Any simple errand or task that requires you to drive on any road on our busy Houston streets could potentially lead to a serious car wreck. Even a moment of recklessness or negligence on the road can put other drivers at risk and cause avoidable accidents.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, our highly rated Houston car accident lawyers can help guide you through this confusing and stressful event.
The Many Causes of Houston Car Accidents
Speeding, driving aggressively, and failing to obey traffic signs are common causes of car accidents. Running red lights in particular can cause serious damage if there is a collision. Taking a turn too quickly can cause rollovers, particularly in SUVs. Also, given the prevalence of highways crisscrossing the state, many serious crashes are caused by people not going fast enough or slowing down suddenly when driving in the left lane of a freeway. Additionally, with the ever-increasing presence of cell phones in people’s lives, accidents caused by someone texting or otherwise using their smartphone while driving has increased dramatically. Driving after drinking or using drugs is also an all too common reason for a car crash.
Besides these common causes of accidents, drivers are increasingly using ordinary roadways for street races or drag races, even though it puts them and other motorists at a greater risk for injury or death. Many of those killed in street racing accidents are other motorists or pedestrians who are slammed into by street racers going well over 100 miles per hour. With the capability to drive hundreds of miles per hour, street racers or high speed chases can cause catastrophic damage in a Houston car accident.
No matter the cause, an auto collision can lead to a wide number of injuries, including minor abrasions, neck and back injuries, and even paralysis. Facing these issues could cause victims and their families to be placed under the heavy financial burdens associated with the cost of medical bills, prescription medications, physical therapy, and/or specialized equipment. Severe injuries could require months or years of recovery and thus lost wages, the ongoing cost of equipment such as wheelchairs that must be maintained, and other expenditures.
People often turn to their auto insurance carrier for financial compensation after a car accident. While an insurer may offer a settlement that seems like a good deal, it is important to ensure the amount fully compensates all current and future costs accrued as a result of injuries sustained. Texas is a “fault” state, meaning the driver found to be at fault in a car accident is responsible for paying the medical costs and property damage repair costs for all cars involved. While drivers are legally required to carry insurance to help pay these damages, policy values often prove insufficient to cover the cost of damages in serious accidents; drivers can even find themselves paying out of pocket in some scenarios. Navigating insurance coverage and negotiating with the adjusters can be a daunting process, especially when someone is trying to recover from serious injuries.
Whenever there is a car accident, the negligent party should be held accountable for the resulting damages. The aid of an attorney when looking to recover costs after a wreck can be invaluable asset in determining what party or parties are responsible for the incident and resulting damage. Our personal injury trial team gathers and examines evidence to determine if another driver was at fault or if the crash might be due to the negligence of someone else – like the car manufacturer or city for not properly maintaining the roads. We also explain the insurance process to victims and determine if further legal action needs to be taken.
Houston Car Accident Lawyers Frequently Asked Questions
When should you get a lawyer for a car wreck?
The sooner you are able to speak to a lawyer after your car accident, the better. Your lawyer will be able to speak to the insurance agency for the other car involved, hire experts to preserve evidence from the scene of the accident, and represent your interests as you recover from your car accident injuries. Even if your injuries may seem minor at first, many severe injuries present symptoms hours to days after a car accident occurs. This may mean multiple trips to doctors for treatment. Getting a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident is the best way to ensure your damages will be fully compensated.
Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?
It is absolutely worth getting an attorney for a car accident, particularly if the accident was serious and you have suffered painful, extensive, or permanent injuries. A car accident attorney can protect you from the aggressive behavior of insurance companies and will fight for your best interests. If the insurance company tries to deny your claim, an attorney will be able to help you file a lawsuit to obtain the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How is pain and suffering calculated in a car accident?
In Texas courts, a judge and/or jury decide how to assign damages for pain and suffering. This may include the severity of the victim’s pain, how long the pain persists, and how badly the accident has affected the victim’s life. The judge and/or jury will also take into consideration if the victim’s quality of life has changed drastically and if they remain able to lead a healthy, normal life. The victim may be owed economic or non-economic damages and the trier of fact will assign a monetary value to those damages.
How does insurance work after a car accident?
After a car accident, you should exchange car insurance information with the drivers of the other vehicles involved in the crash. Once you are home, contact the insurance company of the person who hit your vehicle to report the accident. Have your contact information, police report information, and car insurance information ready. They will ask for your side of the story and for all medical bills and other related costs. Remember, the insurance company will try to underpay you for your damages. They will use confusing and sneaky tactics to try to get you to admit to things you did not do or to make you admit your injuries are “not a big deal” so they do not have to pay you.
How can a car accident lawyer help?
Many insurance companies will try to give you the runaround when paying compensation for medical bills, lost wages, damage to your vehicle, and pain and suffering. Insurers will do everything to try and underpay or deny your claim. An experienced car accident lawyer on your side will fight for your rights as a victim and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
What should I do after a car accident?
First, seek medical attention immediately – even if you do not feel as though you are injured. Many car accident injuries seem minor until a few days after the crash. Then, severe pain can set in after the adrenaline and shock of the experience wear off. You could have traumatic injuries that require treatment. After seeking medical help, if you are able to, take photos and video of the car accident scene as documentation for your claim. Don’t forget to get the contact and insurance information for the drivers of any other vehicles involved in the car accident.
What is a reasonable settlement for car accident?
Every car accident is different and the severity of each victim’s injury can vary greatly, making it almost impossible to determine what an average or reasonable Texas car accident settlement should be. Settlement amounts are typically calculated based on the value of all damages that occurred as a result of the crash.
Common types of damages used to calculate a car accident settlement include:
Ambulance transport
Medical treatment
Hospital stays
Medical testing
Surgery costs
Medications
Physical therapy
Assistive devices
Lost wages and benefits
Personal property damage
Emotional trauma
Pain and suffering
The settlement value may also reflect any future lost income or ongoing medical treatment. If permanently injured or disabled as a result of a car accident, that must also be included in the settlement determination.
Houston Car Accident Lawyers | Adame Garza LLP
You may not be certain how much time or money you will actually need to recover from your wreck, or if your insurance company is fully compensating you. The experienced Houston car accident lawyers at Adame Garza LLP can analyze the details of your situation and determine the best course of action. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck, our team of lawyers can put your mind at ease. We have helped hundreds of car accident victims across Houston, and we can guide you through every step of seeking compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.