HOUSTON CAR
ACCIDENT LAWYER

Talk with a Top-Rated Houston Car Accident Lawyer

Hurt in a car accident in Houston? Do you have questions about what to do next? The claims process can be confusing. Is the adjuster is seeking a recorded statement from you?

Insurance companies get defensive to protect their profits. We suggest speaking with one of our Houston car accident attorneys. Our Houston car accident law firm offers free consultations for accident victims. To discuss your rights and next steps call our personal injury lawyers at (281) 587-1111.

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Car Wreck?

After being in a car wreck in Houston, some handle their car accident claims themselves. Trying to save money by not hiring a lawyer can end up costing money in the long run. You find out you cannot settle for a reasonable amount. Or receive a lowball settlement offer. And unknowingly have taken steps that hurt the value of the injury case. Without an experienced car accident lawyer fighting for you, you’re at the mercy of the insurance company.

Not every type of auto accident requires a lawyer. Accidents without injury don’t require a personal injury attorney. A crash with a minor injury may not need a lawyer.

Insurance companies are looking to save money. The adjuster may lead you on, only to deny your claim. Or send you a lowball offer. People with serious injuries from an auto accident get mad at what the insurance company offers them. We recommend talking with an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer with a proven record of protecting your rights.

Why Speak with Houston Car Accident Attorney?

Hurt in a car accident, talking with a Houston car accident lawyer can help. Advice that can maximize the money in your pocket.

Injuries sustained in your car accident can hinder your future employment prospects and diminish your earnings. Getting paid back is important. If you don’t have a lawyer representing you, the insurance company will take advantage. Lawyers working on car accident cases aim to get maximum compensation for their clients.

People without an experienced car wreck lawyer are at a disadvantage. When filing a lawsuit,  or presenting the claim. Working with an auto accident lawyer in Texas can impact the value of your case. And reduce the stress of representing yourself. Focus on your recovery. And let us worry about winning your case!

Call our award-winning car accident law firm at (281) 587-1111.

When to Get a Lawyer for a Car Wreck?

It’s best to consult an auto accident attorney in Houston before giving any recorded statement. Evidence may need to be saved. Hiring a Houston accident attorney right after the crash is important. And can help increase the odds of a favorable settlement and reduce stress.

Studies prove people who hire a car accident lawyer get more money than those who go without one.  Hire the best car accident lawyer in Houston, as soon as possible. Do not wait, but call today!

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer?

In short, nothing upfront.

The cost to hire the best car accident lawyer is not something you should worry about.  The cases our Houston auto accident lawyers agree to take are handled on a “contingency fee basis.” A contingency fee means that our pay is contingent upon you getting money. If a car accident lawyer in Houston, TX is unable to get you money, you pay us nothing.

There is no out-of-pocket expense for you to hire us as your expert Houston car accident attorney. We advance litigation costs to develop your car accident injury case as needed. If we get you money, we will be repaid for our out-of-pocket expenses from the settlement.

Call (281) 587-1111 or fill out the online contact form

Will I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Accepts Responsibility for the Crash?

If you were not injured or have a minor injury you may not need a lawyer. If you required medical care beyond getting checked at the hospital you probably do need a lawyer. If your injury was severe, you need a Houston auto injury attorney.

Can the Insurance Company Refuse to Disclose Policy Limits?

The other driver’s insurance company does not have to tell you their policy limits until you file a lawsuit. Most insurers will not volunteer policy limits. Unless the limits are low and your injury severe.

Why Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer?

Our Texas car accident lawyers have been protecting the financial future of injured Texans for more than 35 years. We have recovered countless multi-million-dollar settlements. We attribute our success to our limiting the number of Houston accident cases we accept. To provide the best service possible to the car wreck clients we take.

By limiting our cases, our Houston car wreck attorneys can focus on your case. If you are hurt in a car accident, speak with a leading auto accident lawyer in Houston.  For a no-obligation consultation Call (281) 587-1111!

There is no charge for an initial injury accident consultation. Call us with your questions, and we will do our best to answer those for you.

How Much Money Can You Get for Injuries?

There isn’t a set formula for compensation following a car accident in Houston. When insurance companies become greedy, a jury may need to decide what is a proper amount to award the victim.

Important factors include:

• How bad the property damage looks – was it a severe impact or a fender bender?
• What the treating physicians can say about your diagnosis and prognosis.
• Was there any delay or gaps in receiving medical attention?
• Objective findings in medical testing.
• Circumstances surrounding the accident, such as drunk driving
• Is long-term medical care necessary?

Getting an experienced auto accident attorney in Houston improves the odds of a reasonable settlement. Our car accident attorneys work to settle your case for maximum compensation. If we are not able to settle your case with the adjuster, we will file a lawsuit.

How Our Houston Accident Attorneys Can Help You With Your Injury Claim

Our Houston car accident lawyers have been fighting for maximum compensation for more than three decades. When another person is negligent their insurance company should pay damages for the injury claim.

A Houston car crash lawyer’s calculation begins with one question:

                                                                                           “What did the other driver do wrong?”

Texas is a comparative responsibility state. Personal injury victims can receive compensation so long as they are less than 51% at fault. This means that to win your case you must prove fault on the other driver.

If we accept your auto accident injury claim, we will handle your personal injury case. And deal with the adjuster on your injury claim. This will enable you to focus on your recovery. Our personal injury claims process includes the following:

• Obtaining the crash report to aid in determining who may be responsible for the accident
• Obtaining and reviewing your medical bills and records to calculate your damages
• Contacting the insurance adjuster regarding the injury claim
• Supplying the insurance company with sufficient evidence to evaluate negligence and damages
• Negotiating with the insurance adjusters
• Filing a lawsuit when needed
• Fighting for maximum compensation for your automobile collision

Remember, our TX accident lawyer consultations are always free, and there is never a fee for talking.

What Damages are Available for Injuries?

In Texas, the burden of proof in a car accident lawsuit rests with the injured victim who filed the lawsuit. First, a Houston car crash attorney must prove responsibility for causing the crash. And describe the injuries and damages suffered by their client.

Then, if the case is not settled a Texas jury will determine legal damages. For the personal injury or wrongful death.

Legal damages for car accident injury include:

• Pain & suffering
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• Wrongful death

Survival damages

How is the Value of a Car Wreck Claim Determined in Texas?

An experienced car accident attorney in Houston, TX determines the injury claim value all the time. How do Houston car wreck lawyers in Houston get their numbers? Personal injury claims from car accidents will vary. The facts of each case are considered. Things that matter for case value are:

• Which Harris County injury lawyer you choose.
• The severity of impact.
• If the driver was using drugs or alcohol.
• Objective findings on medical tests.
• Medical bills.
• Proven lost wages.

The way to get the best settlement is to find a good Texas accident lawyer. And getting a Houston accident and injury lawyer should be your priority.

How Much Do You Get for Pain and Suffering?

Courts in Texas don’t use the multiplier method to calculate pain and suffering. Insurance companies may use a variation of the method. The method uses your medical bills and lost wages. Then multiply the number by the factor. One of the variables for the insurance company is who is your lawyer.

Getting an experienced Houston auto injury lawyer is the way to get the best settlement.

Pain and suffering can be both physical and mental.

Any injury which causes pain or discomfort qualifies as pain and suffering. Severe injury can include chronic pain and other problems. Pain and suffering are only one part of legal damages in a personal injury case.

Mental suffering is mental issues following an accident. Such things as depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.

The worse the injury the higher the pain and suffering should be.

Why Won’t the Insurance Company Pay for My Medical Care as I Go?

The other person’s auto insurance company will not pay your bills as you go. They don’t because they want to make it harder for you to get medical treatment. And they only pay once. In exchange for a signed release. Which ensures they will not have to ever pay again.

If you have PIP coverage under your auto policy, you can submit bills. The PIP will reimburse you up to the limits of that coverage.

Do I Have to Reimburse My Health Insurance Company?

If you have received the money in a personal injury settlement you may have to repay your health insurer. The payback is called subrogation. There can be statutory subrogation and contract subrogation. If your health insurance is an ERISA plan, the payback is statutory. Another subrogation would be contractual.

Your Houston car crash attorneys will look at your policy and determine the right actions to take.

Do I Need to File a Police Report in Texas if the Cops did not Come?

Often you are in an accident and call the police. But an hour later they still are not there. So, you and the other driver exchange information and leave.

Officers not showing up is a problem, in Houston, and across Harris County.

Texas law requires the officer to file a police report if someone is hurt or killed in a car wreck. Or if there is more than $1000 in property damage. But if an officer does not show up at the scene. A report will not get filed. You can file a report online in Texas. You may file a Driver’s Crash Report (CR-2) on the TxDOT website. You may also obtain a copy through Houston Police Department.

We recommend you wait for the officer if the other person is at fault. Having the officer prepare the report is better than you filing a report later online. Your online report will not be helpful to your injury claim. The police prepared report may help.

Do I Need to Make an Insurance Claim?

Hurt in an accident or your car damaged, you will want to file an insurance claim. Either with your insurance company or the other company. Or both. Texas requires a minimum level of insurance of $30,000 per injury and $60,000 per crash. Property damage is $25,000 minimum.

We suggest tending to your injuries first. Always get needed medical help. We suggest you do not give a statement to the other person’s adjuster.

Talk with a qualified Houston accident lawyer before giving a statement. Be careful in discussing the crash or admitting fault. What you say can hurt your claim.

Consider hiring a car accident attorney in Houston, TX to do your talking for you.

What Evidence is Used for an Injury Claim?

A skilled car accident attorney in Houston will use this evidence in a lawsuit for injuries:

• Medical records documenting treatment and injuries
• Medical bills showing the cost of necessary care caused by a car crash
• Lost wage calculations from clients’ employers.
• Doctor testimony regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and the cause of injuries sustained in the car crash.
• Lifecare planners for those with catastrophic injuries for a long time or a lifetime
• Friends and family members may testify about the impact of the traffic accident on their loved one or friend.

Our award-winning car accident law firm is exceptional at helping you win your case.

Texas Car Wreck Facts

According to the NSTSA, Texas has more than 3,500 fatal accidents per year. Of the number of fatal accidents, 40% of the fatal accidents involved a drunk driver. The second highest cause was speeding. Followed by collisions with semi-trucks or 18-wheelers.

In every case, we represent our clients in the best light possible.  Our Texas auto accident lawyers work to win in court or earn you the best settlement.

What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident?

Here are the steps to take right after a collision.

1. Get to safety to prevent further injury or damage. Your priority is to move people and vehicles (if possible) out of harm’s way.
2. Identify your injuries and that of others.
3. Call the police.
4. Record the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
5. Take pictures of the vehicles and scene.
6. Seek medical help for injury.
7. Call a Houston auto injury lawyer

Fatal Car Accidents In Houston

Houston has some of the deadliest roads in the country. Wrongful death cases are different from those involving injury. Damages are from the loss of the surviving family members.

Wrongful Death Damages include:

*Loss of love and affection,

*Mental anguish,

* Emotional impact

* Loss of support

In Texas, wrongful death car accident lawsuits get filed by immediate family members. Such as a spouse, child, or parent of the deceased.

We know no amount of money can replace the loss of the people you love dearly. Our law firm takes an empathetic approach. Upholding our clients’ rights and ensuring insurance companies do right by you and your family. Our Houston fatality accident lawyers have helped families protect their financial futures for decades.

Read our recent results to learn more about the success of our Houston car accident lawyers.

Survival Damages

If the victim lived for a while, a survival case will be appropriate. The estate may bring a lawsuit through a family member for a survival cause of action. In Texas, a survival claim is owned by the estate of the deceased.

It works as though the deceased suffered damages before passing. Survival damages would include:

*Medical bills,

*Pain and suffering,

*Mental anguish,

*Incapacity,

*Disability,

*Disfigurement,

*Lost wages, and

*Funeral expenses.

The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents 

Texas has more than 180,000 miles of interstate highways. There is a motor vehicle accident every 57 seconds in Texas. 18,000 people are injured in an auto accident in the state of Texas each year. There are numerous causes of motor vehicle accidents.

Some of the most common causes of traffic accidents in Texas:

Distracted Driving

Texting and driving are illegal in Texas. Phone usage is a significant cause of many motor vehicle accidents. Try to drive down the street without seeing another driver looking at their cell phone.

The smartphone has enabled instant feedback. By text, email, and internet access. Has become a significant contributor to car crashes.

Distractions are also a problem.  Talking with passengers, tending to children, putting on makeup, or even changing the radio station. Anything that takes eyes off the roadway for even a second has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries.

It only takes a fraction of a second for a distraction to cause a collision. If a driver is not focused on the road, they may be at fault in a crash.

Speeding

Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for conditions is a factor in many car accidents. Traffic congestion can add to the problem. In some cases, increased highway speed limits, excess speed contributes to numerous wrongful death car crashes. Loss of control of the vehicle is more likely with speed.

Drunk Driving

One in three fatal car accidents involves a drunk driver.  With a .08 level of alcohol in your bloodstream is drunk in the state of Texas. Minors break the law with any degree of alcohol in the blood. Driving drunk can cause you to lose your driver’s license and your freedom.

Violations of Traffic Laws

In most automobile collisions, someone violated a law designed to protect Texas drivers. There are often multiple violations by a single driver.

Violations include:

*Drinking and driving,

*Speeding,

*Running a stop sign,

*Failing to yield to the right-of-way, and

*Other acts of negligence.

A violation of traffic laws can be “negligence per se”.

Failure to Maintain a Proper Lookout

Failure to maintain a proper lookout contributes to many traffic accidents. Failure to keep a proper watch includes running a red light, failing to yield to the right-of-way, and others.

Following Too Closely 

The rear-end accidents usually involve following too closely or failing to maintain a proper lookout. On Texas interstates, it’s tough for motorists to maintain a clear distance between the vehicle ahead of them. In this situation, extra caution is required to avoid a car wreck.

Disregarding Traffic Signals and Signs

Running a red light or a missed stop sign, disregarding traffic signals is a massive problem for Texas drivers. Accidents at intersections can be catastrophic. Serious injuries are common with car wrecks over 30 mph. Disregarding a stop sign or a red light can happen by choice, but most of the time, it’s caused by inattention.

The Most Common Types of Car Accidents

Rear-end Collisions

Getting struck from the rear happens when a vehicle is stopped at a traffic signal or in gridlocked traffic. Some rear-end car accidents occur when both vehicles are moving. A driver is distracted or not paying attention when the crash happens. On interstate highways, extra caution is required to avoid a sudden-stop car accident.

In Texas, the law requires drivers to follow at “an assured clear distance”. Which allows them to stop without impacting the vehicle in front of them. A significant number of claims come from a rear-end collision.

Head-on Car Crashes

The head-on collision leads to severe injury. Because both vehicles are traveling in opposing directions. The higher the speed, the greater the chances for catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

We see head-on crashes during hurricane events and with drunk drivers. Or a car wreck happens when a driver crosses the line due to distraction, or intoxication.  A head-on collision can happen when a driver is not familiar with the area. And turns into a one-way street going in the wrong direction.

T-bone Car Accidents

T-bone car accidents are hazardous. T-bone collisions involve speeds that lead to catastrophic injuries. Typically, the person closest to the impact zone suffers the most significant injuries. A T-bone car crash happens when one of the drivers was negligent. And disregarded a traffic signal or stop sign. Eyewitnesses can be crucial for winning a T-bone accident case.

The earlier you retain a leading car accident attorney, the better.

Sideswipe Crashes

Sideswipe crashes happen when a driver is changing lanes. The law in Texas requires a driver to ensure that they can make a lane change safely. Most of the time, the at-fault driver did not see the other vehicle. A sideswipe crash can happen because big rig driver was impatient. As in other car accident claims, eyewitnesses are vital.

Rollover Crashes

Rollover accidents involve high speeds. Or a combination of high speeds and other events, such as a sharp curve, defective vehicle, or tire blowout. The lower the center of gravity of your car, the less chance of a rollover accident. The higher the center of gravity of the vehicle the more likely it is to roll over. Eighteen passenger vans and SUV s are most susceptible to rollovers.

Motorcycle Collisions

The higher the traffic, the less chance there is of seeing a motorcyclist. The cause of most motorcycle accidents is failure to see the motorcycle. Motorcycle collisions involve broken bones, head injuries, or death. Because of the lack of a physical barrier between the rider and the other vehicle. Wearing protective gear such as leather, a helmet, can help prevent injury. And colorful clothing to increase visibility can help prevent a motorcycle crash.

Commercial Vehicle Collisions

Big rigs and tractor-trailers have blind spots that contribute to accidents. A cautious trucker can cause an accident by not checking their mirrors. Blind spots for these big trucks are on either side of the truck.  And in front of and behind the trailer. There are many rear-ended big rig crashes caused by the increased stopping distance for the semi-truck. Big rig accidents will require a truck accident attorney.

Our Auto Accident Law Firm Fights for Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries!

At the Baumgartner Law Firm, we put your interests first. Putting clients first has been our driving principle for more than three decades. We are selective in the cases we agree to take. So, we can provide our clients with the highest quality personal service. We work hard, doing everything possible to get you the most money.

Call us for a no-obligation consultation. There is no charge for an initial injury case consultation. Call us at (281) 587-1111 or send us an email!