do, the types of activities you used to do before the accident, and your physical and emotional health after the accident.
The costs associated with the types of treatment you need.
Contributory negligence – This can come into play if the defendant or the insurance company questions your role in causing the accident.

Evidence Needed to Prove Pain and Suffering
To prove pain and suffering and to ascertain whether or not you have truly sustained other non-economic damages such as emotional trauma, anxiety, or distress, you may have to prove that you suffer from or experience the following as a direct result of the accident:

Sleeplessness
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Panic attacks

To prove these, we will help you put together a case that:

Creates a connection between your pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and distress, and the accident itself.
Describes the pain and suffering you experience by explaining the treatment, surgeries, difficulty performing everyday tasks, and other challenges to living a normal life that you face on a daily basis as a result of the accident.
Provides expert testimony from your doctor, including their explanation of your injuries, the time it will take you to recover, and the types and levels of pain that other patients in similar circumstances generally face.

We Are Your Local Legal Experts
The aftermath of an accident can be a painful time of slow recovery, piling medical costs, a feeling of helplessness, and strains on personal and family relationships. There is no need to endure all of these alone. We are here to help and we understand the heavy burden of both physical pain and suffering as well as emotional pain and trauma. Call us today at 713-677-2253 to learn more about pain and suffering, how to estimate your losses therefrom, and how to get back to living a full life once more. Call now.

Question 5

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident in Houston?

Accepted Answer

One of the biggest mistakes that motorists make is assuming that a small accident is not worth the hassle of filing a claim for, or that an accident that does not seem to have resulted in significant damage or any type of physical injury can be ignored.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 6.4 million traffic accidents occurred in the United States in 2017 alone. Roughly half of these, or 2.9 million, involved only two vehicles. Other accidents that were common were rear-end accidents and sideswipes, as well as collisions with poles and posts, falling into ditches, striking animals or pedestrians, rollovers, and motorcycle accidents.
While serious accidents generally involve bodily injury and extensive property damage, not to mention the filing of official police reports and the involvement of insurance adjusters, even minor accidents can lead to serious consequences if you do not follow up with them.
If you have been involved in an accident, let us know. We can help you identify potential injuries or damages that you may not be aware of. We will also walk you through everything you need to know with respect to filing a claim on time, meeting the evidence requirements of your insurer, protecting yourself from fraud, and quickly and easily getting your car repaired.
The Impact of Accidents
Depending on the nature of your accident, you can expect to pay anything from a few hundred dollars to several thousands in repair costs, medical treatment, higher premiums, and other penalties. This is as true for serious accidents as it is for minor accidents.
In 1996, the NHTSA estimated the economic cost of all traffic accidents to be as high as $150 billion annually. That number is much higher today, and many accident victims are oblivious to the high cost that even minor accidents can have.
Regardless of the severity of your accident, you should consult with a legal professional after an accident because:

You should not have to pay higher premiums for a tarnished driving record that results from an accident that was not your fault to begin with.
Your accident may result in injuries that only manifest themselves after some time, such as whiplash and neck muscle damage, both of which are common in minor rear-end crashes.
You may find yourself the victim of a counter-claim made by an at-fault driver who blames you for the accident.
You may mistakenly assume an accident is a minor accident when, in fact, there was more damage to your car than was at first apparent after the accident.
The cost of medical care will fall entirely on you if you do not document your injuries in a timely manner, and this can be very costly if you discover after-the-fact that you have sustained injuries or damages that were not immediately apparent after the initial crash.

Getting Help and Understanding the Law
Insurance policies and the laws governing auto accidents and personal injury can be complex. There are very specific time limits, known as statutes of limitation, during which you need to file a claim if you are to be entitled to receiving coverage benefits for an accident. Furthermore, depending on the amount of property damage or the extent of personal injury that results from a crash (usually $500 for property damage, even in cases when no other driver, vehicle, or individual was involved), you are required to file a police report and not leave the scene of an accident until law enforcement and/or emergency medical personnel arrive on the scene.
We have your best interests at heart, and we pride ourselves in providing services to our clients with a great deal of empathy and understanding. We know how the law works and how insurance companies operate, and we strive to protect the rights of innocent victims and to make the recovery of damages as quick and easy for them as possible.
File a Claim Today
Our team is comprised of legal experts with a specialty focus on every aspect of auto accident law. If you have been involved in an accident of any type, even a minor accident, call us now at 713-677-2253. Tell us about your case and we will help you make the most well-informed decision possible for filing for damages. We will also walk you through the claims process of the insurer you use, the policies that apply to your situation, the deadlines you need to meet, and what payout you will likely receive for the damages you have sustained. Pay nothing until we win your case for you. Call now.

Question 6

When Should You Hire an Attorney For a Car Accident in Houston?

Accepted Answer

The need to hire an attorney after an auto accident will depend on the severity of your crash and the nature of injuries that you sustained. If you were involved in a minor car accident and no one was injured, you may not need the help of a lawyer to navigate the claims process after-the-fact. Minor car crashes can generally be resolved directly with the insurance companies that cover the parties involved.
However, you’ll need to hire a skilled auto accident lawyer if you were involved in a serious car accident to ensure you get the settlement you deserve. A lawyer will help you gather evidence to prove you weren’t at fault for the crash, recover compensation for medical treatment and damages caused, and clear yourself of any blame for the accident.
A lawyer will also represent you in court, negotiate with the other party’s legal team, and handle insurance company representatives on your behalf. If you were involved in a Houston car accident, contact us immediately to pursue a settlement for the injuries you’ve suffered. Our team provides legal representation and counsel to car accident victims at no up-front cost. To schedule an appointment with our team of legal experts, call 713-677-2253 today.
Reasons You Should Hire a Lawyer After an Auto Accident
If you were injured in a car crash, here are a few reasons you may need an attorney:
The Accident Caused Death or Serious Injury
You should call an experienced accident attorney if anyone died or was seriously injured in the car crash. Accidents involving death or serious bodily injury can result in complicated cases. You’ll need to file a personal injury claim against the liable party to recover medical treatment expenses and cover yourself for the injuries you sustained. You may also face a wrongful death or personal injury counterclaim. Compensation for potential damages can be very high, as is the risk of losing your reward for filing a botched claim.
You shouldn’t represent yourself after a serious car crash. Such lawsuits involve complicated issues that require expert handling. Your auto accident lawyer will represent you against possible counterclaims, guide you through the legal process, and calculate the amount of settlement you deserve
Multiple Parties Were Involved in the Crash
An accident that involved multiple vehicles and other parties such as commercial entities and pedestrians can lead to multiple lawsuits. This can complicate the insurance negotiation and claims settlement process. Contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your case if you were hurt in a crash that involved multiple parties. We will keep your liability as low as possible and ensure you get the settlement you deserve. We will also speak with the attorneys of the other parties involved and their insurance companies to make sure you are clear and safe from counterclaims and litigation from other parties.
An Uninsured Driver Was Involved in the Crash
You should hire a car accident lawyer immediately if one of the parties involved in the accident didn’t have insurance. Under Texas law, motorists responsible for accidents are required to pay for those accidents. In Texas, auto insurance policies include uninsured driver coverage but it generally isn’t enough to cover anything more than the most basic of medical expenses and damages. An experienced attorney will file a lawsuit for damages against the uninsured party after evaluating your options.
You Have Upcoming Compensation Talks
Most auto accident claims settle before proceeding to court, meaning you may receive a compensation offer from the liable party or their insurance company soon after the accident. The offer, however, is usually very low. Settling a claim before trial saves money, but you should only accept the offer if the amount offered adds up to the damages caused and the cost of your injuries.
You must understand the extent of your damages and injuries as well as your legal rights before engaging in settlement negotiations because settlements require accident victims to give up certain rights. You should hire a lawyer experienced in negotiating favorable settlement agreements for victims in lieu of risking your entire claim by handling it yourself.
Call Us Today to Speak With a Houston Accident Lawyer
Our lawyers will help you file a lawsuit against the party responsible for a car accident to ensure you’re compensated fully. Call us at 713-677-2253 for a professional analysis and evaluation of the facts of your claim. We only charge legal fees after we’ve successfully recovered compensation for you, so don’t delay and call now.

Question 7

What Happens When You Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Houston?

Accepted Answer

A car accident can dramatically change your life in numerous ways. Due to the injuries you sustained, you may have to stop engaging in certain activities such as going to work, spending time with your family, or participating in other regular interests. You may also need to undergo treatment at a health care facility. Beyond injuries, car accidents can also cause death.
According to a State of Safety Report compiled in 2017, there was a 9% increase in severe injuries, a 40% increase in car collisions, a 20% increase in fatalities, and a 23% increase in distracted driving accidents between 2016 and 2017.
Another report by the Texas Department of Transport released the same year showed that over 3,000 fatalities occurred on Texas roadways in 2017. The report also revealed that one person was injured every 2 minutes, while someone was killed in a traffic accident every 2 hours.
If you were injured in a car accident in Houston, call our lawyers today at 713-677-2253. We’ll fight for your rights and bring your claim to trial before a judge if a fair compensation offer isn’t made by the parties responsible for the accident. We’ll also ensure your case is processed quickly.
How We Can Help
In addition to the quick processing of your case, we will:
Help You Prove That The Accident Was Not Your Fault
Having a lawyer will help you recover damages as he/she will work to prove that the accident occurred due to the other person’s negligence. Under Texas law, a car crash victim can recover a settlement for damages if his/her fault in the crash is less than 50%. Keep in mind, however, that the total amount that the victim can recover will be reduced in proportion to his or her fault for the accident.
If the other party alleges you were at fault, you could potentially lose the financial award you were entitled to receive. Also, insurance companies work to assign fault on different parties during the claims process even if you did nothing wrong. A lawyer will help you prove to the court or insurance provider that you weren’t at fault. We will also provide expert witness testimony, such as a doctor’s medical report or digital reconstruction of the crash to support your claim.
Advocate Your Case To Help Improve Your Insurance Payout
Even if no one claims you were at fault, the insurance company may offer you the lowest compensation amount they think you’ll accept. The challenge with this is not being able to calculate the appropriate compensation amount for damages caused. A lawyer with experience handling personal injury claims will ensure you’re awarded the amount you deserve.
He/she will negotiate with the insurance company to reach an agreement that provides a settlement for all your damages and injuries. Moreover, insurance providers only negotiate with attorneys in some cases and not with claimants, meaning you should have a lawyer in your corner in any case. You should seek the advice of an attorney to review any compensation offers you receive.
Handle The Legal Aspects Of Your Accident Claim
Your lawyer will gather relevant evidence to support your case, negotiate with the other party, and ensure your claim doesn’t miss any critical deadlines such as all applicable statutes of limitation. Working with a lawyer will ensure that your claim is filed within the required timeframes to enable you to pursue compensation from all parties liable for the accident.
The Cost of Representation
The cost of hiring an attorney shouldn’t be the reason to pursue a case on your own. Many legal offices, including ours, charge no up-front fees and we will handle your case on a contingency basis. What this means is we only charge fees once you’ve been awarded compensation.
If you choose to pursue your claim on your own, insurance companies may use delay tactics so that the statutes of limitation expire. They will then be able to tell you that there’s nothing they can do and will refuse to pay you. You can even file a lawsuit if the insurance provider refuses to be fair.
Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries can have severe impacts on victims, both in terms of finances as well as physical and emotional wellbeing. Accident injuries we can help you recover damages for include:

Head injuries
Paralysis
Neck injuries
Back injuries
Broken bones
Soft tissue damage

Financial Compensation for Car Accident Victims
Victims are entitled to recover compensation for their injuries and damages suffered at the hands of a negligent party. Damages that may be awarded include:

Disfigurement and scarring
Medical expenses
Lost income
Suffering and pain
Loss of earning capacity
Emotional distress

Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Houston Today to Review Your Case
Our legal team understands the legal hurdles that accident victims face. Contact us today at 713-677-2253 and let us handle all the paperwork for you and help you file a solid case for damages right away.

Question 8

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do in Houston?

Accepted Answer

Losing a family member, suffering severe injuries, or sustaining a long-term disability can negatively impact your life forever. The aftermath of a crash can be an overwhelming experience, and the effect of a crash that wasn’t your fault can also be frustrating, especially when you were not prepared to deal with the high cost of seeking treatment for the injuries you suffered – not to mention having to fight for the compensation you deserve.
The personal injury rate in Houston is alarming. In 2016, injuries that resulted from car accidents crossed the 250,000 mark while the number of pedestrian accidents reported during the same year was almost 10,000, as per figures provided by the National Practitioner Data Bank from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident in Houston, our personal injury lawyers will take you through the legal process. We are experts in Houston’s civil laws and the criminal justice system.
Filing Personal Injury Claims
Filing a personal injury claim in Houston can be a complex and complicated process. If you were injured in an auto accident or sustained injuries in any other way as a result of another person’s reckless behavior, get in touch with our personal injury lawyers to file for compensation and damages.
Texas auto laws place limits on car accident claims. They only allow victims to file a claim using their own car insurance provider if they sustained severe injuries. Our lawyers will help you file a claim against the insurer of the party that is liable after determining whether the extent and dollar value of the injuries you suffered meet specific legal qualifications.
Our personal injury attorneys in Houston will help you obtain the settlement you deserve irrespective of how the injuries you sustained actually happened. We will collect all the necessary evidence regarding your case, including medical reports, expert testimony, witness testimonies, and police reports.
We use this evidence to support your claim’s value, prove liability, and show that the accident caused the injuries you suffered. If litigation is necessary, we’ll guide you through the entire process and represent you in court as well to ensure you’re fully compensated.
Reasons You Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
You may assume there’s no need to pursue a settlement or that you can seek compensation on your own after suffering injuries in a crash. You may enjoy a certain amount of success without the help of a lawyer, but success is not always guaranteed since many personal injury claims require a lot of attention and time, something an average person will find difficult to do, especially after suffering an accident.
An experienced personal injury attorney will help you with the following:

Take your case to court or negotiate a settlement
Keep you in the loop and on top of the important court and procedural deadlines
Communicate with insurance companies and the other party’s lawyers

Having a qualified lawyer represent you will make pursuing a settlement quick and easy, especially if you’re dealing with the law for the first time.
Our Personal Practice Injury Areas
We’ve handled countless personal injury cases in Houston and have helped families cover damages, medical bills, and lost income after suffering personal injuries in a car accident. Below are some of the practice areas we cover:

Fatal auto accidents
Speeding crashes
Motorcycle accidents
Bicycle crashes
Hit and run accidents
Distracted driving accidents
Drinking and driving cases

How To Cover Your Expenses After Suffering Personal Injuries
The majority of families and individuals cannot cover injury costs themselves. Apart from time spent away from work, you will also have to take care of medical bills and face the possibility of lower-earning capacity as a result of suffering severe injuries. You may even have to face the loss of a family member’s income, earnings they would have continued to earn during their life had they not been injured or killed in an accident.
We are here to help you leverage the provisions of Texas auto laws to hold the at-fault party, whether an individual or company, liable for compensating you for all your injuries and losses after an accident.
Personal injury compensation should cover:

Loss of future financial earnings
Lost companionship
Medical expenses
Emotional distress
Punitive damages (where applicable)

Claims You Can Pursue
A claim for settlement can be pursued for a wide range of accidents, including but not limited to all of the following:

An accident caused by a trucking company, car driver, or truck driver
Death or injury caused by a dog attack as a result of the dog owner not securing his/her animal
A property owner allowing harmful conditions to persist on their property without issuing a warning to visitors or guests
Death resulting from homeowners failing to secure swimming pools in order to prevent drowning

Contact Us Today
Contact our team of seasoned legal experts at 713-677-2253 today for more information regarding your legal options and other rights after an accident. We will help you file a personal injury claim and represent you in court so that you recover all of the compensation and damages to which you are legally entitled, regardless of the type or nature of your accident or claim. Call now.

Question 9

Should I Settle a Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer in Houston?

Accepted Answer

The rate at which car accidents occur in the United States is alarming. Based on a 2016 report by the Texas Department of Transportation, one person was killed and one person was injured on Texas roadways roughly every two hours, and a reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds. Auto accidents may include injuries as well as property damage, and more than one person may be at fault for the accident as well.
Another study conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA), showed that 682,000 accidents have occurred annually since 2006. The AAA’s research also found that 65% of the people that died in the accidents were motorcyclists and pedestrians.
If you’ve suffered personal injuries in a car accident in Houston, contact our team of legal experts at 713-677-2253 before speaking with an insurance adjuster. We’ll file a lawsuit for you if fair compensation isn’t made to you and we will represent you in court as well if your case goes to trial.
Reasons You Shouldn’t Settle Car Accident Claims on Your Own
Handling your case without a lawyer comes with a number of risks. You might interpret the statute of limitations wrongly and file your case when time limits have elapsed. Also, insurance companies may try to minimize the amount you’re supposed to be compensated as the damages increase, meaning it will be that much harder to fight a case that is worth more or involves extensive damages or permanent injuries.
Here are some of the mistakes people commonly make when they choose to handle their accident claim on their own:
Demanding Too Much Or Too Little
Asking too little will prevent you from maximizing your settlement while demanding beyond the value of your case will portray you as someone that doesn’t know the value of his/her accident case, to begin with. This is a problem because you’ll be signaling to the insurance company that you’re willing to accept an offer different (likely less) than the value of your case.
Assuming The Legal System Is Easy To Understand
Over the years, much of Houston's accident law has evolved. Accident victims may find the system difficult to understand and even harder to navigate. The law can be difficult to interpret since the rules that seem to be well-established may not be, and an adjuster may take advantage of you if he/she realizes that you don’t fully understand relevant issues.
Accepting Insurance Company Offers
Most of the time, insurance companies indirectly or directly present their settlement as a final offer. When you represent yourself, you may not think about pushing for a higher offer and you may end up accepting the first offer you are given, leaving a lot of money on the table.
Settling The Claim Without Knowing The Seriousness Of Your Injuries
If you’ve sustained serious injuries and want to be compensated quickly, the amount you’ll get may not accurately reflect the true value of your accident claim. You’ll need to give the insurance company all your medical expenses and a formal report of your injuries from a doctor to be compensated with the amount you deserve. Your chances of winning fair compensation will fall if you settle a case without having all the documents needed to support your claim.
Assuming The Insurer Will Stand By Their Admission of Liability
Insurance companies usually claim they know their insured client caused the accident and want to settle the case. However, this can change if a claim is formally filed. In order to be compensated, you need to find witnesses and gather important evidence concerning the accident with the assumption that the case will proceed all the way to trial. Crash details, such as what the defendant said after the accident, matter even if the insurance company stands by their claim.
Ignoring Valid Liens
Failing to pay liens can get you into trouble, and victims rarely understand how to handle health insurance and other healthcare liens. Having an attorney who knows how to resolve lien issues concerning your case is very important as he/she will help you recover the amount you deserve. Mistakes often occur when you pay the health insurer more than what you’re required to pay and you can jeopardize your health insurance due to not understanding your lien obligations.
Contact a Houston Auto Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered from an accident, we are here to help. We will guide you with regard to what your legal rights are in accordance with the law after thoroughly analyzing your case. Call us today at 713-677-2253 to speak to Houston’s local legal experts. Call now and schedule an appointment today.

Question 10

Is It Worth Hiring a Houston Personal Injury Attorney?

Accepted Answer

Thousands of people find themselves victims of medical malpractice, car accidents, and other accidents that are caused by another party’s negligence every year. A 2016 report by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that 29 million people visit emergency departments in the U.S. annually whenever they suffer accidental injuries.
These accidents can take various forms. For instance, personal injuries may be caused by a car wreck or accident, a work injury, a pedestrian accident, a home slip or fall, a motorcycle accident, and more.
If you’ve sustained injuries in an accident of any type, you should take legal action and pursue a settlement to help cover expenses that you suffer as a result of the accident such as medical expenses and lost work income. Contact our team of personal injury attorneys in Houston to assist you in filing a lawsuit that will ensure you’re compensated fully.
What Are Personal Injuries?
Personal injuries can involve physical, mental, or emotional damage or trauma and are often caused by someone else’s negligent actions. The legal options at your disposal after suffering such damages vary depending on the cause and extent of the injury. In order for the at-fault party to be held liable, the incident should include the following:

Injuries suffered were due to another person’s negligence
The negligent, at-fault party responsible for your injuries did not act responsibly
The at-fault party caused your injuries that can provably be shown to have generated or led to monetary losses or damages

Common Types of Injuries
The value of a lawsuit depends on the severity of the injuries sustained therein, the medical treatment required to address your injuries, and any permanent effects of your injuries. Our lawyers represent victims with the following injuries:

Neck injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Back injuries
Soft tissue damage
Internal injuries

How Will a Personal Injury Attorney Assist You?
A personal injury attorney will ensure you get the financial settlement you deserve. He/she will also do the following:
Determine the Value of Your Case
Attorneys that have handled personal injury cases know the true value of such claims. There are many factors that play a role in personal injury cases, such as damage and liability limits. Even your ability to identify and then collect damages that you are owed and seeing a case all the way to the end can be difficult for a non-professional to do. A skilled personal injury attorney will work with financial professionals to determine the value range of your claim as the case progresses and will then see to it that you are compensated in full.
Provide Professional Legal Representation
You’ll enjoy professional legal representation when you work with a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will look after your best interests by maximizing your financial compensation and by following up and taking care of everything that needs to be done with regards to your case.
Ask For Legal Fees Only When You Win
Many personal injury lawyers are paid on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay after they’ve recovered compensation for you. If they don’t succeed in obtaining a settlement for you, you don’t pay anything in legal fees.
Handle Your Lawsuit While You Recover
A lawyer will file a case on your behalf, gather evidence to support your case, and represent you in court while you focus on getting better. Worrying about recovering while handling a claim yourself can cause a great deal of stress and dealing with an insurer from a point of weakness can hurt your case.
Fight For Your Rights
Insurance companies are known for paying less in compensation when you don’t have a lawyer at your side. Their main goal is to make money, so if you have sustained serious injuries, consider hiring a lawyer to help file and follow through with as strong a case as possible.
Go To Trial
A lawyer will also set a date for trial and take your case to court if needed. This is very helpful for accident victims since many insurance companies only take claims seriously when they face an actual judge or jury in a trial setting. It can be difficult for you to take your own lawsuit to trial and succeed in winning a fair payout, especially if you lack the requisite legal training to do so.
What are the Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?
When you work with an attorney, your chances of winning a higher settlement will improve greatly. A lawyer will also:

Collect your medical records
File a lawsuit
Investigate the accident
Hire experts
File an insurance claim
Negotiate with the defendant
Keep you informed about your legal options and rights every step of the way

A personal injury lawyer from our firm will do all of the above without charging you any up-front fees. We only collect payment for our services when we have won your case and you’re compensated for your injuries.
Contact Our Houston Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve sustained any sort of injury in an accident in Houston, call our team at 713-677-2253 for a free and confidential review of your case. Our legal experts will leverage their vast experience and local networks to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call now.

Question 11

What Kind of Damages Can You Sue for an Accident in Texas?

Accepted Answer

If you have sustained injuries due to a car crash in Texas, you’re entitled to filing a personal injury claim to recover expenses and damages from the at-fault party. However, you must prove that the other person was, in fact, responsible for the accident and all resultant damages and injuries in order to hold them liable for paying for injuries you may have sustained, or damage caused to your car.
Personal injury law can be complex and may not be something you can handle on your own. Contact our team of expert auto accident lawyers to help you with the legal process. We work to ensure all our clients are compensated fully.
Filing Your Claim
The Texas statute of limitations gives you up to two years for reporting an auto accident. You should file your lawsuit as quickly as you can to avoid overrunning the legally allowed time frame for filing a case. You should include details on the following damages so that they can be used to determine the award you are entitled to:

Seriousness of injuries sustained
Medical treatment costs
Loss of wages
Other factors that will determine the compensation you will get include:
Evidence presented
Whether you did something that contributed to the accident
The insurance coverage that you and the at-fault party have

The at-fault party’s insurance company will likely compensate you if you have more evidence against the other person responsible for the accident. Your chances of winning the lawsuit will also increase if you hire a lawyer who is experienced in handling similar cases. If you hire an auto accident attorney in Houston to represent you, he/she will ensure you file for the maximum settlement you are entitled to.
Types of Damages for Which You Can Sue
If you win an auto accident damages or injury claim, here are some of the damages you will likely recover:

Medical Expenses – After a crash, you’ll require medical treatment. All medical expenses, including present and future treatment related to the injuries you sustained after the accident, are eligible for monetary compensation.
Lost Wages and Income – If the injuries you suffered prevent you from working, you should be reimbursed for your lost income and wages. This applies when your physical condition prevents you from performing work, as well as time spent away from work seeking medical attention.
Reduced Earning Capacity – You may suffer long-term financial instability if the accident caused injuries that limit your earning potential. For instance, if you’re forced to change your career due to the injuries you sustained, your damages claim can include the money you’re no longer in a position to earn.
Non-Economic Damages – You can also file a lawsuit for disability, loss of companionship, or pain and suffering. Though there aren’t any specific monetary costs of these damages that you can quantify to the court or judge, your lawyer can estimate the amount you should be compensated for these non-economic damages. Moreover, if the at-fault driver was negligent or acted in a malicious manner against you on the road, you may recover punitive damages from them as well.

Dealing with the At-Fault Party Insurance Company
Dealing with the insurer of the other driver is the most challenging part of an auto accident because they are forced to work against you when a driver they have insured caused the accident. You should seek expert legal counsel and representation to ensure you’re settled faster and that you’ve been awarded what you deserve.
The 50% Comparative Law
Texas follows the modified comparative negligence law which states that a court has the mandate to decide the fault that falls on each party involved in an auto accident. You may recover damages if your fault level does not exceed the other party’s level of fault. However, your compensation for damages may be reduced if you were involved in a crash that you partially played a role in causing, even though you can still file a lawsuit for such accidents.
Claiming Damages for Injuries Resulting from an Auto Crash in Texas
You should demand justice and seek compensation if you’ve suffered injuries in a crash, especially if the other party is responsible for causing the accident and their insurer doesn’t want to settle you or wants to compensate you with something less than what you deserve.
Insurance companies are more likely to offer fairer compensation awards when an attorney is involved in the case.  Speak to one of our auto accident experts at 713-677-2159 to learn about your legal options and all of the damages that you are entitled to claim based on the specifics of your case. Call now for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Question 12

What Happens if Your Uber Is in an Accident?

Accepted Answer

More hours for rideshare drivers means higher chances of getting into a crash. In case you do suffer an accident or sustain injuries in an Uber accident, it is best to be prepared and informed beforehand. Questions you should have answers to on your fingertips as an Uber driver are:

What happens when I get into an Uber accident?
What car insurance policies does Uber have for its partners?
What are the main exclusions to Uber insurance policies?

Here is everything you need to know about Uber accidents and how they affect drivers.
What Happens to an Uber Driver After an Accident?
When you have an accident when driving for Uber, your vehicle could be classified as a “commercial vehicle” by your auto insurance policy. Because of this, you should never drive an Uber vehicle without rideshare insurance.
Because there is more than one insurance carrier involved in a ridesharing accident, it can be confusing to know which of different insurance providers is responsible compensating for your damages and bodily injuries. Familiarizing yourself with Uber’s driver periods will make things easier for you.
Uber Driver Periods
Uber offers rideshare insurance for its drivers in the form of commercial insurance. However, this does not take effect as soon as the driver turns the app on. The moment a driver turns the application on, the driver’s time is divided into three periods. Based on this, Uber determines when their insurance applies, depending on the period in which the crash happened.
The First Period
In the first period, the Uber application is turned on as the driver waits for customer requests. Sadly, Uber’s rideshare policy does not apply for accidents that happen before a driver agrees to carry a passenger. The reason behind this is Uber considers their drivers as partners, not employees. As partners, drivers are required to take responsibility for everything that happens when not on duty.
Uber considers drivers to be “on the clock” when a rider requests a ride. Should you suffer an accident when not on the clock, you can then seek compensation from your commercial car insurance policy or your personal auto insurance. Your health insurance cover may also step in should you sustain personal injuries.
The Second Period
The second period is when an Uber driver is headed to pick up a customer. The moment an Uber driver accepts a ride request, he or she is usually placed in “on duty” status and Uber coverage begins. However, there are still complications with this. If the driver gets into an accident prior to picking up the customer, it implies that the customer would need to cancel that ride. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the case because Uber and their insurance carriers may argue that the accident happened after the cancellation, not before. Pursuing a claim in such a case would be difficult without an expert Uber accident lawyer on your side.
The Third Period
The third period is when an Uber passenger is in your vehicle. Claiming compensation from Uber at this stage is not as complex as it is in the second period. Since you are carrying an Uber passenger in your car, Uber considers you as an “on duty” driver and generally covers all that happens along the way.
Make Sure You Document the Accident
Keep in mind that the second period makes the claim process more complex. As a result, you should gather as much evidence on the accident and document it as soon as the accident happens. This could involve taking screenshots on your phone to prove that your accident preceded cancellation by the passenger. In fact, regardless of the period an accident occurs in, Uber requires drivers to document an incident thoroughly.
Talk to witnesses, jot down their contact details, and record their statements. Take photos of the scene, and obtaining the police report on the accident would be helpful as well. Doing so will not only enhance the success of your claim but also will help to file for a better compensation package.
Contact Your Personal Insurance
If an accident only leads to the damage of your vehicle, you should contact your auto insurance company for compensation. However, if other parties are also involved, you might need to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurers. Both of these insurance carriers should be presented with accident details so that they can start investigations and determine fault.
Tell Uber About the Accident
Contacting Uber is one of the most important steps to take after an accident. Uber will want to know everything about the accident, including whether injuries were sustained by anyone and whether or not they need to send another car for picking up their customers. Keep in mind that, when this happens, Uber is likely to suspend you from their platform for some time while they investigate the case.
Talk to an Uber Accident Lawyer About Your Case
Making an Uber claim on your own can be difficult. Our team of ridesharing accident experts is here to help you every step of the way. We work to protect the rights and well-being of our customers, so call us today at 713-677-2159 for a no-obligation discussion and evaluation of your case. Call now.

Question 13

What Happens When You Go to Court for a Car Accident?

Accepted Answer

If you’re experiencing a crash for the first time in Houston, it can be difficult to know what to do, more so in a state of distress and even shock. You may wonder whether you should sue the person at fault or hire an attorney to help you recover damages. Here we break down everything you need to know regarding car accidents and filing a case in court.
Houston is one of the most populated cities in Texas. In 2012 alone, there were over 47,000 accidents on Houston’s roads, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. 176 of those crashes were fatal, leading to a total of almost 200 deaths. Roughly 5,000 crashes caused serious injuries to over 7,000 people. Minor crashed and related injuries were even more common, with over 12,000 minor accidents injuring almost 20,000.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident and doesn’t know what to do or where to go for filing a claim, contact us for expert help regarding your car accident. We will break down your legal rights and responsibilities to you and discuss your options with you. If it comes to it, we will also represent you in court to ensure you present as thorough a case as possible to win the compensation and damages you deserve.
What Makes an Auto Car Accident Case Go to Court?
Most auto accident cases do not end up in court. However, when you hire an auto accident lawyer, he/she will investigate and gather evidence to prove your damages. If your lawyer and the at-fault party insurance company can agree on a fair settlement, a trial won’t be necessary. In case you cannot reach an agreement, the following situations can lead an auto accident case going all the way to court:

Both parties failing to agree on the person who caused the accident.
The insurance company declining to pay more money for damages despite your attorney’s negotiations.
The insurance company declining to offer a fair settlement by paying out an amount that is substantially less than what you are entitled to. In such cases, your lawyer may advise you to take the claim to trial.

What Happens When Your Auto Accident Claim Goes to Court?
When a personal injury case goes to court, both parties are given an opportunity to present the evidence they have. It is at this point that an auto accident lawyer plays an important role. He/she will prepare your case for trial after gathering evidence to support your claim.
Presentation of Evidence
You’ll have to present evidence that convinces the judge or jury that the other party was negligent or responsible for causing the injuries you sustained in the crash. This burden of proof can motivate jury members to rule the case in your favor even if they’re not sure about the decision.
The types of evidence that your attorney may present during an auto accident trial include:

Medical records
Accident reports
Witness interviews
Other evidence that proves your injuries
Expert interviews from a doctor that treated you

Once you’ve presented evidence, the at-fault party and their attorney will then cross-examine your witnesses or yourself, provide objections to presented evidence, then present their evidence. The decision will then proceed to the jury after both parties have presented their claims.
Jury Deliberation
Your lawyer will keenly gauge how sympathetic the jury is towards the case you filed. If the jury is sympathetic, you may get a higher award than what you were expecting. Injury cases are also referred to as civil cases, which means their focus is on helping the crash victim recover losses incurred as opposed to simply punishing the at-fault party. The jury will decide on the following after both parties have presented their evidence during the auto accident trial:

The person responsible for the crash
The amount you should be compensated by your insurance company for damages caused

If your attorney is able to prove what happened by presenting a thorough representation, you’ll get the monetary award you deserve for damages causes or losses incurred.
Lawsuits tend to be expensive and most auto accident lawyers will only take a case to trial if they think it will win you the compensation you deserve. If you’re not sure about your claim, contact our local team of Houston accident lawyers for further guidance.
Talk to an Auto Accident Attorney in Houston Today
Our lawyers know how to win auto accident cases. Sometimes it’s possible to agree on a fair settlement with the at-fault party insurer without going to court. However, if you opt for a trial, we’re ready to represent you all the way until the case is decided. Call us today on 713-677-2159 for a free consultation and to discuss your options.

Question 14

How Much Should I Settle for if I Was Rear Ended in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Rear end crashes can cause extensive damage and are somewhat more unexpected than accidents from other directions. Expenses related to rear-end collisions include legal and court fees, personal injuries such as brain trauma or whiplash, insurance costs, and lost productivity. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates direct costs of auto car crashes at $242 billion, while indirect costs of the likes of quality of life put the value at more than $836 billion.
These types of crashes are also very common; there has been an increase in rear-end crashes over the past few years, with more than 1.6 million rear-end incidents reported in 2011 and over 1.7 million in 2012. In 2015, there were 6,296,000 crashes based on research conducted by the NHTSA. Rear end accidents accounted for more than 30% of these wrecks.
Many people wonder what the average compensation for a rear end auto accident is; many are also unaware of what they should do after being involved in one. Below we outline everything you need to know about such accidents.
What Causes Rear-End Accidents?
A rear end accident most frequently occurs as a result of a driver following another driver too closely, making them unable to stop in time when the car in front brakes or comes to a halt. Other causes include:

Distracted driving such as texting
Poor weather conditions
Slick roads with snow or rain
The driver driving from behind should drive safely since he/she may be held responsible for causing injuries if he/she causes a rear end accident

What Should You Do When a Rear-End Accident Happens?
Here are the steps you should take when you’re hit from behind:

Check for Injuries – You should seek medical attention even when you think you weren’t hurt in the accident. Minor soreness can turn into serious injuries after a few days. Moreover, your chances of receiving a settlement will increase if your injuries are documented immediately by a doctor.
Document Property Damage – Take photos of your damaged car, the vehicle that hit you (before they’ve moved from the scene) and the road condition immediately after the crash.
Get the Police Report – Your lawsuit will be strengthened if you have a copy of the crash report prepared by the police, even if the crash was minor. If the other party is negligent, the police will note this fact in their report.
Contact Your Insurance Company – If your vehicle was hit from behind, provide your insurer with all accident-related information immediately.

Who Is Liable in a Rear-End Crash?
To prove a person liable for an accident, insurance companies as well as state and federal laws generally favor the driver hit from behind. The rule of thumb is that rear-end accidents are the fault of the driver in the rear. Driving rules dictate that all drivers should slow and stop to avoid hitting another car. Factors that determine fault include:

Broken traffic laws - If a vehicle makes a left turn into traffic at a red light and is hit by a vehicle with the right of way in the rear, the vehicle that is behind may not be at-fault while the driver in front may have been negligent
Whether or not the vehicle in front had brake lights that were in working condition
If the driver in front went into reverse suddenly without warning
Poor visibility and poor road conditions can also reduce the liability on the rear driver. Determining liability will depend on the above scenarios. A personal injury lawyer will assess specific crash factors to determine liability

Rear-End Accident Compensation Process
In order to win a settlement, you should file a claim that can be litigated in court. However, most rear-end accident settlements are done out of court because negligence in such accidents is usually clear. The insurer of the at-fault party will generally offer compensation to the injured person to cover for injuries and damages up to the policy limits of the at-fault driver.
Be prepared to negotiate what the insurance company is offering as it will likely be lower than the cost of your damages such as medical bills and lost income. You should hire a personal injury lawyer to safeguard your interests and to help with filing your claim and seeing it through to winning compensation.
Average Compensation Amounts Offered for Rear-End Accidents
The settlement you may get in a rear end auto accident varies since compensation amounts offered for injuries suffered are meant to reinstate you to the physical and financial standing you would have enjoyed had you never been hit from behind in the first place. The amount you may be awarded will be based on pain and suffering,medical expenses, property damage, and lost income.
Contact Houston’s Leading Auto Accident Attorney Team Today
Call our panel of expert auto accident attorneys at 713-677-2159 to discuss your case, ask any questions you may have, and learn about your legal options and the best path forward. We will analyze your case, help obtain evidence such as police reports, camera footage, and eyewitness testimony to prepare and file a thorough accident injury claim. Call now.

Question 15

Can I Sue for Semi-Paralysis After a Car Accident in Houston?

Accepted Answer

According to an NCBI report, roughly 5.4 million Americans live with some level of paralysis. Car accidents are a key contributor to this type of injury. Whether the paralysis is partial or full, the consequences are usually lifelong, debilitating, and costly. However, the question remains: can you seek compensation for semi-paralysis from a negligent motorist?
Here we discuss everything you need to know about partial and full paralysis, including your legal options if the injury was the result of a car accident.
The Basics of Half-Body Paralysis
Semi-paralysis is sometimes referred to as hemiplegia of hemiparesis. While these types of paralysis can be caused by a tumor, stroke, or disease, trauma suffered from a vehicle accident is actually a major cause of these types of paralysis. If you sustained a brain injury in an accident, then you are at a higher risk of developing paralysis.
The prognosis of a paralysis patient predicts a loss of control on the half or side of the body that the paralysis has impacted. This happens because the part of the brain responsible for muscle movement and control fails or is unable to function as it should due to the trauma. In other instances, a victim’s paralysis could go all the way to their torso.
After an accident, you may not feel any signs of paralysis for days or even weeks. With time, however, you may find that your motor skills are no longer what they used to be, and tremors could start developing in the body. Another symptom of partial paralysis is temporary or permanent numbness.
What’s Expected from Half-Body Paralysis?
Full or temporally paralysis will change your life in different ways. First, you’ll require physical rehabilitation and spend a lot on medical bills. Further, a semi-paralysis victim may also face trouble speaking and, in other cases, their muscles may start to atrophy. Chronic pain is also associated with paralysis, as are mood swings, depression, and even PSTD, all of which are common in accident victims. Finally, a semi-paralysis patient could start having seizures or notice their muscles moving without their control.
Coping with Paralysis
Even when partial paralysis lasts for a short time, it can be both physically and mentally debilitating. We suggest that you meet with a health professional and consider joining a support group for people living in a similar situation. Surgery could also help you deal with the likes of spinal cord damage, muscle contractions, and so on.
You’ll need medication as well, particularly right after the accident. Medications common in paralysis situations include antibiotics because of the injuries you sustained, as well as for the sake of lowering the risks of infection. Your doctor may choose to give you muscle relaxants as well to deal with the pain associated with muscular degeneration.
Finally, you may have to be put on blood thinners. These will reduce your likelihood of having a stroke and will cut down potential blockages in your bloodstream and heart. In short, full or partial paralysis will add many medications to your everyday routine.
Suing for Paralysis – Your Legal Options
It is important to consider the financial consequences of paralysis, especially if you need to pay a full-time caretaker and for when your medical/rehabilitation costs are high.
One thing to keep in mind is that not only can you get support from your health insurer, but you can also seek compensation from the person who led to your accident via a personal injury suit. You may seek settlement for:

Medical therapy and rehabilitation bills
Doctor’s appointments, medication, and costs of transport to health facilities
Medical equipment costs such as a wheelchair or crutches
Time off work and lost income
Pain and suffering
Loss of company or consortium
Loss of enjoyment of life

Whether you choose to seek a settlement from the negligent party’s insurer or in a court of law, you’ll need a competent lawyer by your side. The lawyer working on your case will be tasked with collecting relevant evidence, determining fault, proving the negligence of the defendant, and pursuing your claim for the maximum settlement allowed by law. In most cases, you need to file a claim within two years of the accident, but this time frame may be more or less depending on the nature of your injuries and the by-laws and policies of insurance companies involved in the claim.
Work with Us – Your Local Houston Car Accident Experts
Your insurer and that of the at-fault party are in the business of maximizing profits and will do all they can to discredit you and your claim. Filing a suit by your own is not only daunting in and of itself, but the chances of success for a self-filed claim are minimal.
Regardless of the complexity of your claim, our team of legal experts has the experience and resources you need to successfully file and pursue a paralysis claim on your behalf. Call us today at 713-677-2179 for a free case evaluation and to learn about your legal options.

Question 16

Can I Sue for Loss of Wages Caused by My Houston Car Accident?

Accepted Answer

You’re headed home from work and all of a sudden, a careless motorist crashes into your vehicle. Your car is totally damaged, a vital body part or even an organ no longer works as it did just moments ago, and you are forced to miss work for weeks or even months without pay.
Such an unforeseen circumstance – and the injuries it can bring along with it – can cause significant financial strain on you and your family. The question is, can you seek settlement for your lost income and suffering? Read on below to learn about your legal options.
What Are Lost Wages?
Lost wages in a car accident case refer to the money you could have earned from the time of the accident until the date of judgment or settlement of your case.
To be able to file such a claim, the bodily injuries you sustained in an accident should have resulted directly from the accident and not from a previous or subsequent event. If this is the case, you are allowed to file for damages to recover the lost income you would have earned if you had not missed work while recovering and receiving treatment.
Bear in mind that lost or reduced capacity to earn and lost compensation can both be classified as separate damages since they are different forms of damages. Lost capacity to earn involves disabilities that lead to diminished working capacity while lost wages are wages that are lost based on the most current rate of pay you enjoyed prior to the accident, not to mention other financial benefits such as bonuses and other employment perks that you would have earned had you not suffered an accident.
Submitting a Lost Wages Claim
Below are some of the options open to you for recovering lost wages in a car crash claim:

Request your insurance company to offer compensation
Seek settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company
File a lawsuit against the responsible driver to seek compensation in court

Before submitting a claim for lost wages, it would be best to familiarize yourself with what’s included in your insurance policy since your recovery will mainly depend on the types of available insurance coverage. These generally include:

Bodily injury liability coverage: In case the accident was caused by another driver, you can submit a lost wages claim with their bodily injury coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: In case your accident was caused by a driver who was uninsured or underinsured, your uninsured/underinsured driver cover may offer a certain amount in damages and compensation. For a hit and run accident, you can file for compensation using your uninsured driver coverage
PIP: Texas is a no-fault state. This means that no matter who caused your accident, you can file for lost wages from your insurer up to the limits of your Personal Injury Protection cover

After making a request for compensation to an insurance company, it will need you to:

Undergo an independent medical examination
Submit relevant medical documents
Obtain an employment authorization form - This form allows your employer to give details about the nature of your job and its benefits to the insurance company

Our attorneys recommend that you make a detailed and accurate statement regarding your lost wages, as doing so will enhance the chances of success of your claim. Inaccurate and incomplete supporting documents will only increase the likelihood of a denial of your claim.
Proving Lost Wages
As you submit your claim, be sure to attach the supporting documents below as evidence:

A doctor’s note: Prior to taking time off from work, you should have sustained actual personal injuries. To prove this, you’ll require a doctor’s disability slip or note that mentions the number of days your doctor recommends you take off from work. Include this in your claim application
Paystubs and other wage documents: The easiest and most common way of proving lost wages is by submitting the latest paystubs you received prior to the occurrence of the injury as evidence. In case they’re unavailable, you may submit your tax returns or W-2(s) from the previous year. If you are self-employed, you may submit your tax returns from the previous year or any related documents such as correspondence or invoices to prove the amount of money you would have earned during your recovery period
A letter from your employer: On top of paystubs, you’ll have to submit an employer’s letter to confirm certain details such as the days you were absent from work, your level of pay, and the number of hours you usually work during every pay period

Professional Legal Help Is Just a Call Away
Simply submitting recent paystubs serves as evidence, but it is not enough to collect lost wages. A lost wages claim involves complex legal issues, and the responsible insurer(s) will do their best to avoid making a fair payout to you after your car accident.
We’re ready to work for you to file for and pursue the claim you deserve. Call us today at 713-677-2179 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation with our legal experts to better understand your legal options and learn how much your claim is worth.

Question 17

Am I Able to Make a Diminished Value Claim for a Houston Car Accident?

Accepted Answer

After a car accident in Texas, your conversations with insurers may entail personal injury litigation, vehicle inspections, repair estimates, and repair or replacement coverage of your car. What you probably will not hear the insurer talk about is the diminished value of your vehicle.
What Is Diminished Value and Can You Claim It?
Diminished value is a valid compensation option that you can claim after a collision that leads to damage to your car.
After a car crash, your insurer or that of the at-fault driver will likely offer to compensate you for repair costs. You may be told that you will receive repairs and that your vehicle will be as good as new. Is this true? Unfortunately, it is false. In most cases, the value of a vehicle drops once it has been involved in a crash, and potential buyers typically look at wrecks as a blemish on the automobile’s history. A buyer may argue that the subsequent repairs after an accident altered the vehicle’s original value or even worsened it to some extent.
The diminished value defines the difference between what an automobile was worth prior to an accident and its new worth after repairs. An insurer may try dismissing the diminished value and claim that you can sell your repaired car at a price similar to what you would have been able to demand if the accident had not occurred. This is not always true. Even if repairs are completed perfectly, a damage history could deter buyers and lower market interest in your vehicle. If you need to replace your current vehicle parts with different versions, that too would lead to a lower value of your car.
Types of Diminished Value Claims in Texas
The diminished value of a vehicle after an accident could occur in one of the following ways:

Repair-related diminished value – This is the loss in value that results from an inability to repair your car perfectly. This means that the worth of your automobile is now less than what it was prior to the accident.
Immediate diminished value – This is the difference in the value of reselling of a car before the crash and the value of resale before repairs. This can also be measured as the loss of value resulting from the insurer’s direct involvement in your claim adjustment. This implies that the insurer gains control over incomplete repairs that left your vehicle in a less than optimal condition.
Inherent diminished value – This is the most recognized and accepted type of diminished value. It ensures that the ultimate repair for a vehicle is achieved and is commonly defined by the amount by which a repaired vehicle’s resale value is reduced after a crash. This also acts as the basis upon which a supplemental form or diminished value may be added.

Filing a Claim for Diminished Vehicle Value
If you were not at fault for the accident and what is known as an act of God, such as a fallen tree, did not lead to the damage, you can file for diminished value compensation. To qualify, you’ll need to prove the three points below:

The accident caused your vehicle to lose value
The loss of value can be quantified in monetary terms
The insurance company’s policy allows you diminished value recovery

For filing a successful claim, ensure that all receipts, documents, and estimates on repairs are well kept and documented. Keep notes and receipts for all replacement or new parts installed and note if they are aftermarket components or whether they are from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Auto Appraisals
When you want to know the actual value of your vehicle, an auto appraisal by our lawyers can help ensure you get the best value possible. An auto appraisal takes into account your car’s full history and will give you an expert opinion on the value you can present to potential buyers, insurance companies, banks, and credit unions.
A loss appraisal helps in valuing a business’ car that was involved in an accident and can help in recovering the value of the service of the vehicle to the business. An appraisal will also be helpful if you are looking to donate your vehicle for the purposes of a tax write off.
Total Loss Appraisals
If your car is considered as a “total loss” after a severe auto accident, the responsible insurer could make you an offer that’s less than the actual value of the vehicle. Total loss refers to when the repair cost of a car exceeds its worth. After damages, an insurer may make you a cash value offer for the totaled vehicle less your deductibles on collision or comprehensive coverage. With a total loss appraisal, you will be sure that insurance offers are accurate and that they give you the best value for your damaged vehicle.
Is There Need for a Claims Attorney?
A diminished value claim could lead to hundreds or thousands of dollars added to your Texas insurance settlement agreement. However, proving your claim can be very difficult. Consider working with a skilled Houston car accident lawyer with expertise in diminished value claims to make your recovery process easier and potentially more rewarding. Call us today at 713-677-2179 to initiate the process with a legal expert on your side.

Question 18

What are My Legal Options if Injured in a Water Ski Accident in Houston?

Accepted Answer

If the negligence of another party caused your injuries or damages in a water ski accident, you should file a claim to have them pay for all of the damages you have suffered. Our water ski accident lawyers are ready to help you in this regard and, irrespective of the extent of your injury or the complexities of your claim, we will see to it that you get the compensation you truly deserve.
Most Water Ski Accidents Result from Negligence
While some water ski accidents are beyond control, most are avoidable. Negligence is punishable by law and if you suffer a water ski accident due to any of the following forms of negligence, we can help you pursue a damages claim settlement.

Driver inexperience
Reckless driving
Not evaluating water conditions properly
Intoxicated driving
Product defects
Mechanical problems

Who Can Operate a Water Ski or Personal Watercraft?
In Texas, only individuals who are at least 13 years of age and have passed a boating safety or equivalent exam are legally allowed to operate watercraft. People over the age of 18 are not required to take any tests but should be capable of handling and operating the watercraft.
Reporting a Water/Jet Ski Accident
In case of a watercraft accident, you should report the incident to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, a warden, or any law enforcement officer near you.
Watercraft accidents should only be reported if the damage exceeds $2,000 or if injuries requiring more than basic first aid are involved. However, it is recommended that you report the accident regardless of the damages or extent of injury because not all injuries manifest themselves right away.
Accidents With Other Water Skis
If you were involved in an accident involving another watercraft, we recommend that you seek the necessary medical attention and legal counsel as soon as you can. Talking to an attorney about your accident will help in determining liability and in seeking any financial compensation you may be entitled to.
Since personal watercraft are subject to federal and state laws, litigation involving them can be quite confusing. Insurance companies take this fact to their advantage to undercompensate victims. This makes it that much more important to have a lawyer representing you in a watercraft claim.
Common Water Ski Accident Injuries
Since water skis offer little body protection, accidents involving them can result in serious injuries. Whatever injury you incur due to the negligence of another party, our lawyers will help you pursue compensation. Such injuries may include:

Spinal cord injuries
Neck injuries
Concussions due to hitting the water at high speeds
Brain injuries resulting from collisions
Burns and electrofusion caused by exposed engines
Whiplash after sudden water ski grounding

Proving Fault in a Water Ski Accident
To some extent, water ski and personal watercraft accident claims follow the same protocols as auto accident claims. This means that if you suffered damages from a water ski, the first step taken by our lawyers will be investigating the incident, collecting evidence, and determining fault.
To determine fault, it must be established that the accused party owed you a duty of care which he or she breached. A breach in the duty of care could be in the form of intoxicated and careless driving on the part of a driver, lack of watercraft maintenance on the part of the owner, and faulty equipment on the part of the manufacturer.
Once the person responsible is identified, the exact type and extent of their breach of the duty of care must be established, after which the accident and its resultant damages can be linked to the at-fault party’s negligence.
Contributory Negligence on Water Skis
Texas is one of the states that have implemented the law of comparative fault. What this law states is that if an accident involving two parties occurs, each party’s contribution to the accident is determined, after which damages are appropriated accordingly. What this means is, if another person led you into a water ski accident whose total damages are $10,000 but your actions contributed 20% to the accident, you will only receive 80% of the damages in compensation, or $8,000.
What Are Your Claim Options After a Water Ski Accident?
The responsible party’s insurance company may compensate your water ski accident injuries. In some situations, though, you might need to seek compensation from your personal health insurance provider. This is important if the at-fault party is not insured.
Even though financial settlement may not get you back to the exact place in your life you were before the accident, it will most definitely make recovery from injuries easier and reduce your financial burdens. Our lawyers will help you seek full settlement for:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Inability to earn
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Loss of companionship

Punitive Damages and Wrongful Death Claims
If you feel that the intentional or negligent conduct of a party that led you your water ski accident should not go unpunished, our lawyers will help you file a punitive damage claim. The same applies if the accident led to the wrongful death of a loved one. In this case, filing a claim will focus on winning a settlement for funeral bills, loss of inheritance, and loss of future earnings.
We Are Here to Help! Free Consultations 24/7
Click here to tell us about your accident. We will schedule a free consultation with you to discuss your legal options and from there, aggressively pursue justice for you. Our award-winning lawyers have decades of water-ski accident claims experience and you can count on our promise to deliver positive results. Call now at 713-677-2179.

Question 19

What are my Legal Options if Hit by a Drunk Driver in Houston?

Accepted Answer

In case you are a victim of a car accident where the other motorist was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you can claim compensation and damages for all losses and injuries that arise as a result of the crash. The key factor in such accidents, however, is proving that the party to blame was indeed driving under the influence.
The key factors used to prove impairment from alcohol and drug use include:

Test results that indicate intoxication.
A driver’s erratic behavior at the time of the accident.
A Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level over 0.08%.
Alcohol odor emanating from the drunk driver.
Any alcohol bottles or drug traces in the vehicle that indicate drunk driving.

People and Parties You Can Sue for a Drunk Driving Accident

The driver of the vehicle.
The driver’s employer.
A car owner who knowingly entrusted their vehicle to a drunkard.
Rental car companies who knew the defendant was unfit to handle the car in their condition but still rented the vehicle out to them.
Liquor stores – Note that liability here is based on a liquor seller entrusting a vehicle to the drunk driver, and not selling liquor. In the case of an intoxicated minor, a liquor-selling establishment may be held liable.
Someone who is evidenced to have encouraged the intoxicated driver to drive.

Comparative Fault on Drunk Driving Cases
Not all accidents involving an intoxicated driver are solely caused by the driver. In such cases, comparative negligence law applies. This means that if, for example, a plaintiff was a passenger of a car being driven by a speeding drunk driver and their car was hit by another motorist who ran a red light, the drunk driver may be held 50% responsible for the accident, and the other driver 50% responsible as well, in which cases both have to pay half of the damages owed to the plaintiff.
Insurance Claims are the Best Option Even in Drunk Driving Accidents
The Texas Department of Insurance requires drivers to carry third-party liability cover for injuries, death, and property damage. As a result, before racing to a court of law to file a lawsuit, it would be best if you start by negotiating a settlement with the responsible driver’s insurer.
However, do not accept any settlement too quickly because insurance companies may try to coerce you into accepting a low compensation package. They may even shift the blame of the accident entirely on to you. Avoid signing anything or consenting to a recorded statement before consulting a lawyer. A good lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to see to it that you get the right compensation you deserve.
Filing a Drunk Driving Civil Claim
One factor that makes drunk driving accidents stand out from other forms of accidents is that DUI cases often result in a criminal trial. Although a criminal trial is crucial for getting justice for your case, it does not always lead to monetary compensation. To get the money you deserve to continue living the standard of life you enjoyed before the accident, you should file a civil damages claim on top of all criminal charges.
What You Should Do Immediately After a DUI Accident

Start with safety and seek medical attention if needed.
Exchange contact and insurance details with the driver.
Inform the police.
Try collecting as much evidence as you can via photos, recordings, and eyewitness testimonies.
Get legal help from our team of Houston drunk driving accident experts.

What You Can Claim From a Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving is an act of negligence that brings with it life-altering changes. It is crucial to have the drunk driver who caused your accident to pay for all losses, expenses, and injuries that they caused you to suffer. Financial compensation will not bring back your loved one or may not bring you back to your former level of health, but it will help offset the financial difficulties you may face as you try to cope with life after the accident.
Here are some claims we can help you pursue:

Medical bills – Emergency healthcare costs, prescription costs, intensive care unit bills, special doctor appointments, medical equipment such as a wheelchair, surgery costs, ambulance costs, rehabilitation, therapy, etc.
Income lost during and after the accident. This may include reduced earning capacity.
Mental anguish.
Emotional trauma.
Property damages.
Pain and suffering.
Diminished enjoyment of life.
Loss of companionship.
Loss of benefits in case of death.
Loss of inheritance.
Burial and funeral costs.

Our Car Accident Lawyers Will Handle Your Case – Free Consultation!
If you or your loved one sustained injuries or losses from a crash involving an intoxicated driver, our team of experienced auto accident and injury lawyers are ready to start working on your claim. The lawyer we assign to your case will conduct an expert investigation and will handle evidence collection as well as all negotiations with the responsible insurers to get you your maximum legally-allowed compensation. Click here or call us at 713-677-2179 to get started.

Question 20

Do Texas Department of Transportation Crash Reports Help or Hurt Your Injury Case?

Accepted Answer

According to the Texas Department of Transportation guidelines on accident reporting, any law enforcement officer who, during the regular course of duty investigating a car crash that caused injury or death, should submit a crash report within 10 days. Section 550.062 of the Texas transportation code also requires a report to be submitted to the TxDOT for all investigated crashes that led to property damages of at least $1,000.
If an investigated crash does not involve property damage or injuries, submitting a report on it is not necessary. However, if a victim of the crash dies within 30 days of the accident due to injuries sustained during or as a result of the crash, a supplement ought to be submitted to the TxDOT to indicate fatality and change the injury code to K. The time and date of death should also be added.
Other guidelines for this process are:

If a test result indicating a high BAC is received later, a supplementary report should be submitted
Should an original report be submitted later with complementary information, a supplement report needs to be submitted

What Is Included in a TxDOT Crash Report?
Immediately after a crash, victims are encouraged to call the police and report the case for immediate assistance and support. Doing so can make it easier to determine fault and pursue a damage claim.
Once the police arrive at the scene of the accident, they write an official accident report indicating whether that particular accident led to death, an injury, or at least $1,000 in property damages. A police report, in this case, includes but is not limited to:

Date and time of the accident
The precise location of the crash
Names of witnesses, their contact details, and their recorded statements
An indication of any traffic violations
Indications of driver negligence (if any)
A list of factors that played part in causing the crash

How Will a TxDOT Crash Report Affect Your Claim?
To win an accident claim, you must be in a position to prove negligence or fault on the party that caused the accident. You need solid evidence to prove this, and a TxDOT crash report is one of the most substantial pieces of evidence you can obtain to work with for your case.
Should the report indicate that another party caused the accident that led to injuries, property damage, or the death of a loved one, then you will be in a better position to win your claim.
However, if the TxDOT crash report indicates negligence on your part, your injury case will be significantly affected as proving otherwise can be quite difficult. This may lead to the loss of your right to claim damages and, in unfortunate circumstances, you may be held liable for damages to the other party and may have to pay compensation and damages. Your situation could even worsen if the other party levies punitive damages against you.
Are TxDOT Crash Reports Final?
Fortunately, TxDOT crash reports are not enough to dictate the verdict of guilt or innocence of people involved in a car accident. Police reports on crashes are regularly updated as additional evidence, if any, comes up.  Other forms of evidence that can be used to build your claim case may include:

Reports from crash reconstruction officials
Recordings of a driver admitting to fault
Witness testimonies
Surveillance camera footage
Car dashboard camera recordings
State of the accident scene
Record of the driver’s phone activity

While you can count on a police report to build your case against a negligent road user, a good lawyer will help you challenge the report if it damages your case. This will help you get the justice you deserve. With this, once you get a copy of your police crash report, you should carefully review it to ensure it does not have any inaccuracies or inconsistencies that could negatively affect the soundness of your claim.
How to Obtain a TxDOT Crash Report
Regardless of whether a police crash report indicates that you were at fault or otherwise, it is recommended that you get one so that you can know where to start from with your claim, what additional evidence you should gather to challenge the report or back it up, and narrow down all of your other legal options.
TxDOT crash reports are usually available on the 10th day after an accident and can be obtained online. The Texas Department of Transportation keeps these reports for at least 10 years and you can access them anytime within that time frame.
A standard copy of an investigated and filled TxDOT Crash report costs $6, while a certified copy will cost you $8.
You can search for and buy a copy of a TxDOT crash report here.
The report will include the ID number or badge of the investigating officer, names of motorists involved, the date of the crash, and its location.
We Are Ready to Handle Your Claim
If a TxDOT Crash Report indicates fault on the other driver, then you are lucky, and your chances of winning a claim are higher. In such a case, one of our Houston accident lawyers will help you gather supplementary evidence for a stronger claim and more compensation. However, if the police report identifies you as the guilty party, remember that a single report is not always final. Our lawyers are ready to help you challenge such a report based on a professional investigation of the accident and gathering of all relevant accident evidence.
Start your claim process here. We will review your information and we offer free consultations and professional guidance regarding all of your legal options.

Question 21

What is a TxDOT Crash Report?

Accepted Answer

According to the Texas Department of Transportation guidelines on accident reporting, any law enforcement officer who, during the regular course of duty investigating a car crash that caused injury or death, should submit a crash report within 10 days. Section 550.062 of the Texas transportation code also requires a report to be submitted to the TxDOT for all investigated crashes that led to property damages of at least $1,000.
If an investigated crash does not involve property damage or injuries, submitting a report on it is not necessary. However, if a victim of the crash dies within 30 days of the accident due to injuries sustained during or as a result of the crash, a supplement ought to be submitted to the TxDOT to indicate fatality and change the injury code to K. The time and date of death should also be added.
Other guidelines for this process are:

If a test result indicating a high BAC is received later, a supplementary report should be submitted.
Should an original report be submitted later with complementary information, a supplement report needs to be submitted.

What is Included in a TxDOT Crash Report?
Immediately after a crash, victims are encouraged to call the police and report the case for immediate assistance and support. Doing so can make it easier to determine fault and pursue a damage claim.
Once the police arrive at the scene of the accident, they write an official accident report indicating whether that particular accident led to death, an injury, or at least $1,000 in property damages. A police report, in this case, includes but is not limited to:

Date and time of the accident.
The precise location of the crash.
Names of witnesses, their contact details, and their recorded statements.
An indication of any traffic violations.
Indications of driver negligence (if any).
A list of factors that played part in causing the crash.

How Will a TxDOT Crash Report Affect your Claim?
To win an accident claim, you must be in a position to prove negligence or fault on the party that caused the accident. You need solid evidence to prove this, and a TxDOT crash report is one of the most substantial pieces of evidence you can obtain to work with for your case.
Should the report indicate that another party caused the accident that led to injuries, property damage, or the death of a loved one, then you will be in a better position to win your claim.
However, if the TxDOT crash report indicates negligence on your part, your injury case will be significantly affected as proving otherwise can be quite difficult. This may lead to the loss of your right to claim damages and, in unfortunate circumstances, you may be held liable for damages to the other party and may have to pay compensation and damages. Your situation could even worsen if the other party levies punitive damages against you.
Are TxDOT Crash Reports Final?
Fortunately, TxDOT crash reports are not enough to dictate the verdict of guilt or innocence of people involved in a car accident. Police reports on crashes are regularly updated as additional evidence, if any, comes up.  Other forms of evidence that can be used to build your claim case may include:

Reports from crash reconstruction officials.
Recordings of a driver admitting to fault.
Witness testimonies.
Surveillance camera footage.
Car dashboard camera recordings.
State of the accident scene.
Record of the driver’s phone activity.

While you can count on a police report to build your case against a negligent road user, a good lawyer will help you challenge the report if it damages your case. This will help you get the justice you deserve.  With this, once you get a copy of your police crash report, you should carefully review it to ensure it does not have any inaccuracies or inconsistencies that could negatively affect the soundness of your claim.
How to Obtain a TxDOT Crash Report
Regardless of whether a police crash report indicates that you were at fault or otherwise, it is recommended that you get one so that you can know where to start from with your claim, what additional evidence you should gather to challenge the report or back it up, and narrow down all of your other legal options.
TxDOT crash reports are usually available on the 10th day after an accident and can be obtained online. The Texas Department of Transportation keeps these reports for at least 10 years and you can access them anytime within that time frame.
A standard copy of an investigated and filled TxDOT Crash report costs $6, while a certified copy will cost you $8.
You can search for and buy a copy of a TxDOT crash report here.
The report will include the ID number or badge of the investigating officer, names of motorists involved, the date of the crash, and its location.
We Are Ready to Handle Your Claim
If a TxDOT Crash Report indicates fault on the other driver, then you are lucky, and your chances of winning a claim are higher. In such a case, one of our Houston accident lawyers will help you gather supplementary evidence for a stronger claim and more compensation. However, if the police report identifies you as the guilty party, remember that a single report is not always final. Our lawyers are ready to help you challenge such a report based on a professional investigation of the accident and gathering of all relevant accident evidence.
Start your claim process here. We will review your information and we offer free consultations and professional guidance regarding all of your legal options.

Question 22

What Types of Car Accidents Can I Recover Money from in Houston?

Accepted Answer

If you've been in a car accident in the state of Texas, you might be wondering what types of car accidents you can recover money from. No matter the accident, filing an insurance claim can be a tricky process. Fortunately, you can contact a car accident lawyer to guide you through the process and help you get the highest possible compensation award for your situation.
Types of Accidents
As you can imagine, there are so many different types of accidents that can occur on the road, including:

Rear-end, side impact, or head-on collisions
Hit-and-run accidents
Truck accidents
Uber accidents
Taxi accidents

In the state of Texas, the type of accident you were in has no effect on your ability to seek damages after a car accident. It is the circumstances of the collision that matter most. Our Houston accident lawyers can help you understand the elements of your accident that are the most important to include in your personal injury claim.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Normally, compensation after a car accident comes from the at-fault driver's insurance. If you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident, however, you may be concerned that you won't be able to recover any money from the absent driver. You may not realize that there are actually several options available to you.
First, many hit-and-run drivers are found even after they've fled the scene of the crime. You can help your case by providing the police with any information you have about the other driver. Knowing the make, model, and color of the vehicle that hit you, for example, will make it easier for the authorities to find the driver. If you can take pictures of the scene before the police arrive, this too can provide valuable evidence and help locate the other driver.
If the police cannot find the other driver, you are not necessarily out of luck. Your insurance can compensate you for some of the damage you've suffered. If you've opted to purchase uninsured/underinsured driver insurance with your normal car insurance, then it should be even easier for you to recover money from your policy.
However, remember that insurance companies are in the business of making money – not giving it away. It’s not always so easy to convince them to pay out, even if you were 100% not at fault. An experienced traffic lawyer can take on your insurance company and fight for your case to be heard and for you to be awarded a fair settlement.
Uber Accidents
Chances are, if you’re calling an Uber driver, you’re either running late or you’re already having a tough enough day. Either way, the last thing you need is an accident. Yet, Uber drivers, just like taxi drivers, can still get into an accident while they’re on the job.
Uber’s policy is to cover up to $1 million for any accident its drivers end up in while on the clock. This means they have more than enough insurance coverage to cover most accidents. If you have been involved in an Uber accident, don’t feel shy about filing a claim. You may not want to get the driver in trouble but, let’s face it, you may end up having lifelong pain and suffering because of his or her actions.
If you’re intimidated by the idea of filing suit against an Uber driver, let a Houston car accident lawyer help.
At Fault
The state of Texas has what is called a negligence standard to help courts determine how much money an individual can recover following an accident. What this means is that your level of liability in the accident will affect the amount of damages you can recover for your injuries. If your liability is over 51%, for example, you may not be able to recover any compensation for your injuries.
The way it works is, if your claim is brought to trial in Houston, a jury will explore the evidence to determine how liable each driver is for the accident. If you are found completely free of responsibility, then you should receive the full award of compensation available to you. However, if the jury finds you to be 25% responsible for the accident, any settlement you receive may be cut down to 75% to account for your level of liability.
If you are unsure of how responsible you were for the accident, discussing the facts of the case with a Houston car accident lawyer can be a great first step. Our experienced lawyers can help you understand the factors that affect your liability after a car accident, and we can and will still aim to get you the largest settlement possible.
Were You Involved in a Car Accident in Houston? Call Us!
Whether you've been in a head-on collision or a hit-and-run, you have a limited window of time in which you can file a personal injury claim for your injuries. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the incident to file your claim. Even if the injuries seemed minor at the time of the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.
If you wish to pursue an insurance claim, a Houston car accident lawyer can help you with your case. You can schedule a free initial consultation by using our contact form, or by calling us at 713-677-2179. Don't wait – call today!

Question 23

What Should I Look for When Hiring an Auto Collision Attorney in Houston?

Accepted Answer

If you have been involved in a car accident in the state of Texas, and you are considering hiring an auto collision attorney, you may not know what to do first. And it's tough to go at it alone. For one thing, your insurance company is not going to be putting your interests above their own, no matter how "friendly" they may sound.
A car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for you when your insurance company just won't budge. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about hiring an accident lawyer.
Experience
Not all personal injury claims are the same. The facts and circumstances of your accident will impact the amount of money you can receive, and no two accidents are alike. Because every case is unique, there are many variables that your lawyer will have to account for.
For instance, did your accident involve a bus or a taxi? The laws for accidents in the state of Texas change based on the vehicles involved in the collision. It is important for you to select a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the different laws surrounding traffic accidents.
Competency
When you hire a traffic lawyer, you want to be sure that your case is in the best possible hands. In other words, you want to feel confident that you are hiring someone you can trust. One thing you can look at is the lawyer's educational experience, which is typically listed on his profile on the firm's website.
Something else you'll want to check is how your lawyer performed in other cases. The best way to do this is through reviews left on the firm's website – or other websites, for that matter – from past clients. If you're not satisfied with what you find, you can also reach out to the firm where the lawyer is based for a list of his or her case results.
Remember, how often a lawyer "wins" does not necessarily mean he's a great lawyer. Similarly, just because a disgruntled former client did not get his way in an impossible case and leaves a nasty review for the lawyer does not mean he's terrible at his job.
The best way to determine whether you and your lawyer are a good fit is to make an appointment and sit down and talk to each other. Our team of Houston car accident lawyers will meet with you free of charge and with no obligation to retain. So, if you meet with us, and you don't like what we have to say, you are free to move on to another firm.
Fees
Of course, if you're going to hire a lawyer to handle your case, you need to be prepared to pay the fees associated with that process. While there are some common practices among firms, not every firm handles accident cases in the same way. It is therefore important for you to establish up front what you'll be paying for, and when you'll be expected to pay.
With most car accident cases, the good news is that most lawyers will only collect a fee once they've won your case. This is known as working "on contingency." Lawyers tend to charge, on average, between 30 and 40% of your settlement, but you should read your fee agreement carefully to make sure you understand how much of a fee the firm you hire collects, and when.
Some lawyers, however, expect you to pay for certain expenses up front, such as costs associated with filing documents with the court, or serving paperwork on any interested parties. Other lawyers may just charge you a flat fee, regardless of the outcome of your case.
In certain situations, a lawyer may also agree to a fee schedule with you, wherein you pay a portion of the fee every week or every month. If you're concerned about how to pay the fees associated with your case, a Houston car accident lawyer can discuss those concerns with you and discuss a payment schedule that works for you and your budget.
Hiring an Auto Collision Attorney in Houston, Texas
In the state of Texas, you have plenty of options when you are considering hiring an attorney to help you with your accident claim. There are a number of factors to consider, such as the attorney's experience and education, as well as what exactly you want the attorney to handle. Do you just want the attorney to file the necessary paperwork? Or do you want him or her to pursue litigation? And what is your budget for the services you require?
Our Houston car accident lawyers have everything you're looking for: education, experience, and the willingness to work with clients on a budget. Your initial consultation with one of our knowledgeable lawyers comes with no cost to you and with no obligation to retain our services. Call us at 713-677-2179, or use our contact form and be connected today with the right lawyer for your case!

Question 24

What Does ‘Personal Injury’ Mean?

Accepted Answer

If you've been injured in an accident in the state of Texas, you may be curious as to how the law defines "personal injury". If your injuries are severe enough, you may be justified in pursuing a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim can compensate you for your pain and suffering as the result of the other driver's negligence.
If you, or someone close to you, has suffered a serious injury, it is in your best interest to consider exploring your legal options. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the headaches and paperwork that could stand in the way of your getting the maximum damage award available to you.
Catastrophic Injuries
Personal injury claims can only be filed for catastrophic injuries. Otherwise, everyone would file for minor injuries, and the courts would be inundated with cases, reducing their ability to handle those who need the help most. Permanent disabilities and life-threatening injuries both rise to the level of what the law would define as "catastrophic." Likewise, an injury that requires long-term care to overcome can also be catastrophic under the law.
The following types of injuries are typically severe enough to warrant the filing of a personal injury claim:

Injuries that result in the amputation or permanent disability of a limb
Injuries that impair organ function (e.g., the loss of sight or hearing, or head trauma)
Paralysis

Any accident can potentially cause a catastrophic injury. It's like dropping a mug on the carpet. Sometimes a mug can fall off of a table and not even chip. Other times, the angle at which the mug hits the floor can cause it to shatter into a million pieces.
If you've suffered a catastrophic injury as the result of a car or truck accident, you may be interested in filing a lawsuit – and one of our lawyers can help.
Compensation
When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the medical expenses you've incurred, but that's not all. You can also sue for:

Lost wages
Your potentially impaired ability to earn money in the future
Mental anguish

Additionally, if your injury is the result of negligence you can seek punitive damages. Punitive damages work to punish the responsible party and decrease the chances that they will act similarly in the future. That's right – your lawsuit could end up saving someone else from similar suffering.
Negligence
How much money an individual is entitled to seek for his or her personal injury case is unique to that individual. Everyone's medical expenses and wages are different, as is the impact of the accident on their day-to-day living. This is why many people ultimately turn to an experienced personal injury lawyer for help.
The state of Texas has a negligence standard for personal injury claims. What this means is that if a jury determines you were partially responsible for the accident, they may modify the amount they award to account for your level of liability. If a jury determines your liability to be more than 50 percent, you may not be awarded any compensation whatsoever for your injuries.
This is why you need an experienced Houston traffic lawyer on your side. We can help you present the most comprehensive case possible to ensure no detail is left out. And, if it appears you were at fault for the accident, we can help you clearly convey your side to help set the record straight.
Statute of Limitations
Pain and suffering after an accident can last a lifetime. However, you do not have an unlimited amount of time in which to file a personal injury claim. In the state of Texas, you have two years from the date of your injury to file suit. There are only two exceptions to this rule:

Being a minor at the time of the injury; or
Having an exceptional reason for not knowing when the injury occurred (e.g. an accident with a truck involving a chemical spill that ultimately results in a cancer diagnosis)

The courts are not obligated to help you if you file your personal injury claim late. While suffering from a severe injury can, of course, impair your ability to get things done quickly, the state of Texas has determined that two years gives you the time you need to either file the claim or have someone help you file it. If you need help before time runs out, give our Houston car accident lawyers a call.
Suffering With a Personal Injury? We Can Help!
If your life is in shambles because of a personal injury after a car accident in the state of Texas, you may be entitled to compensation. However, you only have two years from the time of injury to file your claim. Dealing with an insurance company or filing a lawsuit may not be something you want to do right away after suffering a catastrophic injury, but your time is limited.
Fortunately, you don't have to do this alone. A Houston car accident lawyer can review your claim and advise you on how best to proceed. Fill out our contact form, or call us at 713-677-2179 to set up your free initial consultation. You are under no obligation to retain, so what do you have to lose? Give us a call today to get started!

Question 25

What are My Legal Options if Rear-Ended in Houston?

Accepted Answer

In 2017, the state of Texas reported that over 250,000 people were injured in traffic accidents. This includes nearly 15,000 serious crashes that resulted in over 17,500 individuals suffering serious injuries. In Houston alone, there were over 1,000 serious crashes that resulted in nearly 1,300 people suffering serious injuries. This makes Houston the most dangerous city for serious accidents in 2017.
Duty of Care
A driver in the state of Texas is legally at fault for an accident if he or she fails to uphold his or her “duty of care.” Your duty of care refers to the proper maintaining of your vehicle, like getting your oil changes and inspections done on time, as well as your obedience of the local laws and your ability to drive carefully.
Determining Who Is At Fault
In the state of Texas, the concept of who is at fault for a crash is not an either-or proposition. Juries who hear accident cases may assign fault to one driver or the other, or they may assign fault to both parties. Every case has a unique set of circumstances, so you can’t really compare one case to another.
Typically, the driver who rear-ends the other vehicle in a crash is at fault. For example; a driver who causes a rear-end collision because he or she was tailgating is usually at fault for the accident. However, this is not always the case.
If a driver is tailgating and is unable to stop in time to avoid a collision, that driver will be, at least partially, deemed at fault for the accident. A driver who fails to provide enough room for another vehicle to merge can also share in some level of responsibility for the accident.
However, the victim of a rear-end collision may share some of the blame if he or she was negligent in the events leading up to the crash. A distracted driver or even a driver who used his or her brake needlessly can be found at fault for the accident.
Determining fault is perhaps the most important aspect of both personal injury lawsuits and insurance claims. In order to receive compensation for injuries that you sustained, you must be able to prove the other driver held the majority of the liability. This may be more difficult to do without the help of a Houston car accident lawyer.
Negligence in a Rear-End Collision
Ultimately, if you want to file a claim against the other driver, you'll need to be able to prove that the other driver was negligent. A negligent driver is responsible for a car crash because of his or her reckless behavior behind the wheel. For example; a distracted driver who was paying more attention to his cell phone than the road would probably be found negligent, and therefore liable for the crash – so too would an intoxicated driver.
A victim of the crash can be found negligent as well. For instance, a driver who is pulling out of a parking space may be found negligent if he or she failed to gauge the speed of oncoming traffic before proceeding to reverse. Similarly, changing lanes and braking can lead to negligence – it’s all in how it’s done. And, of course, speeding is typically considered negligent behavior as well.
Remember, the severity of the injuries suffered by either party is not what determines negligence. Just because one party has more severe injuries does not mean the other party is entirely at fault or was driving negligently. It is the behavior of both parties before the crash that determines the percentage of liability the parties share.
Have You Been in a Rear-End Collision in Houston? We Can Help!
Trying to navigate a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim by yourself can be harrowing. If you have suffered injuries or damages as the result of a rear-end collision, you may feel like you are unable to complete the process by yourself. You may feel intimidated by the insurance company, or the lawyers on the other side. If that’s the case, then you need a strong lawyer by your side to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you are considering your legal options after a rear-end accident, your best option is to talk to a Houston car accident lawyer. Simply fill out this contact form, or call our firm at 713-677-2179 to get the ball rolling. There's no obligation to retain one of our experienced attorneys, and the initial consultation is free. Don't wait for the other side to get the upper hand – reach out to us today!

Question 26

How Can I Get a Copy of My Car Accident Report in Houston, Texas?

Accepted Answer

If you have recently been in a car accident in Houston, Texas, you must get a copy of your car accident report, also known as a crash report. This car accident report is important documentation that you can use in support of everything from your insurance claim to your lawsuit, should you choose to file one. Plus, it's good to just have a copy for your own records in case you ever need it in the future.
If you aren't sure how to go about securing a copy of your car accident report, a Houston car accident lawyer can help.
Requirements For a Car Accident Report
In the state of Texas, a police officer must file an accident report any time they respond to a call involving a car accident where a person was injured or killed, or if vehicle damage exceeds $1,000. This report is called the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report, or CR-3, and the officer has 10 days to file it from the date of the accident.
Once the officer files the report, you can request a copy of it. To receive the report, you must pay a fee of $6, or $8 if you want a certified copy. A certified copy is often required for legal proceedings, so it's worth it to pay the extra $2 so you don't have to worry about paying another $8 later when you've already paid $6 for the initial report.
Receiving The Car Accident Report
To receive the report, you can submit one or more of the following pieces of information:

Your name
The date of the crash
The county and/or city in which the crash occurred

If you want to order the crash report by mail, you will need to complete the Request for Peace Officer’s Crash Report (also known as the CR-91) and include it with your payment to the address listed on the CR-91.
You can order a copy online, but be warned: it costs $7.50, and the report is redacted to keep the privacy of the parties involved. If you want an unedited copy, then you will have to either request the report by mail or in person from the HPD Records Division, located at 1200 Travis St., Houston, TX 77002.
Blue Forms
In certain cases, police officers are either not required to complete a crash report, or they decline to do so. If your case is one of these, you can use a "blue form," or the Texas Department of Transportation’s CR-2, to tell your story.
It used to be that drivers in the state of Texas were required to fill out a CR-2 for the same reasons as a police officer (vehicle damage over $1,000, or an injured or killed party). However, the legislation changed in September of 2017, and while it's no longer a requirement, it's a good idea to fill out one of these anyway if the police officer who responded to your accident does not.
However, and this is to be expected, the blue form is not the same as a crash report when it comes to having any legal authority. It is simply the account of an involved party in the accident. Anyone can say whatever they want on a blue form. However, documentation is still important, and it's better to have a written statement on a blue form than no statement at all.
A Houston car accident lawyer can help you fill out the blue form so that it is as accurate as possible. Plus, you will have the legal muscle of a lawyer behind you, helping you fill it out, which a court will think more highly of than your simply filling it out on your own.
Thinking of Filing a Lawsuit Using Your Car Accident Report? We Can Help!
If you have been in an accident in Houston, Texas, it is crucial for you to get a copy of your car accident report if you're thinking about filing a lawsuit against the other driver. Your accident report contains the necessary details that mean the difference between a jury finding you or the other driver liable for the accident.
Consider hiring a Houston car accident lawyer to help you handle your case. When you hire a lawyer to represent you, you can enjoy the benefits of having someone else fight so you don't have to. A lawyer can also employ the necessary experts to prove that what you're saying is true, and that you deserve fair compensation. If you're interested in speaking with one of the lawyers on our team, fill out our contact form, or give us a call at 713-677-2179 and let's get started!

Question 27

Can I Sue for Mental Anguish From a Car Accident in Houston?

Accepted Answer

If you've been involved in a car accident in Houston, you may be able to sue for mental anguish as part of your personal injury claim. You may be aware that you can sue for economic damages, such as your medical and repair bills and lost wages. However, you may not know that you can also sue for non-economic damages, as well.
A Houston car accident lawyer can help you understand the sorts of damages you can claim after an accident. One of our knowledgeable lawyers can assist you in including both economic and non-economic damages in your claim. Call us today and put your case in an expert’s hands.
Understanding Mental Anguish
The term “mental anguish” can refer to any mental trauma you suffer as the result of someone else's negligence. This can include grief, depression, or any other severe, negative emotions. Importantly, this trauma must have a substantial impact on your ability to live your everyday life for it to qualify as mental anguish.
Types of Mental Anguish
When it comes to filing a claim for mental anguish, you do need to have a physical injury to accompany it. You can suffer mental anguish simply from viewing a particularly horrific car accident that resulted in the wrongful death of someone you love.
If you suffered a horrific injury as the result of a car accident, you may experience enough mental anguish to receive additional compensation as a part of your damages claim. For example; if you suffered a broken leg as part of the accident, the sight of your own bones might be disturbing enough for you to suffer mental anguish.
Proving Mental Anguish
Mental anguish as the result of a car accident can be a difficult thing to prove. It's not enough to simply say that you've suffered mental trauma because of a crash. You need to be able to prove your suffering to a jury with a significant amount of evidence to back up your claim.
One of the best ways to prove your mental anguish is through the testimony of others. A physician or psychiatrist can explain to a jury the symptoms of mental trauma you've been demonstrating. There’s nothing quite like an expert to prove your claim is legitimate. Of course, a friend or loved one can also paint a picture for the jury of how your life has changed as a result of your suffering.
In the state of Texas, there is no set formula in place that courts use to determine how much compensation you can receive for mental anguish. Instead, the court awards damages based on how serious your suffering is and the proof you are able to provide. A Houston personal injury lawyer can help you gather all of the relevant evidence to help you get the fair compensation you deserve.
Compensation Caps
Several states, of which Texas is one, have placed what they call “compensation caps” on the award they can offer for non-economic damages like mental anguish. The purpose of a compensation cap is to prevent people from filing frivolous lawsuits, thinking they’re going to make a lot of money by claiming damages they are not actually suffering.
Of course, compensation caps have come under a lot of scrutiny from those who deserve more of an award, as well as their lawyers who are fighting for them. Sometimes, a cap of $75,000 isn’t enough to cover what could be lifelong medical bills as the result of another driver’s negligence. A Houston car accident lawyer can help you understand that caps that may apply to your case so you don’t have any surprises going in.
If You're Suffering From Mental Anguish, Help Is Only a Phone Call Away!
You have the right to receive compensation after a car accident if you've suffered mental anguish. Mental anguish can occur in connection with an injury sustained during a car accident, or as the result of witnessing a loved one's wrongful death. However, proving that you suffered mental trauma can be difficult. Your ability to show the extent of your damages typically determines how much compensation you will receive.
The good news is that you don't have to handle your case by yourself. Hiring a Houston personal injury lawyer is your first step in ensuring you receive fair compensation after all you’ve been through. Our lawyers offer a free initial consultation with no obligation to retain us. Give us a call us at 713-677-2179, or fill out our contact form, and let’s get started!

Question 28

Who is Responsible in an Uber Accident?

Accepted Answer

From a legal standpoint, an Uber accident is just a regular accident. The only difference is that, in an Uber accident, at least one of the vehicles involved in the accident is an Uber service vehicle. Being an Uber driver does not change culpability in the event of an accident, but it does affect the payout in case an Uber driver is found to be at fault. This, in turn, has significant impacts on both Uber drivers as well as passengers, and even pedestrians who happen to suffer injuries as the result of the accident.
Uber and other ridesharing companies consider themselves to be nothing more than service providers that connect customers with drivers. They do not see themselves as responsible for their drivers, and instead consider the drivers to be independent contractors and not employees. Accidents, however, can be serious, even fatal, and due to previous legal precedents, there are clear guidelines in place that determine culpability for insurance coverage in the case of an Uber accident.
An Accident with an Uber Driver
If your car has sustained damage or you have suffered an injury due to an accident where an Uber driver was at fault, then you can claim damages from the driver. This would typically be the responsibility of the personal insurance provider of the driver. Uber requires all its drivers to maintain the minimum level of insurance mandated by the state. Here are Texas state driver insurance requirements. Furthermore, Uber provides liability cover up to $1 million for its drivers.
Uber Liability in an Accident
Here are Uber driver insurance policies. In summary, Uber only insures its drivers under specific scenarios.

If the Uber driver is not logged into the app at the time of an accident, Uber will not provide insurance coverage for accidents or injuries that result from the accident.
If the Uber driver is logged in but is waiting for a rider or is en route to pick up a customer, then Uber provides liability coverage for accidents that are the fault of the driver up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident, and $100,000 total injury liability per accident. $25,000 in property damage liability is also covered by Uber.
Uber will only provide coverage up to the full amount of $1 million if an Uber driver has picked up his or her ride and then has an accident.

Uber Driver Insurance & Passenger Claims
Being an Uber driver puts the driver in an exception clause. Some insurance companies now have specialized ridesharing coverage plans that help address these exceptions.
If you are a passenger in an Uber vehicle which is not at fault for an accident, you will claim damages from the driver at fault. If the offending party has no insurance coverage, then Uber will pay for your personal injury.
If an Uber passenger or pedestrian bystander is injured in an accident in which an Uber driver is at fault, then the injured party can claim damages directly from the Uber driver (which will be forwarded to the personal insurance provider of the driver for resolution). Only if the driver’s personal coverage does not cover injury costs and damages will Uber pay remaining coverage and damage costs for the driver, but only up to the above-mentioned maximum of $1 million.
Additional information can be found in Uber’s insurance support guide.
Pedestrian Claims & Uber Drivers
If you are a pedestrian and have been injured by an Uber driver, then you have to seek damages from the driver’s insurance provider. Here are additional details on pedestrian accidents in Houston. Such accidents play out like any standard accident claim, except for situations in which Uber is held accountable for the accident. This scenario can only happen if the Uber driver is logged into the app and is either en route to his or her customer or has a passenger in the vehicle already. In all other cases, you will not be able to file a claim with Uber.
If the driver has insufficient insurance or doesn’t have coverage at all, then Uber will provide cover, but only in scenarios wherein coverage by Uber is justified.
Key Takeaways for Uber Accident Liability
As a passenger or pedestrian, your rights are protected, and claiming damages in the event of an accident or injury is a matter of determining fault. Being involved in an accident with an Uber driver only means that Uber may pay out insurance when the driver’s coverage has been exhausted and Uber is liable for the accident because it occurred when the driver was logged into the Uber app, was en route to a customer, or had a customer in the car when the accident took place.
If you happen to suffer personal, vehicular, or property damages from an accident, it is always a good idea to jot down as much information as possible. Take photos and record other relevant data points so that you can assist police and investigative agencies in determining liability for the accident. Here are details on what to do in case of an accident. Doing these things are especially important for situations in which pedestrian bystanders are injured in an accident. A police report can go a long way in determining culpability for the accident.
An experienced accident and injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities involved with claims and culpability in the event of an Uber accident. If you have suffered from or in an accident and are looking for a legal expert on car accidents in the Houston area, contact us today for a free consultation at 713-677-2159 so that you are paid the damages you are entitled to.

Question 29

Who is Responsible for Repairs After a Car Accident?

Accepted Answer

Culpability for damages and repairs in the event of a car accident is largely dependent on who is determined to have been at fault for the accident. If you are definitely not at fault for the accident, then the other driver is liable to pay for any damages and injury to you, your car, and any additional items or property that were on you when the accident occurred. This includes any personal belongings that were in the car when the accident occurred:

Electronics
Eyewear
Clothing
Sports equipment

Determining culpability is not always easy. For example, in cases wherein a vehicle is rear-end car accident, the standard rule is that the vehicle that hits the other vehicle from behind is responsible for the accident. In other scenarios, however, it may not always be clear as to who is at for for an auto accident. In such cases, it is not uncommon to have an on-site police officer arrive at the scene and issue a report as to who was responsible for the car accident.
Liability Coverage Under the Culpable Party’s Insurance
If case the insurance company of the person at fault for the accident accepts fault, then they would be liable to pay you for damages. Except for hit and run accidents, this is the most commonly used mechanism whereby you simply deal with the other motorist’s insurance provider and are entitled to payment for injuries and damages and to have your car repaired and/or sent to an approved garage for repair at the insurer’s expense.  Unfortunately, this may take a few weeks to get sorted out, as insurance companies conduct strict due diligence before making payouts.
Auto Accident Coverage Under Your Insurance
To speed things, and even for scenarios in which culpability for the accident has not yet been determined, it is best to put in an accident claim with the insurance provider you have signed up with. You should do so not just for car damage but for bodily injuries sustained as well, if any. Most full collision coverage plans generally come with a deductible for such cases. This deductible can be reimbursed by the other driver’s insurance company once culpability is determined and you will be reimbursed.
You may also be eligible for rental reimbursement while your car is being repaired. If you do not have such a provision in your own policy, you may be able to seek this reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company that is paying for damages.
Uninsured Motorists and Insurance Coverage
If the individual responsible for the accident is uninsured, then many insurance policies provide coverage for uninsured motorists, and you may use this coverage under such circumstances. There will likely be a deductible (also known as an excess) that you will be required to pay, but the remainder of repairs will then be completed by your insurance provider.
Getting Your Car to The Body Shop
If Your Car Can be Driven
If, after an accident, your car is drivable, and the accident is not your fault, then contact the insurance company of the other driver to ask for an estimated cost for the repair of your car. Depending on the insurance company, they may ask you to provide three quotations for repair, and they will then select the lowest quote you provide. Sometimes, an insurance company may have a dedicated estimator for your area, and you will have to drive your car to them for an estimate for repairs.
If the repair shop of your choice is not convinced that the quote that the insurance company provided is sufficient for repairs, have them contact the insurance company. Take a deep breath! The culpable party’s insurance company will, at the end of the day, have your car repaired, but they will try to get the lowest possible quote that will repair your car to a roadworthy state again.
If Your Car Cannot be Driven
If your car must be towed for repairs, then ensure that you find an auto repair shop of your choice reasonably soon, as most storage lots require a fee to be paid for however long your vehicle remains in storage. The towing fee itself may be covered under your own insurance and can be reimbursed later when the other driver’s insurance pays out.
If Your Car Is Written Off
If your car is damaged to a point that the cost of repair is higher than the worth of the car’s sale price before the accident, then your insurance company can offer you the lower sum of the two. This is then considered to be a case that has been written off.
Legal Representation for Claiming Your Damages
If you find yourself in a particularly complicated situation, short of time and in urgent need of help, or simply need to be sure that you get what you are truly due, then call or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. We will help you navigate everything related to claims, repairs, and coverage, and get you back on the road in no time. If you have suffered from or in an accident and are looking for a legal expert on car accidents in the Houston area, call us today for a free consultation at 713-677-2159 so that you are paid the damages to which you are entitled.

Question 30

Who is Responsible in an Uber Accident?

Accepted Answer

From a legal standpoint, an Uber accident is just a regular accident. The only difference is that, in an Uber accident, at least one of the vehicles involved in the accident is an Uber service vehicle. Being an Uber driver does not change culpability in the event of an accident, but it does affect the payout in case an Uber driver is found to be at fault. This, in turn, has significant impacts on both Uber drivers as well as passengers, and even pedestrians who happen to suffer injuries as the result of the accident.
Uber and other ridesharing companies consider themselves to be nothing more than service providers that connect customers with drivers. They do not see themselves as responsible for their drivers, and instead consider the drivers to be independent contractors and not employees. Accidents, however, can be serious, even fatal, and due to previous legal precedents, there are clear guidelines in place that determine culpability for insurance coverage in the case of an Uber accident.
An Accident with an Uber Driver
If your car has sustained damage or you have suffered an injury due to an accident where an Uber driver was at fault, then you can claim damages from the driver. This would typically be the responsibility of the personal insurance provider of the driver. Uber requires all its drivers to maintain the minimum level of insurance mandated by the state. Here are Texas state driver insurance requirements. Furthermore, Uber provides liability cover up to $1 million for its drivers.
Uber Liability in an Accident
Here are Uber driver insurance policies. In summary, Uber only insures its drivers under specific scenarios.

If the Uber driver is not logged into the app at the time of an accident, Uber will not provide insurance coverage for accidents or injuries that result from the accident.
If the Uber driver is logged in but is waiting for a rider or is en route to pick up a customer, then Uber provides liability coverage for accidents that are the fault of the driver up to $50,000 per person injured in the accident, and $100,000 total injury liability per accident. $25,000 in property damage liability is also covered by Uber.
Uber will only provide coverage up to the full amount of $1 million if an Uber driver has picked up his or her ride and then has an accident.

Uber Driver Insurance & Passenger Claims
Being an Uber driver puts the driver in an exception clause. Some insurance companies now have specialized ridesharing coverage plans that help address these exceptions.
If you are a passenger in an Uber vehicle which is not at fault for an accident, you will claim damages from the driver at fault. If the offending party has no insurance coverage, then Uber will pay for your personal injury.
If an Uber passenger or pedestrian bystander is injured in an accident in which an Uber driver is at fault, then the injured party can claim damages directly from the Uber driver (which will be forwarded to the personal insurance provider of the driver for resolution). Only if the driver’s personal coverage does not cover injury costs and damages will Uber pay remaining coverage and damage costs for the driver, but only up to the above-mentioned maximum of $1 million.
Additional information can be found in Uber’s insurance support guide.
Pedestrian Claims & Uber Drivers
If you are a pedestrian and have been injured by an Uber driver, then you have to seek damages from the driver’s insurance provider. Here are additional details on pedestrian accidents in Houston. Such accidents play out like any standard accident claim, except for situations in which Uber is held accountable for the accident. This scenario can only happen if the Uber driver is logged into the app and is either en route to his or her customer or has a passenger in the vehicle already. In all other cases, you will not be able to file a claim with Uber.
If the driver has insufficient insurance or doesn’t have coverage at all, then Uber will provide cover, but only in scenarios wherein coverage by Uber is justified.
Key Takeaways for Uber Accident Liability
As a passenger or pedestrian, your rights are protected, and claiming damages in the event of an accident or injury is a matter of determining fault. Being involved in an accident with an Uber driver only means that Uber may pay out insurance when the driver’s coverage has been exhausted and Uber is liable for the accident because it occurred when the driver was logged into the Uber app, was en route to a customer, or had a customer in the car when the accident took place.
If you happen to suffer personal, vehicular, or property damages from an accident, it is always a good idea to jot down as much information as possible. Take photos and record other relevant data points so that you can assist police and investigative agencies in determining liability for the accident. Here are details on what to do in case of an accident. Doing these things are especially important for situations in which pedestrian bystanders are injured in an accident. A police report can go a long way in determining culpability for the accident.
An experienced accident and injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities involved with claims and culpability in the event of an Uber accident. If you have suffered from or in an accident and are looking for a legal expert on car accidents in the Houston area, contact us today for a free consultation at 713-677-2159 so that you are paid the damages you are entitled to.

Question 31

What Are The 10 Things I Should Do Following A Car Accident In Houston, TX?

Accepted Answer

After a car accident in Houston, TX, you may be a bit confused about what you should do. Some things you must do according to law, but others things you will need to do in order to protect your right. Here's a list of ten things to make sure you do after a car accident.
1.  Call 9-1-1
The first thing you need to do is call 9-1-1. If anybody is injured, make sure you tell the operator to send an EMS. You should also stay on the line until the police arrive at the scene. By calling the police, you ensure an accident report will be filed, which will protect you later if you need to file a claim.
2.  Attend to any Injuries
If anybody is injured and you can offer help, you need to. Check on those in the other vehicles, if possible and help in any way you can until the EMS arrives on the scene.
3.  Seek Medical Attention
Even if you "feel fine' you need to seek medical attention. Sometimes you won't feel the injury until later because of the adrenaline rush you experience immediately after the accident.  
4.  Never Admit Fault
It's not your job to admit you were at fault for the accident. Let the police do their job and investigate what happened. They will put together their report and decide which driver was at fault. Even if the police report states you are the one to blame for the accident, an attorney may be able to dispute this claim.
5.  Take Pictures
Nearly every cell phone comes with a camera and pictures are an easy way to prove what happened. If you are capable of taking any pictures of the scene of the accident, take as many as you can. This will help you when you file a claim.
6.  Gather Information
You need contact information for any witnesses, along with instructions for obtaining a police report. This will help you if you do file a claim. Even a minor accident could result in major consequences and the more information you have, the better case your attorney can put together for you.
7.  Cooperate with the Police
When the police arrive, answer all of their questions truthfully and give them your full cooperation. If you lie to the police, it could hurt your case and make it harder to prove you were not at fault later.
8.  Exchange Information with All the Parties Involved
You need to exchange insurance information, along with contact information with all the drivers and passengers involved in the accident.  
9.  Never Leave the Scene of the Accident
Wait for the police to give you permission to leave the scene, unless the ambulance takes you to the hospital. It's illegal to leave the scene of an accident without first exchanging information with all others involved and it's always safer to wait for the police to dismiss you.
10.  Contact a Houston Car Accident Attorney
Once you've been treated for your injuries, the final step you need to take is contacting an attorney. They can advise you from this point and ensure you don't make a mistake that works in the insurance company’s' favor.

Question 32

Am I Liable If I Loaned My Car to a Friend and They Were Involved in a Car Accident in Houston?

Accepted Answer

This question cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no", since most car accidents are unique from each other. Establishing fault will play a key factor in this type of case. If your friend caused the accident, you may be responsible for the damages and injuries caused. Your insurance policy covers the vehicle even if you are not driving it and since the policy is in your name, you are responsible for the accident the vehicle was involved in.
However, if the other driver caused the accident, you may not be liable for any damages. In this case, if your friend sustained injuries, both you and your friend need to seek legal counsel. You may need to file a claim to recover the damages to your vehicle and compensation for the injuries your friend sustained.
Car accidents can cause very serious injuries and even if your friend was injured while driving your vehicle, if they were not to blame for the accident, they deserve compensation for their injuries. You, also, deserve compensation for the damage done to your vehicle and since it's not illegal to allow someone else to drive your vehicle, as long as it's insured, a Houston accident attorney can help you gain full compensation for all damages.
Due to many variables, however, this type of case can be very tricky. The other driver could be drunk, uninsured, considered a distracted driver, driving a company vehicle or a number of other possibilities. All the different variables will have some bearing on whether or not you become responsible for the damage caused, but in most cases, you won't be responsible for more than the property damage.
Another variable that could make a different is whether your friend has current car insurance or not. If their carry current insurance, in some cases, it will cover the damages if they are found at fault for the accident. It all depends on the type of policy and how the accident really happened. Check with your insurance company before you decide to loan your car to any of your friends.
If you loan your car to someone else and they are involved in an accident, you need to seek legal counsel. This will help to clear up any questions you may have. Some cases will be very "cut and dry", whereas others may not. Either way, the insurance companies will use everything they can to their advantage, but with the help of an attorney, you will be protected.
The last thing you want to do is find out you signed some type of document with the insurance company you shouldn't have signed. Always consult with an attorney before signing any type of legal document with the insurance company. This will help to ensure you only pay for what you are responsible for and you gain compensation if the driver that hit your vehicle was at fault.

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