If you were recently involved in a car accident in Houston due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The best way to confirm this is by consulting a trusted Houston car accident lawyer like Steinger, Greene & Feiner. Known for securing justice and compensation for clients, our personal injury law firm has recovered over $2 billion for auto accident victims. Contact us today to pursue the results you deserve, on your terms.
Statistics and Causes of Car Accidents in Houston
In 2023, driving through Houston came with serious risks, with 67,644 crashes affecting countless lives and resulting in 290 fatalities, 1,612 suspected serious injuries, and 7,558 minor injuries. Across Texas, the main factors behind these incidents paint a clear picture of the everyday challenges on the road. The top causes of accidents Texans faced according to the Texas Department of Transportation report were:
- Failed to Control Speed – 135,737 crashes: Speed limits exist for a reason. Unfortunately, many drivers found out the hard way that speeding can have real, and sometimes tragic, consequences.
- Driver Inattention – 83,726 crashes: It’s easy to get distracted, but keeping your eyes and mind on the road is crucial to avoid harm.
- Changed Lane When Unsafe – 49,410 crashes: A quick lane switch might seem harmless until it leads to an accident. Staying cautious here can make all the difference.
- Failed to Drive in a Single Lane – 44,290 crashes: Drifting between lanes is more dangerous than it looks, often resulting in unexpected collisions.
- Failed to Control Speed – 135,737 crashes: Speed limits exist for a reason. Unfortunately, many drivers found out the hard way that speeding can have real, and sometimes tragic, consequences.
- Driver Inattention – 83,726 crashes: It’s easy to get distracted, but keeping your eyes and mind on the road is crucial to avoid harm.
- Changed Lane When Unsafe – 49,410 crashes: A quick lane switch might seem harmless until it leads to an accident. Staying cautious here can make all the difference.
- Failed to Drive in a Single Lane – 44,290 crashes: Drifting between lanes is more dangerous than it looks, often resulting in unexpected collisions.
Understanding the types of accidents resulting from these factors will shed more clarity on how they will impact the claim process and damages.
Types of Car Accidents in Houston
The type of car accident you experience plays a crucial role in determining fault and securing fair compensation for your injuries and property damage. Here’s a look at some of the most common accident types in Houston:
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: Your vehicle is the only one involved. Often caused by swerving to avoid obstacles, slippery roads, or distracted driving, these accidents still allow for compensation if road conditions or other factors contribute.
- Head-On Collisions: Two vehicles collide front-to-front, typically leading to severe injuries. These often happen on Houston’s busy highways and intersections, where speed limits and lane discipline are vital.
- Rear-End Accidents: One vehicle crashes into the back of another, a frequent occurrence in the city’s heavy traffic. Distracted driving or tailgating is often the cause, impacting both drivers with varying levels of injury and damage.
- Rollover Accidents: A vehicle flips and rolls, usually due to high speeds or sharp turns. These can be particularly dangerous in Houston’s suburbs or rural areas where open roads might invite higher speeds.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: The at-fault driver flees the scene, leaving victims with challenges in recovering compensation. In Houston, where hit-and-runs have become all too common, tracking down the liable party is essential for justice.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicles come with unique complexities in determining liability. Houston’s bustling rideshare market makes these incidents increasingly common, often involving multiple parties, including the rideshare company.
- Fatal Accidents: Accidents resulting in fatalities are devastating and require a deep understanding of legal processes to pursue justice for loved ones left behind.
Our Houston car accident attorneys have represented clients in these and many other types of auto accidents across Houston, always working to achieve fair compensation and justice for those affected by another’s negligence.
Common Car Accidents Injuries & Their Impact
In 2023, car accidents across Texas resulted in 15,219 serious injury crashes, leaving 18,752 individuals with life-altering injuries. These incidents highlight the severe physical toll that accidents can take, affecting victims’ lives long after the crash. The most common injuries car accident victims are experiences are the next:
- Broken Bones: Fractures can require extensive recovery time, physical therapy, and may lead to lasting mobility issues, making everyday tasks and work responsibilities challenging.
- Severe Disfigurement: Significant facial or bodily disfigurement often results in permanent scars and may impact a person’s self-esteem, leading to emotional distress and social withdrawal.
- Permanent Loss of Use of an Appendage or Organ: Losing functionality in a limb or organ affects basic life activities, work capabilities, and requires major lifestyle adjustments, often needing long-term medical care or assistive devices.
- Whiplash: A common neck injury from rear-end collisions, whiplash can cause chronic pain, limited neck movement, and, in severe cases, neurological symptoms like dizziness and headaches.
- Cuts, Lacerations, and Bruises: While often considered minor, deep cuts and bruising can lead to infections, scarring, and in some cases, require reconstructive surgery, affecting physical appearance and comfort.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments may limit physical strength and flexibility, leading to long-term pain and restricted mobility that impacts daily routines and work abilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal damage can result in partial or total paralysis, affecting motor function, independence, and requiring a lifetime of specialized care, assistive technology, and rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs can cause cognitive impairments, memory loss, emotional instability, and a reduced ability to work, often requiring long-term neurological treatment and therapy.
- Serious Burns: Burns lead to intense physical pain, risk of infection, and permanent scarring. Severe cases may require skin grafts, resulting in long-term medical treatment and potential emotional trauma.
These injuries underscore the broad physical, emotional, and financial impacts that victims of car accidents may face, affecting quality of life and the ability to resume normal activities.
The Hidden Risk of Minor Car Accidents
Even low-speed collisions can cause sudden jerks or impacts that strain your muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues, leading to sprains, strains, or whiplash injuries. Additionally, the psychological stress and trauma associated with car accidents can contribute to the development of chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That’s why seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident, regardless of its severity, is essential to ensure a timely diagnosis and the appropriate treatment of any injuries.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Even if you’re involved in a minor car accident, you should follow the steps outlined below to ensure your safety and support your case in any future settlement negotiations or litigation.
- Check for injuries: Even minor car accidents can cause injuries to the drivers and passengers involved. Before doing anything else, check your body for any visible injuries—like cuts and bruises. Then, check in on the other involved parties to see if they sustained any injuries.
- Call emergency services: If any involved parties sustained serious injuries, call emergency services for medical assistance.
- Move your vehicle: If road conditions allow for it and your vehicle didn’t suffer significant damage, move it to the side of the road or into a nearby parking lot. The purpose of this step is to escape the potential dangers of oncoming traffic and move somewhere safer. If the conditions don’t allow for it, stay put until help arrives.
- Exchange information: Gather the personal information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes their name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance provider and policy number. Your insurance company and attorney will need these details to estimate damages and determine fault.
- Gather evidence: Take photos and videos of the scene. Be thorough, and retake any photos or videos that aren’t clear. Your insurance company and attorney will use this documentation to assess damages and determine fault.
- Call the police: The next thing you should do is call the local police to report the accident. If police officers arrive at the scene of the crash, they will gather witness statements and file an official police report detailing the events that occurred. Keep in mind, though, that police officers don’t respond to every car accident, especially minor ones. In this case, you should gather witness statements from other drivers and onlookers. You can use this information to file an accident report through the local DMV.
- Seek medical attention: Immediately upon leaving the crash scene, seek medical care—even if you don’t have any visible injuries. It’s possible that you sustained internal injuries that may not present themselves until days or even weeks later. Seeking medical care now will help your case later on, as medical records are required to prove any injuries were caused by the accident.
- Contact your insurance provider: In addition to reporting the accident to either the local police or DMV, you should also report it to your insurance company. Most insurance providers require policyholders to report any type of accident they’re involved in, whether or not they caused it. After reporting the accident, an insurance adjuster will call you to gather more information about the events that occurred. Answer their questions honestly without providing more information than what is necessary or admitting fault.
Why Filing a Car Accident Claim Promptly Matters
Filing a car accident claim can be a complicated process, especially when dealing with the stress and confusion that often follow an accident. Knowing the steps ahead of time will ensure you handle the claims process effectively. One of the first actions you should take is to contact a Houston car wreck lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims. These cases involve intricate legal steps, but experienced attorneys can guide you through each stage. When you work with a qualified lawyer, they will help you with several essential tasks in the claim process:
- Collect Evidence: To build a solid case, your personal injury lawyer will gather all relevant evidence, including medical records, vehicle repair estimates, and the official police report. Immediate medical attention is crucial, as it documents the extent of your injuries and strengthens your claim. Additionally, many Texas insurers require accident reporting within 24–72 hours, and timely documentation of injuries and damages can protect your eligibility for compensation.
- Establish Liability: Your lawyer will work to prove the at-fault party’s liability, ensuring you’re positioned for a fair compensation claim. They will review evidence to determine the other party’s responsibility for your injuries and property damage.
- Negotiate with Insurers: Experienced Houston auto accident attorney handles negotiations with both the at-fault driver’s insurer and, if necessary, your own insurance company. If a settlement can be reached without court intervention, they’ll advocate on your behalf. This step helps you avoid common pitfalls, such as accepting a low settlement.
- Represent You in Litigation: If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement, your trial lawyer will represent you in court. They can also file claims for damages not fully covered by insurance, ensuring all avenues for compensation are explored.
Acting quickly to start the claims process is critical. The sooner you consult a Houston car accident attorney, the faster you can receive compensation for medical bills, vehicle damage, and other accident-related costs. Prompt action also ensures compliance with Texas’ statute of limitations, which gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury or property damage claim. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to compensation, so it’s essential to begin the claims process without delay. Contact our car accident lawyer in Houston and get a free consultation!
Damages You Might Be Entitled to After a Car Accident in Houston
If you’re injured in a Texas car accident, the law entitles you to seek various types of damages designed to compensate for the financial, physical, and emotional impact of the accident. Damages fall into two main categories—economic and non-economic—each addressing different aspects of the harm you’ve suffered.
Economic Damages
Economic damages aim to reimburse you for financial losses directly tied to the accident. This includes medical expenses, such as emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatment costs like physical therapy. You may also claim for lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working, including potential future income if the accident impacts your long-term earning ability. Property damage is another vital component, covering repairs or replacement costs for your vehicle and other personal items damaged in the accident. Calculating these losses requires comprehensive documentation, making it essential to keep records of all bills and receipts related to the incident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for more subjective, intangible losses that arise from the accident. Pain and suffering reflects the physical pain and discomfort you experience due to your injuries, while mental anguish addresses emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the accident. If the accident results in a loss of enjoyment of life, such as when injuries limit your ability to engage in hobbies or daily activities, you may claim additional compensation for this diminished quality of life. Texas law permits recovery for these damages, though calculating their value is more nuanced and often requires input from experienced legal professionals.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases where the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness or intentional harm, Texas courts may award punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party and deter similar future conduct. However, Texas law places limits on these awards, and they are generally granted only when the at-fault driver’s behavior is particularly egregious.
Securing these damages requires thorough documentation, detailed evidence, and a strategic approach tailored to Texas law. Working with an experienced car crash attorney can ensure you pursue every avenue for fair compensation, protecting your rights and financial recovery.
How to Navigate the Complexities of Insurance Companies
Let’s be honest. Dealing with insurance companies when handling an auto accident claim is a pain. From receiving lowball offers to experiencing unnecessary delays in the claims process, it starts to feel like insurance providers aren’t on your side.
Thankfully, Steinger, Greene & Feiner are on your side. Our car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate these challenges and more with years of expertise. Here are just a few of the ways we help our clients deal with insurance companies throughout the claims process.
- Communication: Your personal injury attorney will handle all communications and negotiations with your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurance company and attorney.
- Compensation: Our attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights in an effort to achieve justice and maximum financial compensation for injuries and damages sustained in the accident. You shouldn’t have to settle. We’ll help you get the compensation you deserve to cover the cost of medical bills, property damage, ongoing care, medication, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, and more.
- Case Quality: From gathering evidence to knowing Texas vehicle and road laws like the back of our hand, we do whatever it takes to prove clear liability in your car accident case.
Texas Car Accident Laws
Navigating Texas car accident claims involves understanding several foundational rules and deadlines. The following key principles outline the legal framework and steps to protect your rights after an accident.
Texas Liability Insurance Requirements
Texas law mandates that drivers carry minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This requirement ensures that the at-fault driver’s insurance covers some or all of the injured party’s damages. Typically, an injured person would file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer, shifting the financial burden to the responsible party.
At-Fault State
Texas is an at-fault state. This means that the at-fault driver—or the one who caused the accident—is responsible for the damages caused. Since Texas also requires in-state drivers to have minimum liability coverage, the at-fault driver’s insurance company foots the bill for the damages. In this case, the injured driver will file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company rather than their own.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which reduces compensation based on the injured party’s share of fault. For instance, if an injured person is found to be 20% responsible for the accident, their awarded compensation would be reduced by 20%. However, if the injured party’s fault reaches or exceeds 51%, Texas law disallows recovery. This rule makes solid evidence and accurate fault assessment critical, as even a slight increase in fault percentage can significantly affect a claim’s value. Consulting with an attorney to establish liability can ensure a fair assessment, particularly in complex cases where fault may be shared.
Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which reduces compensation based on the injured party’s share of fault. For instance, if an injured person is found to be 20% responsible for the accident, their awarded compensation would be reduced by 20%. However, if the injured party’s fault reaches or exceeds 51%, Texas law disallows recovery. This rule makes solid evidence and accurate fault assessment critical, as even a slight increase in fault percentage can significantly affect a claim’s value. Consulting with an attorney to establish liability can ensure a fair assessment, particularly in complex cases where fault may be shared.
Texas DMV Reporting and Accident Documentation
In Texas, accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the police. Law enforcement officers will usually handle the reporting and evidence collection. However, for minor accidents where police are not dispatched, it is the driver’s responsibility to document the accident independently. Collecting witness statements, taking photos, and retaining other relevant documentation can be essential for filing an accurate accident report with the Texas Department of Transportation if required. This step ensures all involved parties and insurance companies have the necessary information to assess the accident thoroughly.
Contact Steinger, Greene & Feiner for Expert Legal Representation
In the aftermath of a car accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is dealing with your insurance company. When you choose Steinger, Greene & Feiner to represent your personal injury case, we’ll handle the claims process from start to finish so you don’t have to. That way you can focus on what matters most, like your recovery. Our Houston car accident lawyers are equipped with the resources and expertise required to litigate with big insurance companies and secure the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Houston’s #1 car accident lawyer today to get your FREE case evaluation. The process is quick, easy, and confidential.