As a resident of the greater Houston area, you’re no stranger to the heavy traffic and congested roadways that characterize our region. Pasadena, being part of the Houston metro area, shares these traffic issues. With the increasing frequency of car accidents, it’s crucial to know your rights and the steps to take if you find yourself a victim of a car accident. This is where a Pasadena TX car accident lawyer comes into play.
The Role of a Pasadena TX Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A Pasadena TX car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
After a car accident, you may find yourself dealing with medical treatment, rehabilitation, work absences, and recovery. The last thing you need is the added stress of dealing with insurance companies and fighting for fair compensation. This is where a car accident lawyer can be invaluable.
An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate your accident, secure vital evidence to support your injury claim, calculate the full extent of your losses, negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and seek a fair settlement that accounts for all your losses. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can suggest filing a personal injury suit on your behalf and fighting for compensation in court.
Understanding the Worth of Your Car Accident Case
The circumstances surrounding each car accident are unique, making it challenging to calculate the exact worth of your claim. However, a knowledgeable Pasadena TX car accident lawyer can evaluate your situation and give you an estimate of what you could be owed.
You can seek compensation for medical expenses (past, current, and future), lost income due to inability to work, pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional trauma, and repairs to your vehicle or replacement if totaled.
Pasadena Car Accident Statistics
Car accidents are increasing in frequency as more vehicles get on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found a 7.2% increase in traffic fatalities in recent years, with about 35,000 people fatally injured in motor accidents across the United States each year. The Houston-Galveston Area Council found that accidents are on the rise in the Houston metro area, with traffic-related accidents increasing by a staggering 62% during a recent five-year period.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Pasadena
Car accidents in Pasadena can take many forms:
- Head-on collisions: These occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into one another. These types of collisions can be severe and cause serious injuries depending on the speed at which each vehicle was moving at the time of impact.
- Rollover accidents: A rollover accident occurs when a car tips over on its side or rolls all the way over onto its roof in a crash. This type of accident is less common than other types, but it can be life-threatening.
- Side-impact collisions: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. The nature of these accidents means that drivers and passengers can be crushed by another car depending on where the car hits.
- Rear-end collisions: A rear-end collision occurs when one driver hits another from behind, often because the driver in the back didn’t leave enough time to slow down or stop. These types of accidents often occur because a driver wasn’t paying attention, was impaired, or was speeding and/or driving recklessly.
- Pileup accidents: When three or more vehicles are involved in an accident, it’s known as a multi-vehicle crash. These are also sometimes referred to as “pileups” or “chain-reaction” collisions. These types of accidents often occur when several vehicles are following one another too closely on a freeway.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Pasadena
While every car accident is unique and can be caused by any combination of factors, some of the most common causes of car accidents in Pasadena include:
- Distracted driving: This is becoming an increasingly common cause of car accidents across the country. Distracted driving occurs when a driver is focused on something other than driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, changing the radio station, eating and drinking, or being distracted by a pet in the vehicle.
- Driving while under the influence: Drunk or intoxicated driving seriously increases the chance that a driver will cause an accident. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely limits a person’s ability to concentrate on driving and judge traffic conditions, reduces coordination necessary for driving, and increases a driver’s reaction time.
- Reckless driving: This can happen when a driver intentionally disobeys traffic laws and signs, disregards the speed limit, fails to stop at stop signs or traffic lights, or makes sudden, unsafe lane changes.
- Speeding: Speeding is incredibly dangerous because the faster a car goes, the stronger the force of a collision will be. Speeding also makes it more likely that a driver will lose control of their vehicle.
- Tailgating: Tailgating occurs when one vehicle follows another too closely. Sometimes this is intentional, particularly in instances of speeding, aggressive driving, or road rage. Drivers who tailgate other vehicles have less time to react if the traffic situation suddenly changes. Tailgating often leads to rear-end collisions.
- Poor weather or road conditions: Drivers who fail to take adequate precautions in inclement weather or when visibility is reduced increase the risk of getting into a car accident.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to abide by or intentionally ignore right-of-way laws put other motorists, bikers, and pedestrians at risk. For instance, some drivers attempt to turn quickly through an intersection to “beat” pedestrians who are crossing or oncoming traffic, resulting in a severe crash.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Pasadena
If you’re involved in a car accident caused by another party, there are several steps you can take to protect your right to compensation:
- Seek medical care immediately: Even if your injuries don’t seem severe at first, some injuries, like internal bleeding and whiplash, don’t always show symptoms immediately. A prompt examination can uncover potentially life-threatening conditions in time to receive effective treatment.
- Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all your scheduled appointments: This will not only aid in your recovery but also serve as evidence of your injuries and the steps you took to treat them.
- Keep track of all relevant documents: This includes medical records, medical bills, police reports, witness statements, pay stubs, vehicle repair estimates, and other evidence to support your case.
- Avoid posting any information about your accident on social media: Even seemingly harmless posts could be taken out of context and used against you by the insurance company.
- Consult with a Pasadena TX car accident lawyer: An attorney will independently investigate your claim and help you build a case for compensation. Working with a skilled and experienced attorney can also help you maximize the compensation you recover.
Other Practice Areas We Handle in Pasadena, TX
At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we specialize in a variety of personal injury cases, including:
- Truck Accidents: Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of truck accident cases and work diligently to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
- Motorcycle Accident: We understand the unique challenges faced by motorcycle accident victims and fight to protect their rights and secure fair compensation.
- Wrongful Death: We provide compassionate and dedicated legal representation for families who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of others.
Why Choose Simmons and Fletcher for Your Car Accident Case in Pasadena, TX?
At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take on you and your family. With over 40 years of experience, we provide exceptional legal representation for a wide range of personal injury cases. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys takes pride in their compassionate and client-centered approach. Contact us at (713) 932-0777 to schedule a consultation and seek the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers take from car accident settlement in Texas?
In Texas, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or award, usually ranging from 33% to 45%.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Texas?
The average settlement for a car accident in Texas can vary widely depending on the specifics of the case, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, and whether any fatalities occurred. It’s best to consult with a lawyer for an accurate estimate based on your unique circumstances.
What are most lawyer fees for car accidents?
Most car accident lawyers charge a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the settlement or award. This fee typically ranges from 33% to 45%. Some lawyers may also charge for costs and expenses related to the case, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and administrative costs.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Texas?
The amount someone can sue for in a car accident in Texas depends on the damages they’ve suffered. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Texas does not have a cap on damages for most personal injury cases.