Houston Car Insurance Lawyer

 A car crash can change your day in a matter of seconds. One minute you are driving home. Next, you are facing pain, a wrecked car, missed work, and phone calls from insurance adjusters. That is a lot to carry, especially while you are hurt.

 At Baumgartner Law Firm, our Houston car insurance lawyers handle the insurance company for you, so you can focus on healing. We have helped injured people in the Houston area for more than 40 years. Your first consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win money for you.

Need help now? Call us at (281) 587-1111 or request a free consultation.

In short: how an auto insurance lawyer helps you

In Texas, the at-fault driver’s insurance is supposed to pay for the harm they cause. But insurance companies often delay, underpay, or deny fair claims. A car insurance lawyer protects your rights, gathers the proof, and pushes for a full and fair settlement. If the insurer will not pay what your case is worth, your lawyer can file a lawsuit.

Please note: we handle injury claims, not property-damage-only claims

Our firm focuses on injury cases. We do not take car accident cases that involve only property damage, such as car repairs when no one was hurt. If you were injured in a crash, we want to hear from you.

What to do after a car accident in Houston?

What you do in the first hours and days can protect both your health and your claim. Here are the basic steps:

1. Check for injuries and call 911. Get medical help for anyone who needs it.
2. Call the police. A police report creates an official record of the crash.
3. Take photos and get information. Photograph the vehicles, the scene, and any injuries. Trade insurance and contact details, and get names of witnesses.
4. See a doctor right away. Some injuries do not hurt until later. A prompt visit protects your health and documents your injuries.
5. Be careful with insurance adjusters. You do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Learn more about common adjuster tactics.
6. Talk to a lawyer before you accept any offer. Early offers are often far below what your claim is worth.

Texas auto insurance basics

Knowing the main types of coverage helps you understand what may pay for your losses. Here is a simple breakdown:

Want more detail on how fault-based coverage works in Texas? See our guide on Texas liability insurance policies.

The minimum coverage in Texas may not be enough

Texas law sets a minimum amount of liability coverage. It is often called 30/60/25: $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per crash, and $25,000 for property damage. You can confirm these limits on the Texas Department of Insurance Auto Insurance Guide.

Here is the problem. Serious injuries can cost far more than $30,000. Many drivers carry only the minimum. If the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage, your own UM/UIM coverage and an experienced lawyer can make the difference in getting you paid.

Texas roads stay busy and dangerous. In 2024, a reportable crash happened in Texas about every 57 seconds, and more than 251,000 people were injured, according to TxDOT crash data.

Dealing with the insurance company

Insurance companies are businesses. Paying less on claims helps their bottom line. Adjusters may sound friendly while looking for ways to reduce or deny your claim. Common tactics include long delays, lowball first offers, and questions designed to get you to admit fault.

Be cautious if the other driver’s insurer calls you. You do not have to answer their questions or give a recorded statement before you talk to a lawyer. For tips, read dealing with the insurance company after an auto accident.

Can you sue your own car insurance company?

Sometimes, yes. If your own insurer acts in bad faith, such as denying a valid claim or dragging it out for no good reason, you may be able to sue them. Texas law expects insurers to handle claims fairly.

It works differently for the at-fault driver. In Texas, you usually sue the negligent driver, not their insurance company. The driver’s insurer then steps in to defend and pay the claim. Learn more about when you can sue your own auto insurance company in Texas.

How long you have to file in Texas

In most Texas car accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. This deadline comes from Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. If you miss it, you usually lose the right to sue, no matter how strong your case is.

A few exceptions exist, such as cases involving minors. But waiting is risky. Evidence disappears and witnesses forget. The sooner you act, the stronger your case. See our overview of the Texas car accident statute of limitations.

How our Houston car insurance lawyers build your case

The injured person usually has the burden of proof. That means it is on you to show what happened and what it cost you. We do this work for you:

• Investigate the crash and gather evidence, such as the police report, medical records, photos, and video.
• Find and interview witnesses.
• Add up the full value of your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Handle all calls and letters with the insurance company.
• Send a strong demand letter backed by proof.
• Negotiate hard for a fair settlement.
• File a lawsuit and go to court if the insurer will not pay what your case is worth.

In most Texas injury cases, the state does not cap pain-and-suffering damages, so you may be able to recover the full value of what you went through.

What does it cost to hire us?

We work on a contingency fee. That means you pay no upfront fees, and you owe no attorney fee unless we win money for you. Our fee runs from one-third (33%) to 40% of the recovery, depending on whether a lawsuit is needed.

Case costs, like court filing fees, expert fees, and the cost of getting medical records, are separate. We explain these costs upfront, cover them as the case moves forward, and are repaid from the recovery if we win. Not sure what to ask in your first meeting? See our list of questions to ask a car accident lawyer.

Cases we handle

Our auto insurance lawyers handle injury claims tied to car crashes and insurance disputes, including:

• Car accident injury claims
• Uber and Lyft crashes
• Commercial vehicle and 18-wheeler collisions
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims
• Denied, delayed, or undervalued claims
• Bad faith claims against an insurer

Why choose Baumgartner Law Firm

Greg Baumgartner founded the firm in 1985. For more than 40 years, our team has focused on serious injury and wrongful death cases, and we have recovered millions of dollars for real people. We are recognized by Super Lawyers and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

You can expect honest advice, steady communication, and a lawyer who treats your case like it matters, because it does. See our case results and learn more about our firm.