If you’ve lived in the greater Houston area for any length of time, you are likely familiar with the area’s incredibly congested roadways and heavy traffic. Houston’s roads are commonly ranked as some of the most dangerous in the country. As part of the Houston metro area, Pasadena has many of the traffic issues that plague the rest of Harris County.
If you have been in an accident due to another driver’s negligence in Pasadena, you may be entitled to receive compensation. The Callahan Law Firm has been fighting for victims of car accidents in Pasadena, Texas, for years. Our attorneys are ready to do everything in our power to help you seek the compensation you deserve in the wake of an accident.
Contact us now for a free consultation about your Pasadena car accident case.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Pasadena Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Pasadena, it is a good idea to hire a lawyer to represent you. In the aftermath of a crash, you may be dealing with treatment, rehabilitation, work absences, and recovery. As you attempt to put the pieces of your life back together, the last thing you want to deal with is fielding calls from insurance adjusters and battling for the fair compensation you’re owed.
An experienced car crash lawyer can help by investigating your accident, securing vital evidence to bolster your injury claim, calculating the full extent of your losses, negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and seeking a fair settlement that accounts for all your losses. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, then your attorney might suggest filing a personal injury suit on your behalf and fighting for compensation in court.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Because the circumstances surrounding each car accident are different, there is no chart or established formula for calculating specifically what your claim is worth. However, a knowledgeable injury attorney can evaluate your situation and give you an estimate of what you could be owed.
In general, you can seek the following types of compensation if someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to your accident:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost income due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
- 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. Studies show that car accident statistics in the Houston metro area are roughly in line with national trends, if not higher. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found a 7.2% increase in traffic fatalities in recent years, and about 35,000 people are 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. Traffic-related accidents went up a staggering 62% during a recent five-year period.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Pasadena
You can take simple but crucial steps following a car accident caused by another party to help protect your right to compensation. These include:
- Seek medical care. Make sure you are evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible after a car accident, 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. Be sure to listen to your doctor’s advice and follow their treatment plan. Attend all of your scheduled appointments.
- Keep track of all relevant documents. Gather together all medical records, medical bills, police reports, witness statements, pay stubs, vehicle repair estimates, and other evidence to support your case.
- Avoid social media. Avoid posting any images or information on your social media accounts while your case is still active. Even seemingly harmless posts could be taken out of context and used against you by the insurance company.
- Consult with an attorney. 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.
How to Get a Copy of Your Accident Report in Pasadena
In Texas, accident reports are stored in an online database. You can request a copy of your report online or by mail. You’ll have to pay a small fee to obtain the report. In many instances, your attorney can assist with getting an official copy of your crash report.
Statute of Limitations on Car Crashes in Texas
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for a car accident in Texas. While this deadline can be extended in certain rare instances, it’s crucial to begin the claims process as soon as possible so that the statute of limitations does not run out before you have a chance to claim compensation.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Pasadena
Some of the common types of accidents that occur in Pasadena include:
- Head-on collisions – Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into one another. These types of collisions can be severe and cause serious injuries depending upon 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 – Side impact collisions 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. If one of the drivers is texting while driving, for instance, and doesn’t realize that traffic in front of them has slowed or stopped, they may cause a rear-end collision that sets off a chain of collisions.
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 – Distracted driving 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
- Daydreaming
- 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 – Reckless driving 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.
Types of Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Some of the most common injuries that result from car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal injuries (including paralysis)
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue damage
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Amputations
- Joint damage
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Pasadena Today
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. The Pasadena car accident attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm represent people just like you who’ve been hurt in our community.
We want to hear from you. Contact our offices today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your car accident and legal options.
