If you’ve been in a car accident in Houston, you need an experienced car accident attorney to protect your rights. The Adley Law Firm has been handling car accident cases in Houston for over 30 years. We know how to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Do I Need a Houston Car Accident Lawyer?
After a car accident, especially one involving injuries, managing the aftermath can quickly become overwhelming. Between mounting medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and insurance adjusters looking to minimize payouts, the process is complex and stressful. This is where a lawyer can help.
Here’s why hiring an attorney can help you:
- Navigates Texas Laws: Lawyers understand legal nuances, like the modified comparative negligence rule, and ensure your claim is handled properly to protect your rights.
- Builds a Strong Case: Attorneys gather crucial evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and even traffic camera footage or black box data to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiates with Insurance Companies: Lawyers know how to counter lowball offers and tactics aimed at reducing payouts, ensuring you get a fair settlement.
- Accurately Calculating Damages: A lawyer ensures that all aspects of your losses are accounted for, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Attempting to handle a car accident claim on your own can lead to mistakes, underpaid settlements, or denied claims. By hiring an experienced lawyer, you protect your rights and significantly increase your chances of receiving full and fair compensation.
Visit our car accident FAQs for more answers to all your questions.
Should I Hire the Adley Law Firm?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the Adley Law Firm is one of Houston’s most trusted names in personal injury law. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
Here’s why you should choose us:
- Proven Results: We’ve secured compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, with countless success stories from satisfied clients.
- Experienced Negotiators: We know how to counter insurance companies’ tactics and fight for the full value of your claim.
- Comprehensive Support: From gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or representing you in court, we handle every step of your case.
- Client-Focused Approach: We take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights.
At Adley Law Firm, you’re more than just a case—you’re a valued client. Contact a Houston car accident lawyer today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
How Much Do Houston Car Accident Attorneys Charge?
Auto accident lawyers charge through contingency fees. This means that they do not get paid unless they win your case. The average contingency fee is one-third of the total settlement. For example, if you settle your case for $10,000, the lawyer will get $3,333.33. The higher the settlement, the higher the contingency fee.
Some lawyers also charge hourly fees. This means that they will get paid for the time they spend working on your case, regardless of whether or not they win. The average hourly fee is $250.
There are also some lawyers who charge a flat fee. This means that they will charge one price for their services, regardless of how much time they spend on your case or how much money you ultimately receive. Flat fees are typically only charged for simple cases, such as fender benders or rear-end collisions.
The best way to find out how much a particular lawyer will charge is to ask them directly. Most lawyers will be happy to give you a free consultation, during which they will explain their fees in detail.
Visit our car accident FAQs for more answers to all your questions.
Immediate Actions To Take After An Accident
1. Take Safety Measures First
The moments following a wreck are critical. Texas law requires drivers involved in a collision to immediately stop their vehicles at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic.
Safety is paramount; if possible, move vehicles out of the flow of traffic and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. It’s important to check for injuries and call for medical help if necessary.
2. Call the Police
In Texas, it’s essential to report a car accident to the police if it results in injury, death, or significant property damage. The responding officer will create an official police report, which serves as a vital record for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
You can later obtain a copy of this report through the
Houston Police Department or the
Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (C.R.I.S.).
3. Exchange of Information
Exchanging information with the other driver is a necessary step. Be sure to collect names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers.
It’s also wise to note the make, model, and color of the other vehicle(s) involved. Avoid discussing fault or details of the accident, as these conversations could be used against you later.
4. Documentation
Documenting the accident scene can significantly impact your ability to claim damages. Take photographs of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well. This evidence can be crucial in establishing the facts of the case.
5. Seeking Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is imperative. Some injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
Prompt medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also provides documentation of your injuries, which is essential when filing an insurance claim or
personal injury lawsuit.
6. Report to Insurance
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be cautious when speaking to adjusters and avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement before consulting with an attorney.
Remember, insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their bottom lines than providing you with fair compensation.
Compensation and Damages
Types of Damages
In Texas, car accident victims may recover compensation for a variety of damages.
- Economic damages include measurable costs such as medical bills, property repairs or replacement, and lost wages.
- Non-economic damages address the emotional and physical toll of an accident, covering pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases involving gross negligence or malicious intent, courts may also award punitive damages to penalize the at-fault party and discourage similar behavior.
Compensation Recovery
Recovering fair compensation often requires negotiating with insurance companies or filing a personal injury lawsuit. A settlement should account for all accident-related costs, including immediate expenses like medical bills and long-term financial impacts such as ongoing treatment or rehabilitation.
Calculating these damages accurately is critical. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you receive compensation that truly reflects the extent of your losses.
Diminished Value Claims
If your vehicle is repaired after an accident, it may have a lower resale value, known as diminished value. Texas law allows you to claim compensation for this reduction, especially if your car was newer or had a clean accident history before the crash.
This often-overlooked aspect of compensation can be significant, and proper documentation is key to a successful claim.
Medical Bills Payment
Medical costs can pile up quickly after an accident. In Texas, the at-fault driver’s insurance is generally responsible for these expenses, but payment usually occurs only after a settlement.
In the meantime, you may use your health insurance or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to cover immediate costs. Keep detailed records of all treatments and expenses to ensure proper reimbursement during the claims process.
Recover Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may claim lost wages as part of your compensation. To support your claim, provide documentation from your employer confirming your missed work and income, along with a note from your medical provider.
Lost wages can include not only past income but also future earnings if your injuries affect your long-term ability to work.
For more answers to your questions, visit our car accident FAQs.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston
Houston, with its sprawling network of freeways and heavy traffic, experiences a significant number of accidents each year. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is crucial for drivers to navigate the roads safely and for victims to be aware of their rights should they be involved in a collision.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that thousands of people are killed each year due to driver inattention.
In Houston, drivers who text, talk on the phone, eat, or use in-car technologies while behind the wheel contribute to a high rate of preventable collisions.
Intoxicated Driving
Despite strict DWI laws, intoxicated driving remains a significant problem. Houston’s nightlife and the prevalence of establishments serving alcohol mean that drunk driving accidents are not uncommon.
The consequences of driving under the influence are severe, not just legally but also in terms of the potential harm to oneself and others.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Houston’s wide freeways can sometimes encourage speeding and reckless driving. Drivers who exceed speed limits or engage in aggressive driving behaviors such as unsafe lane changes and tailgating increase the risk of accidents, often with devastating results.
Failure to Yield
Intersections can be danger zones, especially when drivers fail to obey traffic signals or yield the right of way. Whether due to impatience or inattention, these failure to yield accidents can lead to serious T-bone and head-on collisions.
Poor Weather Conditions
Houston’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden downpours leading to slick roads and reduced visibility. Driving in poor weather conditions without adjusting speed and following distance appropriately can lead to accidents, particularly on the city’s high-speed roadways.
Roadway Defects
Sometimes, the cause of an accident may not be the driver but the road itself. Roadway defects such as potholes, uneven pavement, and poorly marked construction zones can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
The Texas Department of Transportation continuously works on improving road safety, but it’s also up to drivers to navigate these challenges responsibly.
Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
Texas law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of insurance, yet not all do. Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers can complicate the recovery of damages for victims. It’s important to understand how to handle such situations and the potential insurance claims involved.
For those involved in a car accident in Houston, it’s essential to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can help navigate the complexities of filing a claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Adley Law Firm is well-versed in Houston’s traffic laws and has extensive experience representing injury victims to ensure they are justly compensated for their injuries and losses.
Building a Strong Car Accident Claim
Securing fair compensation after a car accident requires building a solid claim. A strong claim involves gathering evidence, understanding the legal process, and knowing how your actions can impact your settlement offer. Here’s what you need to know to maximize your chances of success:
What Goes Into a Car Accident Claim?
- Evidence Collection: A compelling claim relies on thorough evidence. This includes:
- Clear photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries
- Contact information for all involved parties and witnesses
- Official records, such as the police report
- Medical records detailing your injuries and treatments
- Proof of Damages: Document your financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses (current and anticipated future costs)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property repair or replacement bills
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering
- Compliance with Texas Law: Ensure your actions align with Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages even if you’re partially at fault, as long as your fault is less than 51%.
What Makes a Good Claim?
- Detailed and Accurate Information: Ensure all details in your claim are accurate and supported by evidence. Inconsistencies can weaken your case.
- Timeliness: File your claim promptly. Delays can lead to lost evidence, witness memory fade, or the expiration of the statute of limitations.
- Strong Legal Representation: Having an experienced attorney strengthens your claim. They can handle negotiations, gather additional evidence (like black box data or surveillance footage), and protect your rights.
What You Should Do
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Medical records establish a direct link between the accident and your injuries.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a file with all accident-related documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, and communication with insurance companies.
- Communicate Carefully: When speaking with insurance adjusters, stick to the facts. Let your attorney handle detailed discussions about fault or settlement amounts.
- Follow Medical Advice: Adhering to your doctor’s recommendations demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries and avoids giving insurers a reason to dispute your claim.
What You Should NOT Do
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them,” as these can be interpreted as admissions of fault.
- Do Not Delay Reporting: Report the accident to your insurance company and file a police report promptly to avoid complications.
- Do Not Accept Quick Settlement Offers: Initial offers from insurance companies are often lowball amounts meant to minimize their payout. Consult with an attorney before accepting.
- Do Not Exaggerate or Withhold Information: Misrepresenting your injuries or withholding details can damage your credibility and weaken your claim.
What Helps Your Settlement Offer?
- Comprehensive Evidence: Photographs, witness statements, and detailed medical records make it harder for insurers to dispute your claim.
- Consistent Medical Documentation: Regular medical appointments and detailed treatment plans support your claim for pain, suffering, and future medical expenses.
- Legal Advocacy: A skilled attorney can counter lowball offers, demonstrate the value of your claim, and negotiate effectively with insurance adjusters.
What Hurts Your Settlement Offer?
- Gaps in Medical Treatment: Missing appointments or delaying treatment can lead insurers to question the severity of your injuries.
- Social Media Activity: Posting about your accident or recovery on social media can be used against you. For example, photos of physical activity may undermine your claims of injury.
- Inconsistent Statements: Contradictory accounts of the accident or your injuries can weaken your credibility and hurt your case.
By following these guidelines and working with a qualified attorney, you can build a strong car accident claim that maximizes your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Contact The Adley Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured in an car wreck in Houston or anywhere in Texas, the Adley Law Firm is here to help. With decades of experience, we’ve assisted thousands of clients in recovering millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call now for a free consultation—our Houston car accident lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
