Key Takeaways: What Every Car Accident Victim Should Know
- After a Houston car accident, it’s important to seek medical care, document the scene, keep all of your records, and contact a personal injury lawyer.
- The average Texas car accident claim is worth between $15,000 and $30,000, but settlements can be much higher or lower depending on specific factors.
- If a negligent driver caused your collision, they may be held liable for your injuries and damages. Car manufacturers or owners can also be held accountable, in some cases.
- According to the Texas statute of limitations, you must file your claim within two years of your accident in order to receive compensation. Limited exceptions apply.
- Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., has been representing car accident victims since 1979. An experienced personal injury law firm like Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., can help you navigate your legal claim on a contingency fee basis (at no cost to you).
Speak with a Houston, TX car wreck lawyer today at your free case review. You’ll get legal advice from an empathetic and experienced auto accident attorney without any pressure or obligation.
Why Choose Simmons & Fletcher After a Car Accident in Houston?
At Simmons & Fletcher, we’re proud to claim decades of experience among our team of hardworking and highly skilled attorneys. All three of our partners were named to the Super Lawyers list by Thomson Reuters, and attorney Paul H. Cannon is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Our firm also has a track record of successful case results and hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from past clients. As these testimonials show, we strive to treat each and every one of our clients with the respect and compassion that they deserve. And, we approach their stories and claims with conviction and commitment.
If we are able to take on your case, our team of empathetic and experienced Houston automobile accident lawyers can:
- Help you understand your legal rights and the steps of your claims process.
- Investigate your motor vehicle accident.
- Collect evidence to support your case.
- Determine which party (or parties) are liable for your accident.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Work with the other party’s legal team to reach a fair settlement.
- Represent you at trial if a just settlement cannot be reached and we determine that litigation is warranted.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation with an experienced Houston car accident lawyer.
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I would recommend Simmons and Fletcher to anyone! From start to finish my case was handled properly! Amanda Johnston handle my case so well, as well as communicated with me throughout the entire ordeal, and…
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You will pay zero dollars upfront to hire one of our experienced Texas car accident lawyers from Simmons & Fletcher. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t owe us a penny unless we win your case.
Our law firm is located on the west side of Houston. In addition to traveling all over the state, we handle local cases in Chinatown, Deer Park, East Downtown, Greater Fifth Ward, Mission Bend, and beyond.
Millions Recovered in Car Accident Settlements: Our Recent Case Results
Our law firm has recovered millions in car accident settlements and judgments. However, we represent car accident victims in both big and small cases. Below are a sample of some of our recent car accident case results:
- We recently litigated a case and recovered $1,010,000.00 for a client who was seriously injured following a multi-vehicle intersection collision.
- We recovered $946,372.00 after our client sustained a T11 compression fracture, collapsed lung, and three broken ribs in an auto accident.
- After our client was left with a fractured vertebra, blood clots, and a broken wrist following a car accident, our trial attorneys recovered a settlement in the amount of $476,598.00 to compensate our client.
- We recovered $200,000 for our client after he was injured as a passenger in a vehicle when his own driver lost control and flipped the vehicle, causing our client to sustain a gash in his scalp requiring sutures.
- We litigated and recovered $175,000.00 for a client who suffered a torn meniscus due to a rear-end collision on Highway 249 in Houston, Texas.
- We recovered a $135,000 settlement for a client who was hit by a car as he was turning to the left when the car illegally tried to pass on the left. He suffered back and neck injuries and contusions.
The Reality of Houston Car Crashes
Unfortunately, if you’ve experienced a car accident in Texas, you’re not alone. Motor vehicle accidents are all too common in the Lone Star State, particularly in busy urban areas like Houston. Major thoroughfares like the Katy Freeway, Interstate 45, and the 610 Loop all contribute to daily accidents in the city.
In fact, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, there were zero deathless days on Texas roadways in 2024. In motor vehicle accidents in that year alone, 1 person was injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds. Even more gravely, 1 person was killed every 2 hours and 7 minutes.
We wholeheartedly wish that fewer of these accidents were happening to innocent people like you. While we can’t put a stop to them altogether, we are committed to providing diligent and compassionate legal support to injury victims in the Greater Houston community.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a Houston personal injury lawyer with decades of experience in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents will grant you legal support through every step of your claim. A knowledgeable and dedicated auto accident attorney will:
- Gather evidence related to your accident;
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf;
- Hire experts to bolster your case;
- Work toward a just settlement with the compensation you deserve;
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached.
It’s especially important to hire an attorney as soon as possible because evidence can disappear over time. This includes physical evidence like skid marks, video footage, witness statements, and more. The faster you involve a reputable car accident attorney in your case, the better your chances are of gathering essential evidence for recovering compensation.
If you delay hiring an attorney to file your claim, you may compromise or lose any right to compensation. You may accidentally admit partial fault or agree to an insurance settlement offer below what you’re actually entitled to. You may even pass the deadline set by the statute of limitations, which gives you two years from your accident to file your claim.
Understanding Texas Car Accident Law
How Do Negligence and Liability Work for Texas Car Accidents?
Texas is a “fault” or “at-fault” state when it comes to car insurance. In other words, if you were in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, the driver who caused the crash may have to pay for your financial and emotional damages. So, if someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to your accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Proving negligence, however, can be hard to do without the help of a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney. To prove negligence, you and your legal team must prove the following four elements to be true:
- The at-fault party had a duty of care to drive safely and protect others on the road;
- The at-fault party breached that duty of care;
- That breach directly caused the car accident;
- That car accident led to significant damages.
If you can prove negligence—with the help of your Houston car accident lawyer—it may be easier to hold the at-fault party liable for damages. If your claim is successful, this individual will likely have to compensate you for any injuries caused by their negligence.
How Does the Car Accident Settlement Process Work?
After you’re involved in a car accident in Houston, a claims investigation will be initiated by the other driver’s insurance company. Their team will investigate the accident, which may include asking you for a statement and requesting any records you possess.
Based on the evidence that they’ve collected and that you’ve provided, the other driver’s insurer will decide if their driver was at fault in the crash. They will determine their version of who is liable (or partially liable) for the collision, as well as what damages you may be owed.
Once the insurance company has concluded its investigation, they’ll likely make you a settlement offer. This settlement will be based on the total amount of your financial losses (e.g., medical bills and lost wages). However, it will also be limited by the extent of the policy’s maximum coverage.
If you want to make your settlement process easier, hire a Houston car accident lawyer at any time during the process. With an experienced legal team by your side, you’ll have a Houston car crash lawyer to:
- Handle all paperwork, evidence, and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf;
- Negotiate and fight for a fair settlement;
- File a personal injury lawsuit to protect your rights if a fair settlement can’t be reached;
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Texas?
You typically have two years from the date of your car accident to file a car accident claim in Texas. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. Under Texas law, it applies to nearly all personal injury cases in the state.
If you miss your statute of limitations deadline, you may lose the right to seek any compensation. The court will likely dismiss your case, and you’ll have no further legal options.
There are certain exceptions to the statute of limitations for car accidents in Texas:
- If the injured party is under 18 years old at the time of the crash, the two-year period doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday;
- If the injured party is mentally incapacitated, then the two-year period doesn’t begin until they regain mental competency;
- If the at-fault party leaves Texas after the car accident, the statute of limitations may be paused until they return to the state;
- If the injured party doesn’t immediately discover their injuries, then the statute of limitations may not begin until they do.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Wreck in Houston?
At the Scene: Safety and Reporting
Your first priority after a car accident is to protect your own well-being. Remain as calm as possible and remove yourself from the immediate scene of the crash. Move out of the way of any further harm. If you need emergency medical services, seek those out immediately.
Once you’ve found a safe place after your accident, here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 while remaining at the accident scene. Inform them of the accident and ask for an ambulance (if needed);
- File a police report once the authorities arrive;
- Ask for medical care, even if you feel completely fine. Follow any advice or orders given by your doctor;
- Exchange contact information and insurance details with all drivers, passengers, and witnesses involved in the accident;
- Collect evidence, like photos of vehicle damage, injuries, street signs, directions of travel, skid marks, and more;
- Contact your insurance company and briefly let them know the basic facts of your car accident.
A crash is a traumatic experience, and you’re likely to be in shock. Since you don’t have the full details of the accident yet, avoid talking at length to anyone else at the scene. Likewise, decline to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. You may unintentionally make a comment that could be used against you to deny or challenge your claim.
If you were in a hit-and-run accident where the other driver fled the scene, do not attempt to chase after them. Call the police and tell them what you can about the other vehicle’s make, model, and color, as well as what the driver looked like and what direction they were heading in.
Within 24 Hours: Medical Care & Documentation
Your safety is always the priority, which is why you should always get medical care after a car accident to ensure your health and well-being. You should see a doctor even if you feel completely fine. Not only can your doctor catch hidden injuries that aren’t showing symptoms yet, but they can also help you in your legal case later on.
During your medical check-up, a doctor or healthcare professional will create a medical record of your injuries. During your legal claim or lawsuit, this record can serve as crucial evidence to win you compensation.
In the Weeks Following: Claims and Communication
After an auto accident, call a lawyer as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, involving an attorney from day one will allow them to gather evidence and protect your rights. It will also give your lawyer time to negotiate with your insurance company and prevent you from accepting an unjust settlement. Simply put, the sooner you contact a lawyer for a car accident, the better your chances are of recovering maximum compensation.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may not always act in your best interest after a car accident. Some insurers will rush you to accept a settlement before you fully understand your injuries and damages. If you sign one of these low-ball settlement offers, you may lose the right to compensation for other losses related to your car accident.
Our team of Houston accident lawyers has seen hundreds of cases and understands exactly what steps to take after a car accident. Most importantly, we know how to quickly preserve evidence in your case that might otherwise be lost. Your motor vehicle accident lawyer from Simmons & Fletcher will collect medical documents, witness accounts, pay slips, video footage, and any other relevant evidence in your case.
Get in touch with a Houston car accident attorney as soon as possible after your motor vehicle collision. Consultations with a personal injury lawyer at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., are completely free, and a qualified legal representative can help you navigate the initial steps of the claims process.
Fill out this form to request a free consultation with a car accident lawyer near you. We’ll help you schedule a free, no-strings-attached advisory meeting with a member of our legal team.
Common Car Accident Injuries & Long‑Term Effects
Soft Tissue & Orthopedic Injuries
Soft tissue and orthopedic injuries are especially common in car crashes, and they can range from mild to severe. Soft tissue injuries, for instance, include sprains, strains, and contusions to muscles, ligaments, and tendons in any part of the body. Similar injuries include:
- Whiplash, a neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head;
- Broken bones, which may affect the arms, legs, ribs, face, and other parts of the body;
- Internal organ damage caused by high-impact collisions that result in ruptures or perforations in vital organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen;
- Severe burns, which may happen when a crash involves fires, extremely hot surfaces, or chemical spills;
- Lacerations, which can occur when an external object crashes into a vehicle passenger or when the passenger is thrown against a part of the car.
Head, Brain & Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injuries happen when any part of the spinal cord or its nerves is damaged. Spinal injuries are considered severe. In some cases, they can cause partial or complete paralysis.
Traumatic brain injuries (also known as TBIs) include concussions and more severe head traumas. In general, they involve any injury where the brain is pierced or shaken against the skull.
Psychological Trauma and PTSD
Motor vehicle accidents aren’t just physically affecting—they can affect your mental health as well. After an auto accident, an injured party may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as intrusive thoughts, distressing dreams, and more.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Houston
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions involve one vehicle crashing into the rear end of another vehicle. They’re usually caused by traffic jams and distracted driving, and common injuries include whiplash and back pain.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions involve two vehicles crashing front-to-front. They’re usually caused by high speeds, distracted driving, or wrong-way driving, and they often lead to injuries like brain trauma, spinal cord injury, and death.
Intersection Accidents
Intersection accidents are any collision that occurs at a junction or an area where two roads converge. These types of accidents are highly likely to involve non-drivers, like cyclists and pedestrians.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents involve a vehicle tipping over onto its side or roof. They’re usually caused by speeding or losing contact with the road and often involve SUVs or other larger vehicles.
Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI) Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are crashes where at least one driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, DUI and DWI crashes are common—in 2024 alone, Houston saw over 1,053 fatalities related to drunk driving accidents.
Speeding Accidents
Speeding accidents are caused by one or more vehicles being operated well above the safe limit. High-speed accidents increase the likelihood of catastrophic injury and even death. Unfortunately, according to 2024 data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, 29% of all people killed in traffic crashes were involved in speeding accidents.
Work Zone Accidents
Work zone accidents are collisions that happen in the middle of construction areas or stretches of highway where roadwork is being completed. Congestion, sudden stops, and heavy equipment in these areas can increase the potential of an accident.
Vehicle Defect-Related Accidents
Vehicle defect accidents occur when an issue with the car or automobile contributes to or causes the accident. These crashes may be caused by manufacturing errors, poor vehicle design, or a lack of adherence to maintenance standards.
Uninsured/Underinsured Driver Accidents
Uninsured and underinsured driver accidents refer to collisions where one or more parties did not have adequate insurance (or any insurance) at the time of the crash. These claims are complicated but not uncommon, as an estimated 20% of Texas drivers are uninsured, according to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you’ve been in a Houston car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you have two options to seek compensation:
- Sue the at-fault driver: You can still file a lawsuit against the liable driver, even if they’re uninsured or underinsured. However, it may be difficult to collect from them if they have no assets or insurance.
- File a UM/UIM with your insurance company: If you elected for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) as part of your insurance policy, file a claim with your insurance company—but reach out to a Houston car accident attorney first to make sure you get as much compensation as possible.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents involve one vehicle fleeing the scene after a crash. In these cases, unfortunately, one injured party is often left to deal with the police reports and damages alone.
Rideshare accidents are collisions involving Uber or Lyft vehicles. These cases can be complex since rideshare drivers are contractors and operate under a different legal standard than private drivers.
The most common causes of Uber accidents and Lyft accidents include:
- Driver inexperience
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Negligence from other drivers
Driver fatigue and distracted driving are especially common in rideshare accident claims. Rideshare drivers are often driving for many hours a day, leading to fatigue and potential errors on the road. Similarly, rideshare drivers rely on an app to do their job—meaning that it’s highly likely that their attention will be pulled from their road and onto their mobile phone or another screen.
Can I Still Get Compensation If the Crash Was Partly My Fault?
Yes, you can still get compensation if the car crash was partly your fault. However, under Texas law, you can’t claim compensation if you were found to be more than 50% responsible for the crash. In other words, if you were not responsible for the majority of the crash, you can still get compensation.
If you are found to be partially at fault (but less than 50% at fault), modified comparative negligence will apply. This means that your final settlement will simply be reduced by the percentage that you are found at fault.
For example, if you’re found to be 10% at fault for your car accident, your settlement will be reduced by 10%. So, if you were awarded $100,000 as compensation, you will likely receive $90,000.
If you’re found to be more than 50% responsible for your accident, however, you cannot recover any damages. A resourceful Houston car accident lawyer can work with you to assess your case, determine your role in the accident, and attempt to give you the best possible chance at maximum compensation.
If you were partially at fault in your motor vehicle accident, there are a few key steps and rules that you can follow in order to improve your chances at just compensation:
- Keep Quiet: As much as possible, don’t say anything about the accident in the immediate aftermath. Even saying something as simple as “I didn’t see them coming” could be interpreted as an admission of fault in a legal claim.
- Stick to the Facts: When you do have to give your statement to the police or another party, don’t make any unnecessary comments. Stick to the cold facts of what happened and only exchange the required information.
- Speak to a Lawyer First: Get in touch with an attorney before speaking to any insurance companies or the other driver’s legal team. Your attorney can handle all of your communications with your insurers and other parties in order to protect your rights.
Hiring a qualified and compassionate Houston personal injury lawyer for an auto accident means you’re hiring someone to look after your best interests through every step of your legal claim. Even if you’re partially at fault, an attorney will negotiate with insurance companies, communicate with the other driver’s legal team, and do everything in their power to get you fair compensation for your injuries.
How to File a Car Accident Claim in Houston?
Understand Which Type of Claim You’re Filing
There are two main types of claims that you might file: bodily injury claims and personal injury claims.
Bodily injury claims focus on the physical harm done to your body in a car accident, and these claims are covered under the bodily injury liability section of your auto insurance policy. Compensation for bodily injury claims may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Examples of damages under bodily injury claims include:
- Broken bones
- Cuts
- Disc herniations
- Head trauma
- Ligament tears
Personal injury claims, on the other hand, apply to bodily injuries and other damages that occur due to acts of negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Personal injury claims may involve non-physical damages like mental anguish, property damage, and lost wages.
Examples of damages under personal injury claims include:
- Bodily injuries
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Get Legal Advice As Soon As Possible
In order to file a car accident claim in Houston, you should first consult with a qualified and knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can guide you through every step of filing a claim. Your lawyer will let you know which documents you need to put together in order to file your claim, which typically include:
- Your insurance card and policy information;
- The other driver’s insurance information;
- A copy of your police report (if filed);
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries;
- Medical records detailing your injuries, treatment plan, and medical bills;
- Contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident.
Report Your Accident—But Don’t Say Too Much
Report your accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. However, be careful not to tell them anything more than they need to know. Let them know that you were in a car accident and stick to the objective facts of what happened—any unnecessary comments that you make may unintentionally be used against you later to lessen your compensation.
Most importantly, we advise not to accept a settlement offer from an insurer before you talk to an attorney. Unfortunately, insurance companies generally don’t have your best interests in mind and don’t want to give you the full amount of your deserved compensation. Your personal injury lawyer will handle all communications with your insurance company on your behalf, including negotiating your offer and making sure your rights are protected.
If Negotiations Fail, File a Lawsuit with Legal Help
If a settlement cannot be reached in your case—either with your insurer or the other driver’s legal team—then your personal injury attorney will proceed through the steps to file a lawsuit. To initiate this process, your skilled and resourceful car accident attorney will:
- Discuss the best course of action with you and make sure you want to proceed.
- Gather all documentation relevant to your claim and damages.
- Draft and file your lawsuit with the appropriate court system.
- Serve the other driver (or at-fault party) with a notification of the lawsuit.
- Guide the lawsuit through discovery, pre-trial motions, and settlement conferences.
- Represent you in trial if no settlement can be reached.
At this point, both your and the other driver’s legal teams will present their version of the accident and supporting evidence to a judge or jury. The judge or jury will then make a final decision on who was liable in the accident and what financial damages (if any) they are owed.
How Much Is My Houston Car Accident Case Worth?
Every car accident claim is different, and various factors can affect how much your case is worth. While no legal team can guarantee a specific amount of compensation, a hardworking and resourceful attorney will do everything they can to maximize your potential settlement. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can also help you understand the different factors that can affect your claim’s value, which may include:
- The amount of medical bills you’ve incurred, including emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy treatments, and more;
- The duration and severity of your injuries, especially if you’re expected to have future and ongoing medical expenses and long-term lifestyle changes;
- If you were unable to work or have a diminished capacity for future earnings due to your injuries;
- If your car was damaged in the crash, meaning you may be able to claim any repair or replacement costs as part of your damages;
- Being partially at-fault for your accident, which would cause your settlement amount to be reduced by the same percentage of the accident you were found at fault for;
- Experiencing emotional damages like pain and suffering as well as mental anguish and reduced quality of life.
Knowing these factors helps our legal team to determine what may be a fair settlement in your case. For example, a catastrophic injury may alter the injured party’s life expectancy, future earning capacity, disability status, and more. A fair settlement amount will financially compensate for all of these factors, as well as any ongoing pain and suffering experienced by the injured party for the duration of their injury (which may be lifelong).
To maximize the value of your case, keep any and all records of medical treatments, medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, and any other losses related to your accidents. All of these records can and will be used by your experienced legal team to provide evidence for your car accident claim and help you get as much compensation as possible.
Speak with a motor vehicle accident attorney today to schedule your free case review. Fill out our contact form online or call (713) 932-0777 to find out how much your case could be worth with the help of experienced accident lawyers in Houston, Texas.
Common Insurance Company Defenses in Car Accident Cases
When used by insurance companies, an “unavoidable” or “act of god” defense means that your accident wasn’t preventable, and nothing the driver did (or didn’t do) could have changed the outcome. Usually, this defense applies to weather elements like hurricanes, windstorms, blizzards, lightning strikes, and floods, or medical emergencies like a stroke or heart attack.
Sudden Emergency Claims
A sudden emergency claim defense may apply if the accident was caused by something that the insurer believes was not foreseeable or able to be anticipated by the driver. For example, a child darting out into the street, a blown tire, something falling from another driver’s truck bed, something blocking a driver’s windshield, and sudden medical emergencies (e.g., heart attack, stroke, allergic reaction).
New and Independent Cause
Another insurance defense is to claim that the defendant’s negligence didn’t directly cause your injuries and damages. This is called the “new and independent defense,” and it’s usually used when a “new” event happens between the act of negligence and your injury. For example, if a car stops to let someone out at a safe drop-off spot, but this person walks into a pothole and falls, the pothole would be a new and independent cause.
Challenges to Causation and Injuries
An insurance company may challenge your car accident claim by arguing that you had a pre-existing injury. In other words, they may claim that your injury existed before the accident and was not caused by it. Or, they might claim that you had pre-existing injuries that were aggravated by other factors—not by the accident. They may also claim that the medical treatments you received were unnecessary.
Related Resources
- Rear‑End Collisions in Houston: Learn the common causes of rear-end crashes and how to file a claim.
- Head‑On Collision Accidents: Read about damages, liability, and legal steps after a head-on crash.
- Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims: Understand how you can get compensation when one or more drivers don’t have coverage.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: Explore your legal rights after a drunk driving accident.
- Dram Shop Claims: Find out how Texas law holds bars accountable for irresponsibly serving alcohol.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Read about your legal options after being hit as a pedestrian.
- Bicycle Accidents: Learn what to do next if you’ve been hit by a car while cycling.
- Truck Accidents: Understand the legal complexities behind commercial truck accident claims.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Explore possible steps toward compensation after a motorcycle crash.
- Medical Malpractice and Catastrophic Injuries: Discover how claims work when they involve medical errors or life-altering injuries.
- Recovering Medical Expenses From an Uninsured Driver: Find out what legal options you have after being hit by an uninsured motorist in TX.
- Contributing Factors on a Crash Report: Learn what the “Contributing Factors” section of your Texas Crash Report really means.
- Why the Insurance Adjuster Isn’t Calling Back: Understand why your auto insurance claim adjuster may not be getting back to you—and how to resolve the issue.
Car Accidents FAQs
What If I Don’t Feel Injured After the Accident?
If you don’t feel injured after a car accident, you should still see a doctor and talk to a lawyer. Some injuries (e.g., whiplash or brain trauma) won’t show up right away but can lead to greater problems for you down the road. By seeing a medical professional and contacting an attorney right away, you’ll be more likely to accurately identify these injuries and save yourself from accepting a low-ball offer from an insurance settlement.
How Do I Read My Texas Car Accident Report?
To read your Texas car accident report, purchase a copy of your Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3) online via the Texas Department of Transportation website. Here’s a cheat sheet of the key information you’ll find on each page of your report:
- Page 1: Date, time, location, drivers, passengers, witnesses, vehicles, and injuries.
- Page 2: Filed charges, descriptor of events, visual diagram, officer’s statement, hospital transport details, fatalities.
- Page 3: All data about commercial vehicles involved, e.g., contact information, cargo inventory, vehicle weight, and more.
- Page 4: An explanation of the codes and terminology in the accident report.
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Case?
It will likely take about 2-12 months to settle your Houston motor vehicle accident case. The vast majority of car crash claims settle within this time period, but some take years. It all depends on the details of your case, such as the severity of your accident, the severity of your injuries, and whether or not your case goes to trial. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can help you out with an estimate of how long your case will take to settle.
Do I Have to Go to Court or Will I Get a Settlement?
After a Houston car accident, you will likely get a settlement and not have to go to court. The majority of car accident claims are settled through out-of-court negotiations between your legal team and the other driver’s legal team. If a fair settlement can’t be reached through negotiations, however, you may need to file a lawsuit and go to cort in order to seek appropriate compensation for your damages.
What If I Need Money Immediately for Medical Bills?
If you need money immediately for medical bills after a car accident and can’t wait for your personal injury claim to be settled, you have three options:
- Use your own health insurance to cover immediate costs.
- Use Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay from your own auto policy.
- Hire an attorney to issue letters of protection to your medical providers.
As a first step, contact your health and auto insurance providers ASAP to find out what’s covered and ask them about using your PIP coverage (which is required on auto policies under Texas law).
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
It costs nothing upfront to hire a car accident lawyer at Simmons & Fletcher. Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you don’t pay any out-of-pocket costs for our services. We only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation for you. If we do win your case, our fee will be a percentage of your total recovery and only then will we be reimbursed for any case expenses and court costs as well.
Rideshare accidents can be different because they involve multiple parties and more complex insurance coverage. They may involve the rideshare driver, the company, other drivers, and other passengers. Plus, Uber and Lyft drivers have corporate insurance policies that can limit liability. These factors can complicate things, but a skilled and knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Houston can help you understand the special circumstances in a rideshare case.
*Note: case results and averages are provided for educational and informational use only. They are not a guarantee of future performance.