A car accident can leave tremendous, long-lasting repercussions; from physical pain, psychological distress, and financial hardships to even the loss of life. In the short term, it also creates a great deal of uncertainty. How will you get to work, run errands, or take care of your family? Will you ever be able to return to life the way it was? More importantly, how will you cope with the pain and costs of your injuries? It is a lot to shoulder, which only adds to the stress of the accident itself.
Our hearts go out to those whose lives have been upended by a serious motor vehicle accident. Know that the professional legal advocates at Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Injury & Accident Lawyers are here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you in understanding your options for recovery. No one should have to go through this alone. And with us in your corner, you will not have to.
Call (713) 932-0777 for a free consultation with a top-notch Katy car accident lawyer today.
Katy, TX Car Accident Facts
In Texas, not a day goes by without an unfortunate road tragedy. Last year, 4,481 people lost their lives in auto accidents; a life needlessly taken every 2 hours. In the same year, the Texas Department of Transportation reported 634,000 car crashes. Of these, 18,880 people suffered serious, debilitating injuries that will likely affect them for the rest of their lives.
The reality is that no one is truly immune from being injured in a crash — even if you drive by every rule in the book. If you or someone you love was seriously injured or killed as a result of another driver’s negligence — the responsible party MUST be held accountable. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our Katy car accident lawyers are here to provide all the guidance and support you need to seek compensation for your losses.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Katy, Texas
Every year, thousands upon thousands of drivers are hurt or killed in car crashes across the country — many due to preventable causes. Some may sound familiar to you; others may come as a surprise. But one thing is for certain: from potholes and poor weather to inexperienced drivers and reckless speeding — the potential for disaster is everywhere. And if you want to stay safe on the road, it helps to be aware of these risks.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving accidents are all too common (and preventable) in Katy, Texas. Alcohol impairs drivers’ judgment, slows reaction times, and causes blurred vision. The same is true of driving under the influence of drugs. If you were hit by an impaired driver, call a drunk driving accident lawyer today.
Speeding
Speeding causes nearly one-third of all fatal car crashes in Texas. Few drivers can escape the temptation to go just a little bit faster than the imposed limit. The higher the speed, the less time available to react, and the steeper the consequences.
Distracted Driving
Things like texting (illegal while driving in Texas), accepting phone calls, eating food, and going through music playlists can deter a driver’s attention away from the road. As you can imagine, this can lead to some very dangerous situations. Always keep your focus as you’re behind the wheel, and remember to put your electronics down while you drive.
Inexperienced Drivers
Rookie drivers on the road bring a different kind of danger. Without the same level of conscious practice and expertise as more experienced drivers, it is easy to forget some of the basics, like checking blind spots, signaling for turns, reading signs, and obeying the speed limit.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving covers everything from tailgating, making illegal U-turns, weaving in and out of lanes, running red lights, etc. This kind of behavior endangers not only drivers but other road users like cyclists and pedestrians as well.
Poor Weather
Unfavorable weather is more than an inconvenience; it can be downright dangerous. Heavy rain, fog, and sun glare can significantly reduce visibility, and it is hard to stay on the road when it is flooding or slippery; even a light shower can cut braking power significantly.
Bad Road Conditions
Potholes, insufficient lighting, road debris, and other hazards can create dangerous driving conditions even for the most cautious drivers. Always be on the lookout for potential road issues and give yourself enough space to maneuver if the unexpected should arise.
Defective Vehicle Parts
Steering failures, misfired airbags, fuel leaks, and faulty accelerators can all lead to tragedies on the road. This is why auto part manufacturers and installers must comply with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations. Failure to do so can be grounds for a defective vehicle personal injury case.
Common Car Accident Injuries
A car wreck can cause a range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to serious, even life-threatening situations. Our auto accident attorneys in Katy, Texas have dealt with cases involving the following types of injuries:
- Lacerations and abrasions;
- Whiplash or other neck injuries;
- Bone fractures;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Burns;
- Internal bleeding or organ damage;
- Scarring or disfigurement.
Immediately after an accident, realize that you may not be aware of any injuries you have sustained at the time. If something feels off — however minor — seek immediate medical attention. Even seemingly minor bruises can mask more severe internal injuries that could have serious long-term fallout if left untreated.
How to Avoid Car Accidents
While you cannot avoid all accidents, you should still make every effort to reduce your risk of harm. Whether you are cruising I-10 or taking a leisurely spin through Cinco Ranch, the key here is to stay alert and keep your eyes on the road.
Some useful tips to remember:
- Follow the speed limit and adjust your speed depending on the conditions.
- Avoid distractions. Do not text and drive, apply makeup in the car, or let other passengers monopolize your attention, especially when they rise to a noisy level.
- Stay back from other vehicles to give yourself time and space to stop if needed.
- Stay away from drivers who appear to be in a rush or driving recklessly.
- Do not drive while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Be aware of your own fatigue. If you are sleepy, pull over for a break and some fresh air or let another driver take over for you.
If you have been involved in a car accident, before anything else, address your health and seek medical attention if necessary. Once you have taken care of yourself, find out if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. If possible, consider partnering with a reliable Katy car accident lawyer, as they can lend valuable insights and investigative experience that may be difficult to acquire on your own.
We offer a free initial consultation for all new clients. Get clear, straightforward advice that puts your needs first. Call our law office at (713) 932-0777 to speak with a qualified Katy car accident attorney today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Katy Car Crashes
What kind of compensation can I recover from my car accident case?
If you have been involved in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation for your losses. To do this, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The amount of damages you are eligible to receive will vary, but can generally cover:
- Medical bills (past & future),
- Lost wages,
- Lost future earning capacity,
- Property damage,
- Rehabilitation expenses,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Reduced quality of life,
- Scarring or disfigurement, and;
- Loss of consortium.
Building a strong case requires hard evidence. Your attorney, working closely with you, will need to collect anything that will prove the other driver’s fault and the damage you’ve incurred: photos of the accident, police records, eyewitness interviews, bills and receipts, documented effects the accident has had on your daily life, and more.
How much is my car accident case worth?
To figure out an appropriate settlement for your injuries, all insurance companies have their own methods of evaluating your damages that take into account your medical costs and how similar cases have been settled. But if you feel like the compensation they offer is not enough, our experienced Katy car accident lawyers can look at the context of your case to assign a more accurate value.
We will examine the extent and seriousness of your injury, the liability policies of all involved, court rulings on fault, and whatever other details are necessary to determine the full value of your car accident injury case.
If you have been in a car accident and think you are not getting a fair shake, our personal injury lawyers are here to help. We will not rest until you get back what is rightfully yours. Call us today: (713) 932-0777.
How much will a Katy car accident attorney cost me?
Most car accident law firms offer what is known as a contingency fee agreement, meaning they only get paid if you receive a successful verdict or settlement in the case. The fee is usually calculated as a percentage of the total award, typically ranging from 33-40%.
In this way, car accident victims may get the justice and compensation they deserve, even when they may not have the financial resources to do so. And because the payment of the attorney is contingent on your case winning, you will not have to worry about experiencing additional financial setbacks due to upfront legal fees.
How do I get a Katy crash report?
Katy, Texas sits across three separate counties. As a result, where you order your report from, depends on what part of the city you were in. To learn more, please visit: Obtaining a Katy Crash Report.
Can I settle a car accident without a lawyer in Katy, Texas?
Maybe. It is certainly possible to settle a car accident without hiring an attorney. But you need to be prepared for the process ahead. On your own, you will need to do some heavy lifting to:
- Identify liable parties;
- Collect evidence to prove liability;
- Assess your damages;
- File paperwork;
- Navigate injury laws;
- Negotiate a fair car crash settlement.
Without a lawyer, you are on your own for all these tasks and more. There will be no safety net if things start to get complicated. And the fact remains that insurance companies are not known for their leniency when it comes to auto insurance claims. These are for-profit companies, meaning it is always in their best interests to settle a claim quickly and for the least amount of money possible. Without representation, you may find yourself facing unfavorable settlements, endless delays, and frustrating liability disputes. Particularly if your case involves lots of damages.
Ultimately, by representing yourself in a car crash case, you may end up leaving too much money on the table. Remember that you do not have the same level of experience or resources that an insurance company does. Even with the best intentions, without the legal knowledge of a reputable injury law firm behind you, you are putting yourself at a serious disadvantage.
Do not sacrifice your rights. For the best outcome, consult with a lawyer; at least for a consultation if not to represent you in the full process.
An auto accident attorney in the Katy area can accurately determine the true value of your claim, substantiate it with hard evidence, and ensure your interests are properly represented throughout negotiations — all without causing major disruptions to your life.
Get Legal Advice From a Katy Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Injury & Accident Lawyers, has been serving the Katy area for over 40 years. Our personal injury law firm has helped countless clients recover the highest compensation possible for injuries and wrongful death lawsuits.
Be it a car accident, or other practice areas like motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, and product liability — our attorneys know the law and will put that experience to work for you.
Schedule your free case review with us — you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today. We are here to help: (713) 932-0777.
What Our Clients Say
Review: 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Simmons and Fletcher law firm went above and beyond for me. I was in a bad wreck that required neck surgery. They constantly called and checked on me to see how I was doing. They showed that they cared about me not just my case. I was also going through a rough divorce case at the same time. They helped me out in so many ways I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney to fight for me. Chris Fletcher made sure I got what I deserved. Stephanie Quinn was amazing, she always so caring and checked on me. If I needed anything she acted quickly and made sure things were taken care of. I didn’t have as much stress through this whole process thanks to the hard work and effort they put in. Not many attorneys care about you as a person as well as take care of your case. I would recommend anyone to use Simmons and Fletcher as their attorney.” – Amber R., an actual client.