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Why Choose Our Award-Winning Houston Car Accident Attorneys?

In 2023, our car accident law firm was voted by readers as the “Best Personal Injury Litigation Law Firm of 2023” by the Houston Chronicle community choice awards. But these are not the only awards our attorneys have amassed in our years of dedicated service to Houston.

Paul H. Cannon tried his first car accident trial in 1996 and is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has tried over 50 car accident injury cases to verdict and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer in Texas Monthly Magazine by Thompson-Reuters from 2017 to 2024 and a Top 100 Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association from 2017 to 2024.

Sharon Simmons-Cantrell earned her Texas bar license in 1991 and has been practicing personal injury law with Simmons and Fletcher ever since. She was recognized as a Leading Woman of 2021 by Living Magazine, a Super Lawyer by Thompson-Reuters in 2024, and a Top Lawyer by H Texas Magazine from 2013 to 2019. Her years of experience working as an auto collision lawyer in this field give her great insight and understanding of what her clients endure and how to help them.

Christopher Keith Fletcher earned his law degree from Baylor Law School and passed the bar in 2009. Since then, his relentless and aggressive representation of clients has earned him recognition published in Texas Monthly Magazine as a Rising Star by Thompson-Reuters from 2020 to 2024 and a Top 40 Under 40 Attorney by the National Trial Lawyers Association 2016-2024.

If you want a team that knows how to handle car accidents, you want Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Call us at 800-298-0111 today.

Houston Car Accident Lawyers Simmons and Fletcher

(Left to Right) Paul H. Cannon, Sharon Simmons-Cantrell, and Christopher K. Fletcher

How a Houston Auto Accident Attorney Can Help You

After a serious injury from a driving accident, there are many factors to take into consideration. A Houston auto accident lawyer at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. can help you with:

  • locating doctors who are willing to see you and provide you with the medical care you need
  • identifying and notifying all of the potential parties and their insurance companies and employers
  • pursuing compensation for all elements of damages the law allows
  • investigating the causes of the wreck, preserving evidence, and taking witness statements
  • drafting a demand letter
  • negotiating a settlement
  • litigating the case and trying the lawsuit.

With our years of experience advocating on behalf of our clients, our team of experienced car accident attorneys is prepared to help you.

We have seen the devastating effects these accidents can have on victims. We will fight to hold at-fault parties accountable for their actions. Don’t wait. Contact a qualified legal team of Houston car crash lawyers who are ready to serve you today at (713) 932-0777.

Houston Car Crash Statistics

In 2023, Houston recorded 67,644 reported auto crashes, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s motor vehicle crash statistics. These included 290 fatalities, 1612 serious injuries, 7558 non-incapacitating injuries, and another 22,367 possible injuries.  Insurance companies have entire law firms on salary to defend the volume of cases in Houston. If you have been hurt by one of their clients, you need a Houston auto collision lawyer on your side fighting for your rights.

What Damages Can a Houston Auto Collision Attorney Can Recover?

Texas law allows for the recovery of many kinds of damages. If you have suffered injuries due to an auto collision, you are entitled to claim the following damages:

  • Lost Income & Lost Wage Earning Capacity. You are entitled to recover both the income you lost in the past due to the accident and medical trips, as well as lost earning ability in the future due to physical impairments.
  • Pain & Suffering. You are entitled to ask for compensation for the physical pain that you endured in the past and future, as well as the mental anguish/emotional distress, which includes things such as severe anxiety, depression, and other emotionally draining conditions.
  • Medical Expenses. The cost of of medical care is a recoverable damage. In addition, if you are likely to require future or ongoing care, a medical expert can testify as to what your future anticipated costs will be so that you may seek justice for all your damages.
  • Scarring & Disfigurement. If your wreck results in scars, lost limbs or fingers, or other injuries that alter your physical appearance, you are allowed under the law to ask for fair compensation for what you have endured.

Damages a Spouse Can Recover Following a Car Wreck

When someone suffers a serious injury or death, the spouse may assert a claim for the following damages:

  • Loss of Consortium. The love, affection, and emotional support integral to a husband-wife relationship can be damaged due to a person being disabled or physically in pain. his damages are compensable.
  • Loss of Household Services. The loss of the ability to do chores, yard work, cooking, cleaning, and all sorts of things that must be done to maintain the household can be compensable.
  • Loss of Inheritance. In the event of a wrongful death, a Heirs can seek the present value of the amount that the deceased party would have likely added to the estate and left at a natural time of death had he not been killed by another’s negligence.

Talk to one of our Houston auto injury attorneys to determine which damages are available in your case.

The Five Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Houston, TX

Not all car accidents and injuries are the same. For the best outcomes, it’s crucial to understand the specifics. Types of car accidents vary depending on the vehicle you are operating, the vehicle the other driver is operating, the insurance coverage available, or the driver’s mental state and/or degree of intoxication. Types of car accident injuries vary based on the vehicles involved and the severity of the car crash. Our practice areas cover a wide range of these accident types.

Not every auto accident attorney in Houston is the same, either. You need a car crash lawyer near you with experience handling the tricks that insurance adjusters will throw at you. Here are some of the common types of accidents in Houston that we handle on behalf of our clients:

Five Common Reasons Car Accidents Happen

Five of the most common reasons we see car accidents happen in Houston are:

A complete list of the common types and reasons for cat accidents in Houston can be found at How to File an Injury Claim Against An Auto Insurance Company.

Houston car accident lawyer

A whiplash injury is common in a car wreck.

Common Types of Injuries vs Uncommon Injuries

Our Houston car accident attorneys have years of experience handling cases involving injuries ranging from common whiplash of the neck to the most serious brain injuries and fatal accidents that result in death. Keep in mind that while many injury law firms know how to file insurance claims, an experienced Houston auto injury lawyer can help you document the full future impact of your injury and seek a recovery that considers your future needs.

From brain injuries to broken bones to simple soft tissue injuries, our attorneys have seen it all. Some of the types of injuries that we have helped people recover from over the years include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury. TBI is a very serious injury that can be mild or severe. It may be a result of the impact or as a result of the skull being bounced back and forth in an impact.
  • Bone Fracture. Broken bones are very common in car wrecks, ranging from broken fingers to spinal fractures.
  • Whiplash Rear-end collisions and head-on collisions commonly cause a whipping of the head back and forth that may result in the tearing of the soft tissues and ligaments along the neck and back. This is one of the most common injuries we see after a car wreck.
  • Retinal Detachment/Eye Injury. Eye injuries such as a detached retina occur when occupants are thrown face-first into the dash, steering wheel, back of a headrest, or even the airbags. Flying glass can easily get into the eye and cause issues, too.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries. The spine is not made to be a crash test dummy. Injuries, including herniated discs, bulging discs, ruptured discs, broken vertebrae, and even paralysis, may result from blows to the spinal cord.
  • Ruptured Spleen. Direct blunt-force trauma to the abdomen from the steering wheel, dash, or airbags can cause the spleen to tear and allow blood to pour into the abdomen.
  • Amputation/Limb Loss. The loss of a finger or limb may result from a serious impact, particularly with 18-wheelers and other large commercial motor vehicles.
  • Catastrophic Injury. Injuries that have a life-long effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal everyday functions may occur in a serious auto crash.

Navigating through the aftermath of a car accident is a dangerous journey. If your vehicle was hit in Houston traffic, it’s vital to first seek medical attention and then receive assistance from a knowledgeable Houston car crash attorney.

As a trusted personal injury law firm, Simmons & Fletcher, P.C. is always ready to focus on your specific needs. From the initial ambulance call to understanding the comparative blame conditions relevant to your case, our commitment remains unwavering. Our auto collision attorneys not only have demonstrated experience handling car accident cases, but we also have a grip on the negotiations and claims process that follow.

If you think things are moving too fast, just remember that we are here to help you every step of the way. The next hours after an accident are crucial. Do not hesitate to get help. It’s better to start the recovery process right away. With the speed and efficiency of our auto injury crash legal team, you’ll be on the path to recovery in no time.

Whether you need to meet with us immediately or consider your options, Simmons & Fletcher, P.C. is the point of safety and excellence everyone should turn to. So, before you fill out any form or follow other advice, why not call us and get a reliable Houston car accident lawyer to guide you? Don’t just settle; ensure you have an advocate who can help you navigate the intricate complexities of Texas law and stand firm when it matters most.

Call us today for your free consultation: (713) 932-0777.

Working With Insurance Companies After Your Car Accident in Houston

Injury claims are often hotly contested by insurance companies, even where liability is clear. Thus, if you were involved in an auto accident and suffered serious injuries, you cannot leave it up to the other party or their insurance company to fairly compensate you. It is their job to devalue your case.

car accident investigation

A couple talk with an officer after a car wreck.

Sadly, many people wait to talk to a Houston auto injury lawyer until they have attempted to handle the case themselves. A “friendly” insurance adjuster promised they would take full responsibility. Then suddenly, the adjuster ghosts them. This is detrimental because these adjusters know that delay harms your case, and an extensive lapse of time may hinder your chances of getting sound legal representation from a qualified Houston auto accident attorney.

Insurance companies have different interests than you do when talking about settlement negotiations. They usually provide general insurance information, making settlement offers that might feel lacking. Even worse, they may try to trap you into settling before you know the full extent of your injuries. That’s where a Houston car accident lawyer can step in and negotiate on your behalf to ensure your best interests are at the forefront of the discussion. An outstanding legal team can make all the difference. Unfortunately, victims often fall prey to the pitfalls of comparative negligence or modified comparative fault without proper guidance. But, with the right support, you can avoid these challenges.

In times like these, rely on an experienced Houston auto collision lawyer on your side. Reach out to the law office of Simmons & Fletcher, P.C. to get your free case evaluation: (713) 932-0777.

Do I Need a Houston Car Wreck Attorney if the Other Insurance Company Accepts Liability in Texas?

If injured, yes. When an insurance company tells you they accept liability for an accident, this does not mean they agree to pay for all your medical bills and losses. It certainly does not mean they will pay you fair compensation for your pain and suffering.

When they say they accept liability, they mean they will offer you what they think is fair for only the bills that they consider reasonable. This does not mean they will not dispute your medical attention or the amounts the doctors charged you. And it is not a promise to compensate you for your pain and suffering. They are not in the business of giving you maximum compensation for your injuries voluntarily. Keeping settlements low means they make more money.

Paying for property damage before denying an injury claim is a common tactic to prevent a jury from seeing photos of the property damage. When your case goes to trial, you are typically not even allowed to tell the jury that the insurance company paid for the property damage their insured caused. These tricks and tactics demonstrate why you need a skilled Houston car wreck lawyer to protect your rights.

What Do Our Clients Say?

Review: 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “This firm is very efficient and nice to work with. I was kept ‘in the know’ on every aspect of the case. I would recommend this firm for their knowledge and expertise.”
– Rebecca P., actual client.

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

No one can accurately tell you what your case should settle for without looking at all of the facts. Not even in the most common car accident case. Trying to value your case on the basis of statistics like the average settlement is fruitless because insurance companies do not divulge this information.

At Simmons & Fletcher, P.C., when our Houston car accident lawyers give a case evaluation, the factors that we look at include:

  • The severity of the injury;
  • The duration of recovery;
  • Your salary and earning capacity;
  • The location and visibility of scars and other disfiguring marks;
  • The nature of the accident;
  • Aggravating factors such as alcohol use, drugs, criminal history, and mental status;
  • You and other witnesses’ credibility;
  • whether a commercial truck is involved;
  • The court, judge, venue, and;
  • The insurance company and attorney that are assigned to defend the claim.

Often, these factors cannot even be determined until a lawsuit has been filed and discovery has been conducted. Thus, any early case evaluation is subject to change as the evidence unfolds.

Each accident has unique circumstances that will impact the amount of a claim. As a “fault” insurance state, the laws in Texas allow an injured person to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Furthermore, Texas law requires drivers to carry a minimum liability insurance coverage of only 300,000 per person up to 60,000 per accident.

However, the presence of insurance coverage does not mean a person will recover the entire amount of the policy. If the insurance company fails to settle with you, then you must take the case to trial and let a jury determine whether you recover compensation and how much.

Looking for a Houston Auto Accident Lawyer? Call Us For Your Free Consultation!

Following a collision, you’re going to have a lot of questions. When you are injured but not at fault, you have two main legal options:

  • Handling the case on your own or,
  • Hiring a lawyer to pursue the claim for you.

If you choose to handle your auto accident claim, you should familiarize yourself with the risks. Everything you say to the adjuster can and will be used against you. They will also likely try to settle your injury claim quickly before you know the full amount of the bills or the full extent of your injuries.

Your second option is to hire and talk with a Houston personal injury attorney from Simmons & Fletcher, P.C. We will represent you, deal with insurance adjusters,  and help you find doctors who will see you. Our team of personal injury lawyers will locate doctors near you who can work with you to provide you with needed medical care no matter what your financial situation.

We have over 40 years of professional legal experience throughout the State of Texas. Contact us today to request your free consultation: (713) 932-0777.

Paul Cannon Talks About Car Accident Claims on the Elite Lawyer Podcast

Houston Areas Served

Our law firm is located on the west side of Houston. In addition to traveling all over the state, we handle local cases in Bellaire, Hunter’s Creek Village, Downtown Houston, Heights, Greater Fifth Ward, Midtown, South Central, Lawndale, Wayside, Clinton Park Tri-Community, Rice Village, Hunter’s Village, Galena Park, Jacinto City, Memorial City, Memorial Park, East Houston, River Oaks, Montrose, West University, Medical Center, South Main, Southside, Sunnyside, Meyerland, Sharpstown, MacGregor, Brasewood, Willowbend, Brook Haven, South Park, Astrodome Area, Hyde Park, Bayland Park, Galleria, Mt. Houston, Aldine, Jersey Village, Fairbanks, Acres Home, Magnolia Gardens, Settegast, Almeda, Cloverland, Memorial Villages, Piney Point Villages, Hedwig Village, Spring Branch, Channelview, Greater Hobby Area, South Acres, Cloverland, and Spring Branch.

Areas Served Outside of Houston

People sometimes think, “I need a car accident lawyer near me.” But the truth is that with modern technology, most attorney consultations now happen online from the comfort of your own home. 95% of our clients sign up electronically. Many never come to our office. So we help people all over Texas and sometimes nationwide with car accidents.

FAQ's

How Much Does a Houston Car Accident Attorney Charge?

Houston car wreck lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis meaning we are paid a percentage of what we recover plus we get reimbursed for any expenses paid by us along the way.

These agreements may vary. For more information on ours specifically, please read the question and answer below.

What Will it Cost to Hire Simmons and Fletcher, P.C.?

We work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee means the lawyer only gets paid a percentage of the recovery if he wins plus his expenses are reimbursed. Rates are 33.33% if the case is settled without filing a lawsuit, 40% if a lawsuit is filed, and 45% if the case is appealed after a trial.

We pay all the litigation expenses upfront so you do not have to come out of pocket and we only get reimbursed for these expenses including costs of court if there is a recovery. This means that you pay nothing to us unless we win your case.

Note: Under a contingency fee agreement, if there is no recovery and there are outstanding medical bills, you are still responsible for your medical bills.

How Do I Calculate Pain and Suffering From a Car Accident?

Pain and suffering are called intangible damages because there is no set way to quantify them. How a person experiences pain is unique to every individual. Thus, there are no cookie-cutter formulas to calculate it by. It is up to you and your accident attorney to prove the amount of pain and suffering you endured and what amount of money equals fair compensation for what you went through due to someone else’s negligent conduct.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

The statute of limitations for a car accident in Texas for an adult is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, there are still some exceptions. For example, the statute of limitations on minors’ claims for their intangible damages and medical bills beyond the age of 18 does not run until their 20th birthday.

Check with a Houston car wreck law firm to find out if any exceptions apply to your situation. Once a car accident lawsuit has been filed, there is no Texas car accident law setting any time limit on how soon the case must go to trial–it is up to the judge. However, service of process must take place within the SOL or reasonably soon thereafter with the exercise of due diligence. Failure to exercise due diligence in obtaining service on the defendant will result in your case being dismissed and your request being denied.

What Are My Rights After a Car Accident in Texas?

If the wreck is the other party’s fault and insured, you can file a claim for both property damage and bodily injury against his insurance policy. You can also file a claim for uninsured motorist benefits against your own policy if the other driver’s policy limits are too low. If the other driver has no insurance, you can file a claim for uninsured motorist benefits against your own policy if you have that coverage. If you are at fault, then you can file against your own comprehensive and collision coverage policy to fix your car and look to your health insurance to pay for the medical expenses. You have the right also, to sue the other driver if they have no insurance or the amount offered is too low. However, it is wise to discuss this option with a car crash attorney.

How Do I Obtain a Crash Report in Houston?

All Texas crash reports associated with car accidents in Texas eventually end up in the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Reporting and Analysis for Safer Highways (C.R.A.S.H.) where you can download them online.

The time it takes to get a police report from your local law enforcement may vary depending on what city or county police department the report comes from. You should be aware that 7-14 days after you report the accident is the normal waiting time unless there are special circumstances such as fatality accidents or rollover accidents with complex issues.

Sometimes, you can obtain a copy of the police accident report sooner by contacting the local department that investigated the collision. For more information, please visit: Obtaining a Houston area crash report.

Will the Other Party’s Car Insurance Company Pay For All of My Medical Bills?

Not necessarily. The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that insurance companies do not have to accept and pay the full bill that you incur from a medical provider even though you have no control over the charges. The insurance company will often use a computer program to challenge even the emergency room bills and/or records to show that they are above the ‘average’ rates that doctors routinely accept to settle their claims. By doing so, you could get left owing more than the insurance company is ordered to pay even by a jury for your hospital care, physical therapy, or other treatment!

Under these circumstances, you need a Houston auto accident lawyer fighting for your rights because when it comes to holding insurance companies responsible, the deck is stacked against you in Texas.

How Much Can Someone Sue For After a Car Accident in Texas?

There is no limit on the amount that a person can sue for after a car wreck in Texas if they file in district court. Lower courts have jurisdictional limits to keep the claims small. However, it is ultimately up to the claimant and their auto collision lawyer to prove they are entitled to whatever amount they ask for.

How Long Does it Take a Houston Auto Collision Lawyer to Settle a Car Accident Case?

Every auto accident claim and every auto accident injury is different. Some car accident settlements may occur relatively quickly in a matter of months if liability is clear and there are no severe injuries. Other car accident victims may have to wait several years or even take the case to trial when liability is disputed, there were vehicle defects causing product liability issues, or damages are hotly contested.

On average, when cases do not require prolonged medical care and liability is not in dispute, cases will settle between 8-12 months post-accident. Some may never reach a deal and have to go on to trial.

Can I Use My Health Insurance After a Car Accident in Houston, TX?

Maybe. Your health insurance policy likely contains a Coordination of Benefits Clause that affects your ability to file a health insurance claim after a car accident. The Coordination of Benefits Clause dictates who pays if two or more insurance policies apply to the same situation. Most of these have a clause that says if there is auto liability insurance that would cover your medical care, you must submit your bills to the auto policy first for payment.

You need to be aware that your regular doctor may refuse care because he/she does not wish to deal with this hassle of filing an auto insurance liability claim. You also need to be aware that your health insurance has a legal right to demand reimbursement from YOU out of any settlement if they paid for any medical care caused by the car accident. This is called a Subrogation Clause. Do not make the mistake of thinking the settlement offer from the other driver is all going into your pocket.

SCHEDULE A FREE CASE CONSULTATION

FREE CONSULTATIONS

If you have a personal injury case and would like to know whether it is something that our law firm can help you with, please fill out the form to the right and submit your information or pick up the phone and call us between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM on Monday through Thursday and 8:30 AM  and 4:00 PM on Friday and out intake team can go help evaluate your case and determine who the best person is for you to talk to about your case. Consultations are 100% free and you have no obligation to hire us.

ABOUT OUR FIRM

Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., rooted in Christian values, exclusively handles personal injury cases, advocating for the rights of accident and negligence victims. Our Houston-based team, dedicated to compassion and excellence, handles cases across car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and other types of cases with a commitment to personalized care. Upholding integrity and client-focused service, we strive for impactful legal outcomes. For a detailed understanding of our approach and team, visit our attorneys page.

Contact us for a free case assessment.

CONTACT OUR LAW OFFICE

+1(832)648-1463
+1(713)257-9912
+1(713)257-9806
+1(713)352-8397
+1(713)454-7945