Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Have you recently been injured in a car accident in Houston, Texas? You may be entitled to significant compensation if someone else is responsible for the wreck. The Houston car accident lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers can help you recover substantial damages for your medical expenses, loss of income, and suffering.
Led by a Board Certified civil trial specialist, our car accident lawyers in Houston are known for getting top results for crash victims and their families. We stand up to insurance companies and defendants with deep pockets every day, winning millions in life-changing compensation in the process on behalf of our clients.
We have recovered tens of millions for injured victims of car accidents, Houston motorcycle injuries, Houston truck accident injuries, slip and fall cases, wrongful death claims, brain injury cases, and more. Our results speak for themselves.
Contact our Houston law offices, with three convenient locations in Houston, give us call at (713) 500-5000 to schedule your free consultation now.
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How a Houston Car Accident Lawyer at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Houston
Getting into a Houston car accident has the potential to change the course of your life forever. Whether the ripple effects are small or large, it is important to demand accountability from those at fault. That’s where the Houston personal injury lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
We’ve been fierce advocates for Houston car accident victims and families throughout the greater Houston metro area for decades.
Founding attorney Brian White is Board Certified in civil trial law, something that only 3% of attorneys in Texas can say.
More importantly, we have a proven track record of winning. Our skilled Houston legal team has won tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients.
Each client we represent benefits from a dedicated, detailed approach to their case that involves:
- Handling each step of the personal injury claims process from start to finish
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the car crash to gather evidence, determine causation, and establish liability
- Working closely with respected car accident experts and professionals to better understand the more technical or complicated aspects of a collision and/or injuries
- Leading all conversations and negotiations with insurance adjusters, third parties, and defendants
- Considering all potential avenues for financial recovery, from insurance claims to lawsuits to workers’ compensation benefits and beyond
- Preparing a strong case that allows us to negotiate fair and favorable terms in a settlement
- Having an award-winning Houston trial attorney bring the case before a judge and jury, if necessary.
You got injured because of someone else’s negligence. Let our Houston car accident attorneys hold them accountable. Get a Houston car accident team of lawyers with 45+ years of experience in your corner. We’re here for you when you need us most. Contact us to arrange a free case evaluation.
Why Should I Hire a Houston Car Accident Attorney Near Me?
Here’s why:
Insurance companies don’t want you to hire a car accident lawyer. Adjusters want to keep the odds stacked in their favor. They are notorious for making lowball offers and expecting you to take it. They know the claims process – you probably don’t. A Houston accident lawyer can take away any advantage they might have had.
You’re more likely to win and walk away with more money. People who have a Houston car accident lawyer on their side tend to win their cases more often than those who don’t. The amount of money you can recover is also typically higher.
You’ll have someone to protect you when the negligent driver starts to blame you. Whoever’s responsible for the crash probably won’t be quick to accept responsibility. A common strategy is to point fingers and blame the victim. An attorney can stop these tactics from working or limit how much damage the blame game can do to your case.
You can’t know what happened without an investigation. Sure, the insurance company will investigate the crash. However, they are looking for information to help them limit how much they have to pay out. When you hire a car accident lawyer, you’ll benefit from an independent investigation to support your case.
You’ll face a lot of pressure to settle for less than you deserve. In the end, adjusters have one job: to get you to walk away with nothing or accept a settlement for less money than your case is worth. Anything less is not a victory for the insurance company, whose primary focus is on profits.
The insurer will try to leverage the stress, emotions, and chaos you’re experiencing against you. They’ll try to delay or even deny your car accident claim, making your recovery more difficult. Your Houston auto accident lawyer will be there to deal with them and steady the waters to help you move forward on a path that gets you full compensation.
You deserve to be compensated if someone else is responsible, even partially, for your auto accident. The bottom line is that hiring a Houston, Texas car accident attorney can help to make that a reality.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most Houston car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. The attorney’s fee quite literally depends on their ability to win the case. Many Texas personal injury attorneys refer to this as a “no win, no fee” arrangement.
With a contingency fee arrangement, a car accident attorney near you agrees to take a case in exchange for a percentage of whatever compensation they’re able to win. Depending on the law firm and the case, it usually ranges anywhere from 33% to 40% of the client’s financial recovery.
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re confident that we can help you secure substantial compensation for your Texas car accident injuries and damages. So confident that we’re willing to cover all of the costs of negotiating and litigating your claim upfront. You pay absolutely nothing unless and until we win your case.
This gives you the chance to get a Board Certified civil trial specialist on your side without having to worry about the cost. Contact our Houston, Texas law offices to learn more about our contingency-based legal services today. We offer a free consultation.
What’s My Houston Car Accident Case Worth?
Valuing a case, especially early on in the process, is difficult.
Every Texas car accident is different. Every victim is unique.
However, how you respond to the following questions can provide some insight into your case’s worth:
- How serious are your car accident injuries?
- Will you be able to recover fully?
- Did you have any pre-existing conditions that got worse due to the car wreck?
- How long will it take to reach maximum medical improvement?
- Can you go back to work right away, or will you have to take time off?
- Will your injuries affect your ability to work and generate an income in the future?
- What kind of out-of-pocket costs do you have because of your car crash, such as medical bills, ambulance ride, and many other unforeseen costs?
- Can your car be repaired, or does it have to be replaced?
- What type of trauma are you experiencing because of the car crash?
- The severity of your injuries greatly impacts the potential compensation
As a general rule, the more serious the injuries, the more an injury case is worth.
According to the National Safety Council, the average value of a car accident resulting in “possible” injuries was $160,000 in 2019. For a car accident resulting in “disabling” injuries, the average value exceeded $1.2 Million.
When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?
You should hire a Houston car accident lawyer near you as soon as possible after your car crash.
Here’s why:
- The sooner your attorney can investigate, the better. Witness’ memories will fade. Evidence can erode over time or disappear altogether. If your car accident attorney is able to visit the crash scene with specialists, that’s even better.
- You need time to focus on getting better, not a lawsuit. Hiring a nearby car accident lawyer from the start means allowing yourself to concentrate on your physical recovery and emotional well-being. Let your attorney handle insurance claims, court filings, deadlines, and complicated legal issues.
- It won’t cost more hiring a lawyer early. Car accident attorneys in Texas get paid based on results, not time spent on a case. So, the benefits of getting them involved early easily outweigh any potential drawbacks.
The attorneys at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers are always standing by to take your call – 24/7.
We have three law offices conveniently located throughout the city. Contact us today to know your legal rights. Your first consultation is free.
Contact our Texas Car Accident Lawyers Near You for a Free Consultation
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers has three convenient locations to serve you throughout Houston, TX. Our main office is located at 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77098. We can be reached at 713-500-5000 or click here to fill out our online form.
Should I Accept an Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer After an Auto Accident in Houston?
Only if it’s been negotiated and/or reviewed by a qualified car accident attorney. Insurance companies care about profits, not your well-being.
So, many of their early settlement offers propose less than cases are typically worth. Adjusters are hoping you’ll be happy to have cash in hand and agree to resolve your claim.
But, there’s a huge risk in doing that. Taking an offer means that getting money in the future won’t be an option. You will waive your right to seek additional damages.
That could be disastrous if you learn that you will have medical bills for the rest of your life or won’t be able to go back to work. You will be left with the original cash from the settlement agreement and nothing more.
Having your attorney deal with the insurer and take care of settlement negotiations means that insurers won’t be able to pull a fast one on you.
Your nearby Houston car accident lawyer can carefully investigate all the details of your case, present a demand letter that’s backed by facts, evidence, and solid legal arguments, and advocate to obtain an offer that accurately reflects what your case is worth.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Houston?
The things you do immediately after a motor vehicle accident matter.
Even minor missteps can put your health and financial future in danger.
Here are some important things to do (and not do) after your car crash to remain safe and improve your chances of financial recovery:
- Remain at or near the scene of the accident. Move to the side of the road or a safer location nearby, if necessary.
- Call and report the accident to the Houston Police Department. An officer and other first responders can be dispatched to the scene. Under Texas state law, an accident must be reported if there’s an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
- Don’t apologize or accept any responsibility for the accident. Even seemingly harmless statements can be used against you down the line.
- Exchange information with other parties, including names, license plate number and insurance coverage.
- Gather evidence. Take pictures, record some videos, write down the details, the names of any witnesses, and document anything that might be useful. Remember to also include damage of the other vehicle.
- Seek medical attention as soon as you can. It’s a good idea to see a doctor after your accident. This will help to ensure that all of your injuries are diagnosed and treated. Additionally, your medical records will help to establish a causal link between the crash and your injuries.
- Don’t provide an insurance company a recorded statement. Adjusters are searching for reasons to deny your claim. The best rule of thumb is to provide basic information, such as your name and address, and direct all other questions to a lawyer.
And finally, call an attorney with experience handling Houston car accident cases. The more experience your attorney has dealing with car accident cases, the more they can help.
Our car accident attorneys have handled hundreds of car accident insurance claims and lawsuits in Houston, Texas. We deal with insurance companies every day and have developed tried-and-true strategies to win financial compensation on behalf of our clients.
We know what you’re up against and have the knowledge and resources you need to win. Contact a Houston car accident lawyer at our firm to review the details. We offer free initial consultations.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Houston?
Motor vehicle accidents are commonplace in Houston, Texas. But why? Here’s a look at some of the leading causes.
Texting and Driving
Texting while behind the wheel is the most dangerous form of distracted driving. Your entire focus shifts from the road to your phone.
Just how dangerous is texting and driving? One study compared drunk driving to texting and driving. It found that drivers are six times more likely to get into an accident if they’re texting than if they are driving intoxicated.
Other Forms of Distracted Driving
Texting isn’t the only reason drivers get distracted.
Drivers can become distracted when they:
- Eat and drink
- Talk to passengers
- Have children in the backseat
- Attempt reaching for an object or item on the floor
Even daydreaming counts as distracted driving. Anytime you divert your hands from the wheel, take your eyes off the road, or let your mind wander, you’re considered a distracted driver.
Drunk Driving
In 2020, there were at least 2,355 reported drunk driving car accidents in Houston. That’s an average of 6 DUI accidents every single day. These accidents aren’t just common. They also tend to be quite serious. At least 521 people suffered serious or non-incapacitating injuries, and another 675 people were possibly injured. At least 79 were killed in drunk driving wrecks that year.
Speeding
According to a study by Texas A&M, Houston ranks third in the nation when it comes to “worst traffic.” In 2020, drivers spent 49 hours stuck in traffic, costing an estimated $1,097 in gas and lost time.
In order to make up for lost time, many drivers hit the gas and try to get to their destinations as quickly as they can. According to the Department of Transportation, speed was a factor in a reported 1,832 motor vehicle accidents in Houston and other cities in Harris County in 2020.
Other common causes of car accidents include:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Aggressive drivers
- Inexperienced drivers
- Driving at night/limited visibility
- Dangerous road conditions
- Color of the vehicle
- Poor road design
- Tire blowouts
- Defective vehicle equipment, such as brakes and airbags
A thorough investigation can help to ensure that every possible cause of your Houston car accident is identified. When you know what caused an accident, you can begin to understand liability.
Is Texas a Fault or No-Fault State For Auto Accidents?
In a “fault” or “at-fault” state, the at-fault party’s insurance company is responsible for damages arising from a car accident.
In a “no-fault” state, each victim must seek damages from their own insurance carrier, regardless of who’s to blame.
So, if you’re involved in an accident in Texas, you can file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance carrier. In doing so, you can avoid a claim with your provider and conceivably watching your premiums go up.
If your damages exceed the limits of the other driver’s insurance policy, then you can file a lawsuit against the driver (and/or other parties who share liability).
What Happens If I’m Partly At Fault For My Car Accident in Houston?
Simply put, you can still file an insurance claim or lawsuit and recover a percentage of compensation as long as you’re not mostly at fault. Texas has modified comparative fault rules with a 51% bar to recovery.
However, sharing some of the fault will affect your financial compensation. Your damages will be reduced to reflect your role in the crash. It depends on your percentage of fault. If you’re 30 percent at fault, your damages will be reduced by 30 percent.
Under comparative fault rules, once your liability exceeds 50 percent, your right to compensation from the at-fault party or their insurer disappears.
Do I Have to Prove Negligence If I File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Houston?
Most likely, yes. While there are other grounds for filing a lawsuit – like strict liability if a defective product contributed to your car crash – negligence is the most common.
In simple terms, negligence means that someone else acted unreasonably and caused you to get injured.
There are four elements you will have to prove if you’re arguing that your car accident occurred because someone else was negligent: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
- Duty: the defendant owed you a duty of care (e.g., all drivers have a duty to obey state and local laws when they get behind the wheel)
- Breach: the defendant failed to act reasonably under the circumstances and breached that duty (e.g., they were talking on the phone, driving drunk, or didn’t have their headlights on after dark)
- Causation: the defendant’s actions were the direct and proximate cause of your injury (e.g., the driver rear-ended you at a traffic light because they weren’t paying attention, causing you to suffer serious neck and back injuries)
- Damages: you have suffered identifiable harm (e.g., medical expenses for your injuries, lost wages for the time you’ll miss at work, the cost of repairing damage to your car, and the emotional trauma of the car crash).
In Texas, you must establish these elements by a preponderance of the evidence. This means that your arguments, as supported by facts and proof, are more likely true than not. If you can satisfy this burden of proof, you can win your negligence case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Traffic Accident in Houston?
Two years is the statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits in the Lone Star State.
There are some situations when a different timetable might apply.
For instance, claims involving the government are subject to much shorter timeframes. You will have 90 days to file a notice of claim with the city of Houston if a government employee contributed to your crash.
Alternatively, you might have more time to file a lawsuit if the statute of limitations can be tolled. Tolling – or pausing – can occur if a victim is a minor or if a defendant can’t be located within the state.
The important takeaway is that you will lose the right to recover compensation if the deadline that applies to your case expires before you act.
What Damages Can I Get If I’m Hurt in a Houston Car Accident?
Compensatory awards – in the form of economic damages and non-economic damages – are available to plaintiffs in most Texas car accident cases.
What Are Economic Damages?
Economic damages are awarded to help offset the financial costs of a car accident. These are expenses or losses that can be proven with receipts, supported by bank account statements, or verified in some other manner.
Examples of this type of damages in car accident cases include:
- Hospitalization, surgery, medical devices, medications, follow-up medical care, and other medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- The cost of replacing or repairing damaged property
- Losing income while recovering, including wages and benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Disability, both temporary and permanent
- Home modifications made necessary by a catastrophic injury
- Nursing care
Funeral and burial costs and loss of support can also be awarded to surviving family members when a car accident is devastating.
What Are Non-Economic Awards?
Not every consequence of a car crash will have a set financial value. Some of the repercussions will be incredibly personal and subjective. That’s where non-economic damages come into play.
Examples of this type of compensation – often referred to as pain and suffering damages – include:
- Chronic pain
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress, such as PTSD or depression
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of quality or enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Inconvenience
Don’t underestimate the impact of these types of injuries. The impact of your emotional and psychological suffering can be just as devastating as any serious physical trauma, they can also require short to long-term treatment. When someone else is liable for putting you in this situation, they can be held accountable under the law.
How Do Courts in Texas Value Pain and Suffering Damages?
How do you put a value on “pain and suffering,” though? What’s an appropriate dollar amount for physical pain or depression?
Ask yourself these questions, and it becomes clear why valuing pain and suffering damages is incredibly challenging. These things are incredibly personal and will vary from person to person.
Generally, there are two ways to value non-economic damages after an auto accident in Texas. There’s the multiplier method and the per diem method.
With the multiplier method, courts or insurance companies will give your case a score of 1-5 based on the extent of your injuries and suffering. Then, your economic damages are multiplied by that score. The total is the value of your non-economic compensation.
Let’s say you suffer a spinal cord injury in your car accident. As a result, you are paralyzed from the waist down and can’t do the things you once loved – like hiking and boating.
There are also many daily tasks you can’t do on your own, which is humiliating and demoralizing. Suppose your case is assigned a multiplier of 4. If your economic damages equal $1 Million, your non-economic damages would equal $4 Million. Therefore, your total financial recovery would be $5 Million.
With the per diem method, you place a specific dollar value on the pain and suffering you experience every day because of your accident. Then, you calculate how long it will take for you to reach maximum medical improvement.
You multiply your per diem by that number of days, and you’ll have the value of your pain and suffering compensation. This method is used much less often than the multiplier method.
Are Punitive Damages Ever Awarded in Car Accident Cases?
Yes, but only in a very limited number of cases. Compensatory damages are awarded to compensate the victim for their injuries. Alternatively, punitive awards are, quite literally, intended to punish the defendant. So, punitive damages are only used when punishment is warranted.
In Texas, punitive damages might be applicable in drunk driving accident cases, fatal hit-and-run accidents, or where a driver intentionally caused an accident or serious injury.
Will the Type of Houston Car Accident I’m In Affect My Case?
It certainly can. There are many different types of car accidents. Each type of crash has its unique qualities and poses its own challenges in litigation.
Investigating a rollover will be different from a crash involving a pedestrian. Different experts might be needed to investigate a hit-and-run as opposed to an intersection accident. Injuries caused by a head-on collision will typically be much different from a fender-bender or rear-end collision.
That’s why it’s important having an attorney with extensive experience handling all different types of car accident cases in your corner.
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent clients who have been injured or lost family members as a result of:
Rollover Car Accidents
SUVs are particularly prone to rollover accidents, which can cause serious injuries, including head trauma and internal bleeding. A Houston SUV Rollover Accident Lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve in your case.
Rear-end Car Accidents
Rear-end collisions are among the most common car accidents. If you’ve been injured in one of these wrecks, a Houston Rear-End Collision Lawyer can help you take on the insurance companies and get a fair settlement.
Fatal Car Accidents
If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, a fair settlement offer can help you cover some of their final expenses. Our Houston Fatal Car Accident Lawyer will fight for justice in your case.
Head-on Car Accidents
Head-on crashes tend to be some of the most deadly and can cause internal bleeding, head injuries, and more. A Houston Head-On Crashes Lawyer can help you get compensation for these injuries.
Whiplash Injury Car Accidents
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries, especially in head-on or rear-end collisions. A Houston Whiplash Injury Lawyer can help you take on the insurance companies and get fair compensation.
Single-Vehicle Car Accidents
Even if you were involved in a single-vehicle car accident, you could still be entitled to compensation. A Houston Single Vehicle Car Accidents Lawyer can help you get a fair settlement in your case.
Car Accident Due to Road Defects
In some cases, problems with the road you’re driving on can lead to an accident. A Houston Road Defects Accidents Lawyer can help you get justice and compensation for any injuries you may have suffered.
- Frontal collisions
- Sideswipes
- T-Bone accidents
- Houston Intersection Accident Attorney
- Houston Left Turn Car Accidents Lawyer
- Right-hand turn accidents
- Red and yellow light accidents
- Accidents involving uninsured motorists
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Houston Highway Crashes Attorney
- Houston parking lot accident lawyer
- Houston Passenger Negligence Accidents Lawyer
- Houston Lane Change Crashes Attorney
- Self-driving car accidents
- Single vehicle accidents
- Accidents involving multiple vehicles
- Car and truck accidents
- Car and bicycle accidents
- Car and pedestrian accidents
- Car and electric scooter accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Houston seatbelt injury lawyer
Since 2007, our law firm has been a dedicated ally to crash victims across the great city of Houston. We’ve seen just about every type of collision you can imagine – and helped victims successfully pursue compensation for their damages.
We’re here to help you during your time of need, as well. Reach out to us to find out how our knowledge, experience, and resources can benefit you after your car wreck.
Houston Car Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
There’s a lot riding on your personal injury case after a car accident. You have the power to choose an attorney to represent you. Choose an attorney with experience and a demonstrated ability to win cases like yours. And, don’t forget to hire an attorney who will genuinely care about obtaining the best possible results in your case.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers should be your first call after a wreck. Our Houston car accident attorneys understand that you’re in the middle of a life-changing situation. You’re overwhelmed, stressed out, and unsure about what steps to take. We can help you understand your legal rights and discuss your legal options.
We’re available 24/7/365, and consultations can be scheduled at a time and location that’s convenient for you. An attorney can meet you at our law office, your home, your workplace, or even the hospital.
To get started, simply call our law firm or connect with us using our online form. A member of our team is standing by to help right now. Your first consultation is free and we also work on a contingency fee basis.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clint was my trial attorney. Before the trial and through out the process he was attentive and communicated with detail all I needed to do and expect through out the process. My settlement was more than expected. I would most definitely recommend this law firm to my family and friends! They will take great care of you!
I’m grateful for them!!
Krys S. – February 2022
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Areas We Serve in Houston, TX
Northside, Independence Heights, Central Northwest, Greater Fifth Ward, East Downtown, Central Business District, South Central Houston, Greater OST/South Union, Southwest Houston, Spring Branch East, The Memorial Villages, Briarforest, Chinatown, Mission Bend, Energy Corridor, Northwest Houston, Acres Homes, Aldine, East Aldine, East Houston, Jacinto City, Galeana Park, Deer Park, Southeast Houston, South Park, Greater Hobby Area, Hyde Park, Fourth Ward, Rice Military, Bellaire, South Main, Second Ward, Magnolia Park, Pearland, Friendswood, League City, Dickinson, La Marque, Texas City, Humble, Shady Acres, Jersey Village, Pasadena.
Local Auto Repair Shops
- Dent Dogs Inc – 3900 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77056
- JJ Auto Body – 340 Erin St, Houston, TX 77009
- Brookston Body Shop – 1330 N Durham Dr, Houston, TX 77008
- Dent Sharks – 5090 Richmond Ave Ste 179, Houston, TX 77056
- Ryan Automotive Glass & Collision Center – 716 Fairview St – Houston, TX 77006
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
BLOGS FOR CAR ACCIDENTS
- Can I Be Compensated For Pre-Existing Conditions After a Car Accident?
- Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
- Herniated Disc C4/C5 and C5/C6 Injuries
- How Do Car Accident Settlements Work?
- How to Obtain a Car Accident Report
- How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Compensation for Your Injuries?
- Rear-End Collisions: Causation, Physics & Injuries
- Three-Car Accident: Who Pays?
- What Happens If I Get into a Car Accident While Pregnant?
- 10 Factors That Determine How Much to Expect From a Car Accident Settlement
- 5 Things You Need to Know About Going to the Emergency Room After a Car Accident
Additional Car Accident Resources and Information
- Texas Car Accident Report Records
- Texas Laws Regarding Car Accidents
- Texas Department of Transportation
