A car crash happens in Houston every 10 minutes. Don’t let yours define your future.
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Houston Car Accident Lawyer
In Houston, nearly 64,000 crashes occur each year, many on busy roads like I-45, I-10, US-59, I-69, Beltway 8, Highway 290, and the Sam Houston Tollway. A serious collision on these high-traffic routes can change your life instantly, leaving you with costly medical bills, lost wages, and pressure from insurance companies. While you might expect fair treatment, insurers are focused on protecting their bottom line. They may delay your claim, undervalue your injuries, or try to shift blame onto you. An experienced auto accident lawyer in Houston, TX, can manage these steps, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
After a car accident in Houston, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health, preserve evidence, and safeguard your legal rights. Acting quickly increases your chances of receiving full compensation for injuries, damages, and losses.
Call 911 immediately so HPD or local police can create an official accident report, especially on high-traffic roads like Westheimer, Richmond Avenue, or I-10.
Exchange information with the other driver, including name, license, and insurance details — but avoid discussing fault.
Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries to preserve evidence.
Seek medical attention right away, even for minor symptoms, since some injuries worsen over time.
Notify your insurance company promptly, but avoid recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Save all records — bills, repair receipts, medical reports, and time-off documentation related to the crash.
Act quickly — Texas generally gives you two years to file a claim, but cases involving government vehicles may have deadlines as short as 90 days.
Contact an experienced car crash attorney in Houston to protect your rights and get you up to a full compensation.
Types of Car Crashes We Handle
Houston’s busy roads see a variety of accidents every day, from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions. Understanding the most common types of crashes can help you take the right steps after an accident and protect your rights.
- Rear-End Collisions: Common on congested freeways like I-10 and the West Loop; often caused by distracted driving or tailgating, leading to serious neck, back, and head injuries.
- Intersection and T-Bone Accidents: Frequent at busy intersections like Richmond Avenue or FM 1960 when drivers run lights or fail to yield, causing severe side-impact injuries.
- Head-On Collisions: Less frequent but devastating; occur when impaired or distracted drivers veer into oncoming lanes, often on undivided roads.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Common on Beltway 8 during rush hour or bad weather; involve multiple drivers and insurers, making claims complex.
- Rollovers: Caused by high-speed curves, swerves, or side impacts; often result in catastrophic injuries, especially if occupants are ejected.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Some drivers flee the scene; victims may rely on uninsured motorist coverage or investigations to recover compensation.
- Sideswipe Collisions: Unsafe lane changes and blind-spot errors in heavy freeway traffic can cause sideswipes that result in costly injuries and repairs.
- Railroad Accidents: Occur at train crossings due to signal malfunctions, driver error, or poor visibility, often leading to severe or fatal outcomes.
- Traffic Accidents: Heavy congestion on major roads like I-69 and Highway 290 increases the risk of fender benders, sideswipes, and pileups.
Common Causes of Houston Car Crashes
Houston car accidents often result from a combination of driver behavior, environmental factors, and road conditions. Understanding the most common causes can help you stay alert and protect yourself on busy highways.
- Speeding
High speeds on roads like I-45 and Highway 288 give drivers less time to react, increasing both the likelihood and severity of collisions.
- Distracted Driving
Texting, adjusting GPS, or other in-car distractions remain a frequent cause of crashes, especially in Houston’s stop-and-go traffic.
- Alcohol and Drug Impairment
Driving under the influence is a leading factor in fatal crashes across Houston, particularly on weekend nights and in the early morning hours.
- Aggressive Driving
Weaving between lanes, tailgating, and ignoring signals put everyone at risk and often lead to preventable accidents.
- Fatigued Driving
Rideshare and commercial drivers working long hours can experience slowed reaction times and reduced awareness, causing serious wrecks.
- Hazardous Weather
Heavy rain, slick pavement, and sudden Gulf Coast storms can cause hydroplaning and loss of control, especially at high speeds.
- Unsafe Lane Changes
Merging without checking blind spots or signaling often results in sideswipe collisions on Houston’s busy highways.
- Uninsured Drivers
Collisions with drivers lacking insurance are all too common in Houston, leaving victims dependent on their own policy for compensation.
Common Injuries of Car Crash
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts to life-altering trauma. Understanding the types of injuries that commonly result from crashes helps victims seek proper medical care and legal compensation.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Common in rear-end collisions; forceful head and neck movement strains muscles and ligaments, causing stiffness, headaches, and chronic pain that can last months or years.
Broken Bones
Crashes can fracture arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis; treatment may involve casting, surgery, or implants, with recovery taking months and sometimes leading to arthritis or reduced mobility.
Head and Brain Injuries
Range from concussions to severe TBIs; even mild head trauma can cause memory loss and mood changes, while severe cases may need long-term care and rehabilitation.
Back and Spinal Cord Damage
Includes herniated discs, fractures, nerve damage, or paralysis; often requires surgery and therapy, with lasting effects on mobility and quality of life.
Cuts and Bruises
Caused by glass, metal, or airbags; some heal quickly, but deep lacerations may need surgery, leave scars, or cause infection risks.
Chest Injuries
Blunt force trauma may break ribs, collapse lungs, or cause internal bleeding; these injuries are life-threatening and require emergency care.
Soft Tissue Damage
Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can be painful and disabling; often affect shoulders, wrists, ankles, or knees and may not show up on X-rays.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Crashes can lead to PTSD, anxiety, or depression; victims may face flashbacks, insomnia, and difficulty resuming daily routines.
Amputation Injuries
Severe accidents can cause traumatic loss of limbs or surgical amputation, requiring prosthetics, rehab, and lifelong adjustments.
Knee Injuries
Crashes may damage ligaments, cartilage, or bones, leading to ACL tears, fractures, chronic pain, and possible surgery or long-term therapy.
Fault Scenarios After a Car Accident in Houston, Texas
Understanding who is at fault after a car accident is crucial in determining your right to compensation. Texas law uses a comparative negligence system, which affects how much you can recover based on your share of responsibility.
- You’re not at fault – The other driver is 100% responsible, and their insurance should cover your damages.
- Shared fault (less than 50%) – You may share some blame, but you can still recover compensation. Your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Equal fault (50/50) – Both drivers share equal responsibility. You may recover half of your damages.
- Majority fault (51% or more) – If you’re mostly at fault, Texas law bars you from recovering any damages.
- Disputed fault – When insurers argue over who caused the accident, delaying your compensation. Legal representation helps ensure evidence works in your favor.
Deadlines to File a Car Accident Claim in Houston
In most cases, you have two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003). Claims involving government vehicles can have deadlines as short as 90 days in Houston. Missing these limits can end your case before it starts. We act quickly to preserve evidence, meet every deadline, and keep your claim on track.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Houston
Under Texas Insurance Code § 1952.101, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you’re injured in a car accident caused by a driver who has no insurance. This coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver cannot. Having UM coverage ensures you are not left financially vulnerable and can be crucial in serious crashes. Our Houston car accident lawyers help you understand your policy, file claims, and maximize recovery when the responsible driver lacks insurance.
Potential Compensation After a Car Accident in Houston
- Medical Expenses
Covers ER visits, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and ongoing treatment resulting from the accident.
- Lost Wages
Compensation for time missed from work and reduced future earning capacity due to injuries.
- Pain and Suffering
Accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life caused by the crash.
- Property Damage
Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal items damaged in the accident.
- Related Expenses
Includes transportation to medical appointments, assistive devices, and other accident-related costs.
- Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence, such as drunk driving, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Even seemingly minor crashes can involve hidden injuries, disputed fault, or undervalued claims. An experienced Houston car accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected and helps maximize your compensation.
If there are injuries, significant property damage, or insurance disputes, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended. They handle negotiations, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation so you can focus on recovery.
A car accident lawyer investigates the crash, collects police reports and medical records, negotiates with insurers, and represents you in court if necessary. Their goal is to secure maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Houston Legal Help
JLG Law and Associates will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation
What Our Clients Say About Us
Our team has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts across personal injury and criminal defense matters. Whether it’s protecting your future or rebuilding after trauma, we deliver results that matter.
Consult an Experienced Car Wreck Lawyer in Houston
Being injured in a Houston car accident can be life-changing, leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery challenges. Insurance companies often move quickly to minimize payouts or deny claims, and without the right lawyer, you may not receive the full compensation you deserve. At Juan L. Guerra, Jr. & Associates, we understand the tactics insurers use after a crash—from disputing liability to questioning injuries. Our team aggressively challenges lowball offers and presents strong evidence on your behalf, using police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. We know how adjusters build their defense and fight just as hard to dismantle it.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Whether your accident involved a distracted driver on I-10, a drunk driver on Westheimer, or a multi-vehicle pileup on Beltway 8, we create a strategy tailored to your situation. From negotiating with insurers to taking your case to trial, we aim to maximize your recovery and protect your future. When your health and finances are at stake, you need more than representation—you need a relentless Houston car accident lawyer in your corner.
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