When the unexpected happens on the roads of Houston, Texas, lives can be forever changed. In the blink of an eye, a car accident can turn a peaceful journey into a harrowing ordeal, leaving the people involved facing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens.
Unfortunately, you may also have to deal with aggressive insurance companies only looking out for their company’s bottom line. These insurance representatives often contact you shortly after the accident and, in an attempt to save the company money, will do everything possible to deny, diminish, or delay your rightful injury claim.
You deserve to focus on your recovery and should not have to fight with an insurance company during this trying time. Now is the time to turn to an experienced car accident lawyer in Houston at The Callahan Law Firm. For more than 25 years, our personal injury firm in Houston, TX, has provided top-notch legal representation to those hurt by the negligence of others. We stand ready to help you. We will take immediate action and do whatever it takes to help you with your case.
We have experienced Houston car accident attorneys with the legal expertise and knowledge to help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
- Attorney Michael S. Callahan is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This highly-esteemed distinction is earned by a small group – approximately 2% of the attorneys in the entire state.
- Attorney Casey Brown has years of experience as a representative for insurance firms, bringing invaluable insight to his current role advocating for individuals against these very companies. He possesses an in-depth understanding of the strategies employed by insurance entities while managing such claims.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a car accident in Houston that was the result of someone else’s negligence, turn to the Houston car accident lawyers at The Callahan Law Firm. Contact us today for a free case review by calling us or reaching out online.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Houston Car Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Houston, you might be wondering whether it’s necessary to hire a lawyer. Having legal representation makes the recovery process smoother and more efficient, eliminating unnecessary stress while ensuring your rights are protected. To help make your decision easier, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Was someone else at fault for your car crash?
- Are you partially at fault?
- Were you hurt to the point of needing to go to the ER or your doctor?
- Does your doctor say you need additional treatment?
- Are you having trouble going back to work due to your injuries?
- Are you still in pain due to your injuries?
- Are you having trouble participating in activities you enjoyed before your car crash?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it’s in your best interest to work with a professional. An experienced car accident lawyer will represent you in your case and work to maximize the compensation you receive for your personal injury claim.
How Can a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
When you decide to pursue compensation from those who caused your car accident and injuries, a Houston car accident lawyer from The Callahan Law Firm can help you in the following ways:
- Conducting a thorough, independent investigation of your accident to secure evidence we can use in your personal injury case.
- Working with accident reconstruction experts in complicated cases to help compile the evidence and determine how your accident happened and the reasons why. This will help us understand all who are responsible for causing the crash.
- Filing claims for compensation with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or under your personal auto insurance policy when necessary.
- Aggressively negotiating for a full and fair settlement of your claim.
- When a fair settlement cannot be obtained, taking your case to trial and fighting to get you the maximum financial compensation for your injuries and damages.
With more than 25 years of experience helping car accident victims, the attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm have fought to protect the rights and interests of thousands of clients and their families. Our goal is to ensure the at-fault parties and insurance companies are held accountable and provide the financial compensation our clients need and deserve.
Our firm focuses exclusively on representing people injured in car accidents and their families. As a smaller-sized boutique personal injury law firm, we can provide you with the focused attention you and your case deserve. We strive to make ourselves available to you in person, over the phone, or through video chat, email, or text at any time convenient for you.
Our founding partner, Michael S. Callahan, is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We can achieve success for our clients in even the most difficult cases. No matter the type of injury sustained in the automobile accident, our dedicated attorneys are committed to providing guidance and first-rate legal representation throughout your case.
Demanding Fair Compensation for Your Damages
If you have been involved in a Texas car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Compensation can include:
- Past and future medical expenses, including ER and hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, surgeries or other medical procedures, physical and occupational therapy, pain medication, and mobility or other medical equipment.
- Costs of long-term personal care if your injuries leave you with disabilities that make it difficult to care for yourself. Those costs may include home health aides, housekeeping services, or alterations to your home to accommodate disabilities.
- Lost wages and income for the time you miss work while recovering from your injuries.
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries disable you from returning to your old job or to any form of gainful employment.
- Pain and suffering, or the physical anguish and emotional distress brought about by your injuries.
- Physical impairment, which refers to the unfortunate situation where your injuries leave you incapable of or struggling with carrying out physical activities which you easily managed prior to sustaining harm.
- Lost quality of life, such as from disabilities that prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed or from physical disfigurements that may cause you embarrassment or humiliation.
- Property damage, such as repair costs for your vehicle or the cash value of your vehicle if it is totaled in the crash.
In certain cases, you might be entitled to receive an award of punitive damages from the at-fault party or parties. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate you for a loss. Instead, punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their conduct and deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
You can benefit from the expertise of our proficient personal injury lawyers in Houston. Being one of Houston, TX’s premier car accident law firms, we can assess your case and provide insight into potential compensation you may be entitled to.
Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Lawsuits in Houston, TX
Under Texas’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of your crash to file a lawsuit based on negligence to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. In some cases, the deadline can be extended, like in those involving injured minors. In a minor’s case, the two-year period does not begin to run until the injured minor turns 18. If you fail to file your lawsuit before the limitations period expires, the court can permanently dismiss your case.
It is important to know that there are exceptions to these deadlines. For instance, if you are involved in a car wreck with a state or municipal vehicle or employee, you must also comply with the notice of claim requirements under the Texas Tort Claims Act. This Texas law requires you to provide the relevant state or municipal government entity with notice of your claim within as little as 90 days after the accident.
There are other exceptions and the timelines are not always straightforward, so it’s essential to work with an experienced Houston car accident lawyer.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Car Accident in Houston
After a serious car accident, it’s crucial to safeguard your legal rights to seek compensation for injuries and damages. The following are some basic guidelines:
- Call 911 and report the accident to the Houston Police Department. When you’ve been seriously hurt, you or someone else should call 911 to summon paramedics and police to the scene. The police officers who respond to the accident scene will prepare a police accident report. You or your attorney can then obtain a copy of this report from the police department after your accident. Get checked out by the responding paramedics. If they recommend you go to the ER, have them transport you or arrange your own transportation to get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Get the other driver’s contact information and insurance information. You may also wish to take down the other vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number. You will need this information if you decide to file a claim in the future..
- Get contact information from any eyewitnesses in case they need to be contacted later for a statement. Remember that the longer you wait to get a statement from eyewitnesses, the greater the likelihood their memory of the accident mayl fade.
- Take photos or videos of the accident. If possible and safe to do so, you or someone you know should photograph or video the accident scene. Include details such as the resting positions of the vehicles after the crash, the damage to the vehicles, any skid marks on the road surface, the road lines and traffic control signals and signs, and the weather, lighting, road, and traffic conditions at the time of the accident. Also, photograph any visible injuries you have suffered.
- Schedule a physical examination with a doctor if you weren’t taken to the hospital. Even if you do not feel seriously injured, get checked out by a physician as soon as possible following your crash. The shock of an accident can lead to an adrenaline rush that masks the pain of injury for hours or even days after an accident. Promptly diagnosing your injuries allows you to get treatment more quickly and strengthens the argument that your injuries were caused by the accident.
- Talk to an experienced car accident lawyer in Houston from The Callahan Law Firm. Our attorneys can review the facts and circumstances surrounding your case and help you understand your legal rights and options. We can also guide you through the process of securing financial recovery.
What Are The Common Types of Car Accident Injuries?
Car accidents are unfortunate events that can result in many injuries. The force of impact from a violent car crash can leave a car accident victim with catastrophic, life-altering injuries. Each year, millions of people in Houston, TX, experience car accidents leading to various types of physical and psychological harm.
COMMON INJURIES SUFFERED IN CAR ACCIDENTS INCLUDE:
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Crush injuries
- Fracture and broken bones
- Whiplash
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
Common Types of Car Accidents in Houston
In Houston, like in many other major cities in the United States, various types of car accidents occur on a daily basis due to a combination of factors like traffic congestion, driver behavior, and weather conditions. Different types of car accidents present their own unique challenges for injury victims as they pursue compensation. Examples of car accidents we handle on behalf of our clients include:
- Rear-end crashes
- Sideswipe accidents
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone crashes
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Uninsured motorist accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Truck accidents
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Rollover accident
This is not an exhaustive list, so if you need help with a type of accident you don’t see listed, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Common Causes of Houston Car Accidents
Many car accidents are caused by the negligence or recklessness of other motorists on the road, which can result in a wide range of consequences, from minor inconveniences to life-altering injuries and even death.
THE CAUSES OF CAR ACCIDENTS IN HOUSTON INCLUDE:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Poor visibility
- Weather conditions
- Inexperienced drivers
- Following too closely
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
- Wrong-way driving
- Defective auto parts
Being aware of these common causes can help you take preventive measures to reduce the risk of car accidents. If you or a loved one have been involved in a Houston car accident, you should seriously consider hiring a lawyer to help with your case.
How Much Does a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
A common misconception that can deter people hurt in car accidents and other personal injury cases from hiring a lawyer is the misunderstanding of how the attorney fees and case expenses will be paid. Most law firms, ours included, work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we win or settle your case. This minimizes your financial risk while maximizing potential compensation.
Car Accident FAQs
Have you been involved in a Houston car accident wreck, or do you have questions about a car accident in which you may have been partially at fault? Don’t hesitate to contact The Callahan Law Firm’s compassionate and knowledgeable legal team for a free case review.
Car Accident
What Do I Do If I Have Been Involved in a Houston Car Accident?
Being involved in a car accident can naturally induce stress and confusion. Despite this, there are specific actions you can take to increase your chances of securing compensation, such as:
- Seek medical attention. You should always put your health and well-being first. If you are injured in a car accident or truck accident, you will likely receive medical treatment at the scene. If you don’t, it is best to visit an emergency room or your primary care physician as soon as possible after the accident. It is equally important to follow through with your doctor’s treatment plan. Keep in mind your medical records will eventually become a crucial part of your case.
- Gather evidence. Following an accident, begin gathering any relevant evidence or information. This may include photos and videos of the accident scene, the other driver’s contact and insurance information, and witness contact information.
As other information becomes available, such as police reports and medical records, add those to your file and share them with your attorney.
- Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company. It is very common to receive communications from the other driver’s insurance company. However, it is best to avoid speaking with them directly, as they do not have your best interests in mind. While they may appear compassionate and ask for your side of the story, they won’t hesitate to use your words against you to limit the payout. If you get a call from the insurance company, get their contact information and often it is best to simply inform them you cannot speak to them without first consulting an attorney.
- Consult with a qualified Houston car accident attorney. Handling a car accident claim can be stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. Your lawyer can thoroughly investigate the crash, answer any questions you may have, and formulate a plan of action to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Should I Seek Medical Treatment After a Car Accident Even If I Feel Fine?
Our health is our most valuable asset. So it makes sense that it is always prudent to get a complete medical exam after a car accident, even if you initially feel fine. During traumatic moments, such as a collision, your body will produce adrenaline, masking pain. A thorough examination can help identify any injuries you may not be immediately aware of, allowing you to begin treatment as soon as possible.
I Can’t Afford a Lawyer. Now What?
Many people involved in a car accident or truck accident have a common misconception that you must pay an attorney upfront to retain their services. Fortunately, this is not required by most car accident lawyers.
Personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you’re not required to pay any upfront fees to retain an attorney. Your lawyer will front the initial costs and work on your case, then will be paid a percentage of the financial recovery when the case is resolved. And if a recovery is not made and you don’t get paid, they don’t get paid. This eliminates the fear of costly legal expenses while allowing you to get the help you need.
What Is a Fair Settlement?
When it comes to car accident cases, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what is considered a “fair” settlement. What is fair will depend on the circumstances of your particular case. To determine how much your case is worth, certain factors are taken into consideration, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The total amount of medical bills
- Who was at fault for the accident
- Whether you were partially responsible
- Lost wages and earning potential
- The extent of damages such as pain and suffering, physical impairment and your emotional injuries
- The strength of the evidence
How Can I Prove Fault?
To prove fault, you will need to demonstrate that the other party was negligent, meaning they failed to use reasonable care, such as by breaking traffic rules or driving while distracted.
Your attorney may rely on various tools to prove the other driver’s fault, including:
- Witness statements
- Information from police reports
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Traffic camera, dash cam, and surveillance camera footage
- Cell phone records
- Expert witness findings
What If I Was Partly to Blame for the Crash?
If you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still seek compensation and make a financial recovery as long as you’re not more than 50 percent at fault. However, your financial recovery will be reduced according to your percentage of liability. So, for example, if a jury determines you were 10 percent at fault for the accident and the jury awards a total of $100,000, your net award would be $90,000.
What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
While all drivers must have auto insurance in Texas, some break the law by driving without coverage or with fake paper license plates. Even if the other driver is uninsured, you could still receive compensation. You can file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. A lawyer can help you determine your options.
Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Not Wearing a Seatbelt at the Time of the Accident?
Drivers and passengers are legally required to wear seat belts at all times, but some individuals may not wear them for every ride. If you were not wearing your seatbelt at the time of the car accident, you can still seek a recovery.
How Long Is the Car Accident Claim Process?
The length of the car accident claim will depend on the circumstances of your case. Less complex cases may settle more quickly than more challenging ones, such as those involving more severe, long-term injuries and those in which liability is challenged by the insurance company. Cases that go to trial will typically take significantly longer than those that are settled.
To better understand how long your auto accident claim may take, it is best to consult with a Houston car accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer can help you evaluate your case and determine the best course of action to take.
What Kind of Damages Could I Be Entitled to?
For car accident cases, you may be entitled to compensation for losses related to your accident, called compensatory damages. These may include:
- Medical expenses (present and future)
- Lost wages
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
In rare cases, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Can a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Car accident cases can be complex, and people injured in car accidents usually don’t realize the full value of their case. A car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and handle your case from beginning to end by taking the following steps:
- Investigating your case
- Speaking with witnesses
- Gathering evidence
- Communicating with the insurance companies
- Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
- Preparing your case for court and taking the case to trial, when necessary
Having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can give you valuable peace of mind while focusing on your physical recovery.
Hire a Houston Car Accident Attorney Now
If you or a loved one have been seriously hurt in a car accident caused by another careless or reckless driver in the city of Houston or elsewhere in the state of Texas, it’s essential to get help from an experienced car accident attorney.
Don’t wait another day to start the process of pursuing your car accident claim. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a car injury lawyer in Houston from The Callahan Law Firm.
