Let an Experienced Houston Car Accident Lawyer Fight for Your Compensation
Protecting the Rights of Car Accident Victims Throughout the Greater Houston Area
Being involved in a car accident in Houston can turn your life upside down in an instant. Beyond the shock and pain of injuries, you’re suddenly faced with medical bills, car repairs, and insurance headaches. If you’re an accident victim in the Greater Houston area, know that help is available. Our Houston car accident lawyers at Adley Law Firm are here to guide you with compassionate, professional legal support so you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Read More:
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Houston
A car crash can leave anyone shaken and unsure of what to do next. In Houston, as in all of Texas, there are important steps you should follow to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s a quick guide on what to do immediately after an accident:
- Ensure Safety & Call 911: First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call for an ambulance right away. Even if the accident seems minor, Texas law requires you to report an accident to the police if there’s an injury, a death, a hit-and-run situation, or property damage over $1,000. In a busy city like Houston, it’s best to call the Houston police to the scene for an official report. Stay at the scene until officers arrive.
- Move to a Safe Area (If Possible): If the vehicles are drivable, turn on hazard lights and carefully move out of traffic (for example, to the shoulder or a parking lot). This helps prevent secondary accidents on Houston’s high-traffic roads. If you can’t move your car, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
- Exchange Information: Obtain the name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details of the other driver(s). Also get contact info from any witnesses. In Texas, drivers must be able to show proof of insurance when asked by law enforcement, so take a photo of the insurance card or write down the policy details.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. These photos can be crucial evidence later. If there are traffic cameras or nearby businesses, note them in case surveillance footage can be obtained.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Stay calm and polite, but avoid apologizing or admitting blame to anyone. Even saying “I’m sorry” could be misinterpreted as admitting fault. Fault in Texas accidents is determined by evidence and sometimes police or insurance investigations, so let the facts speak for themselves.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you aren’t taken directly to the hospital, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Some injuries (like whiplash or internal injuries) might not show immediate symptoms. Prompt medical evaluation creates a record of your injuries and is important for your health and any claim you file.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your own insurance carrier within 24 hours if you can. Provide the basic facts of what happened, but it’s okay to decline giving a detailed statement until you speak with a lawyer. Texas insurance policies often require prompt notice of accidents, so don’t delay this step.
- Consult a Car Accident Lawyer: Especially if anyone was injured or if fault is disputed, consider contacting a Houston car accident attorney before talking at length with the other driver’s insurance. An experienced lawyer (like those at Adley Law Firm) can advise you of your rights, handle communications with insurers, and start investigating the crash right away. Initial consultations at Adley Law Firm are free, and we have bilingual staff (English and Spanish) to assist you.
By following these steps, you’ll be on more solid ground as you move forward after an accident. The key is to prioritize safety and documentation. Once the immediate chaos settles, you can turn your attention to the legal process of recovering compensation for your losses.
Understanding the Legal Process in Houston
After the initial aftermath of a crash, many accident victims in Houston find themselves asking: “What now? How do I actually get compensated for my injuries and damages?” In Texas, the process typically involves insurance claims and possibly a lawsuit. Here’s an overview of how the legal process works for a car accident case:
- Texas Is an At-Fault State: Texas follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the accident (and their insurance company) is responsible for paying for the damages. As an accident victim, you generally have three options: file a claim with your own insurer (who may then pursue reimbursement from the at-fault party), file a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance, or file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
- Insurance Claim Process: In most cases, the first step is to file an insurance claim. Once the claim is filed, an adjuster will investigate the accident. They’ll look at the police report, photos, witness statements, and medical records to determine who was at fault and the extent of the damage. Be prepared that insurance adjusters, even your own, are ultimately looking out for the insurance company’s bottom line. They may offer a quick, low settlement. It can be tempting to accept a fast check when you’re stressed over medical bills and car repairs, but beware – once you settle, you usually can’t go back for more.
- Modified Comparative Negligence in Texas: Texas law uses a “modified comparative negligence” rule (the 51% Bar Rule). This means each party’s share of fault matters. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but any compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything from the other party. For example, if you were 20% at fault (perhaps you were driving slightly above the speed limit when another car hit you), and your damages are $10,000, you would recover $8,000 (which is $10,000 minus 20%). Determining fault can be complex – this is another reason having a lawyer helps, to prevent unfair blame being placed on you.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If insurance negotiations stall or the insurer denies liability, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Texas, you generally have **two years** from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injury or property damage (this deadline is called the statute of limitations). This timeframe can go by quickly, especially when you’re recovering from injuries, so it’s crucial not to delay if legal action becomes necessary. Once a lawsuit is filed in Harris County (for Houston-area crashes) or the appropriate county, the case enters the court process – including discovery (exchange of evidence), depositions, and potentially a trial if no settlement is reached.
- Evidence and Building Your Case: To succeed in an insurance claim or lawsuit, you’ll need to prove two main things: liability (who was at fault) and damages (the losses you suffered). Evidence can include the crash report (called a CR-3 form in Texas, prepared by the police), medical records, bills, witness testimonies, photos of the scene and vehicles, and sometimes expert analysis of accidents. In some Houston accidents, traffic camera footage or surveillance video from nearby businesses might be available to support your case. Our legal team will help gather all necessary evidence – we often start by obtaining the official accident report from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records system or the Houston Police Department, then build from there.
- Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: It’s important to be cautious when talking to insurance companies. They might ask for a recorded statement or try to get you to admit some fault. You have the right to consult with your attorney before providing any statement. Often, once you have legal representation, your lawyer will handle communications on your behalf. At Adley Law Firm, we take over these conversations so you don’t accidentally say something that could hurt your claim.
- Resolution – Settlement or Trial: The majority of car accident cases in Houston are resolved through settlements rather than going all the way to a trial. A settlement can occur at any stage of the process – sometimes even before a lawsuit is filed, and other times on the courthouse steps right before a trial. We will negotiate aggressively to reach a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If the insurance company won’t offer a reasonable amount, we are fully prepared to take the case to court. Our attorneys have decades of experience litigating cases in Texas courts. While going to trial is less common, rest assured that if it’s necessary, we will present a strong case to fight for your rights before a judge or jury.
The legal process can sound complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right guidance, you can successfully pursue a claim and obtain justice. Next, we’ll discuss how settlements work and what you can expect when it comes to compensation.
How Car Accident Settlements Work
After a car accident in Houston, one of the biggest questions is often, “How will I get money to cover all these expenses?” The answer is usually through a settlement with the insurance company or, less often, a court verdict. Here’s an easy-to-understand breakdown of how car accident settlements work:
1. Insurance Investigation and Initial Offers: Once you file a claim, the insurance companies involved will investigate. They’ll assess who was at fault and review your medical records and car repair estimates. If their insured driver was clearly at fault, you might receive a settlement offer fairly quickly. Be cautious: initial offers are often “lowball” offers. Insurance adjusters in Houston handle thousands of claims and often try to save their company money by paying out as little as possible. That first check they dangle may not even cover all your medical bills, let alone future treatment or pain and suffering.
2. Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): It’s usually wise to wait until you’ve either fully recovered or have a clear understanding of your long-term medical needs before settling. This point is sometimes called reaching “maximum medical improvement.” You only get one settlement; you can’t go back later if you realize your injuries will require another surgery or if complications arise. Our attorneys typically advise clients to be patient and complete their doctors’ recommended treatment. We often consult with your doctors or medical experts to project future medical costs for serious injuries.
3. Demand Letter and Negotiations: When you’re ready, your attorney will send a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter lays out your case: it describes the accident, explains why their driver is at fault, details your injuries, and lists all your damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.). It then demands a specific dollar amount as compensation. The insurance company will respond – they might agree, but more commonly they’ll counter with a lower number. This kicks off negotiations. We go back and forth, presenting evidence and arguments to justify the amount you deserve. Negotiation is a bit of a dance; having a skilled Houston car accident lawyer on your side ensures you don’t settle for less than you need.
4. Settlement Agreement: If both sides reach an acceptable number, the agreement is put in writing. You will need to sign a release form that basically says you agree not to pursue any further claims related to this accident in exchange for the agreed payment. Once you sign and the insurance company processes everything, you’ll receive the settlement funds (often within a few weeks). Your attorney will typically handle disbursing the funds, ensuring any outstanding medical bills or liens are paid, then giving you the remaining compensation. Because Adley Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis (more on that below), our fee would come as a percentage of the settlement – and this would be clearly explained in our agreement with you from day one.
5. If No Settlement is Reached: If negotiations fail, we may proceed to file a lawsuit (if we haven’t already). Sometimes filing suit can motivate an insurer to increase their offer, especially when they see you are serious and have a strong case. Even after a lawsuit is filed, settlements can happen at any time. In fact, it’s common for cases to settle during mediation (a formal settlement meeting) or even just before trial. If ultimately no fair settlement is offered, the case would go to trial and a judge or jury would decide the outcome and award damages.
Throughout this process, our goal is to get you the maximum compensation possible, as efficiently as possible. We know you need funds to pay medical bills, cover lost income, fix or replace your vehicle, and compensate you for the pain and disruption this accident has caused in your life. Adley Law Firm’s attorneys are tough negotiators – we don’t let insurance companies take advantage of our clients. We also make sure you are informed and in control; we’ll advise you on whether an offer is fair, but the decision to accept or reject is always yours.
In summary, car accident settlements involve investigation, careful calculation of your losses, negotiation savvy, and sometimes patience. With our experienced Houston legal team handling the heavy lifting, you can rest assured that we’re working diligently to secure a settlement that truly reflects what you’ve been through.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Houston
Houston’s busy roads see a wide variety of traffic accidents. Understanding the common types of crashes can help you identify what happened in your situation and the typical causes behind them. Here are some of the most common types of car accidents we handle in the Houston area:
- Rear-End Collisions: These are among the most frequent accidents in city traffic. They occur when one vehicle hits the back of another. Often, rear-end crashes happen because a driver was following too closely or wasn’t paying attention (distracted by a phone, for example) and couldn’t stop in time. Even at moderate speeds, a rear-end impact can cause whiplash and other injuries to the front car’s occupants.
- Intersection Accidents (T-Bone Collisions): Busy Houston intersections like those on Westheimer Road or Highway 6 can be dangerous. A T-bone collision happens when the front of one car slams into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. This often results from someone running a red light or stop sign, or making an unsafe left turn across traffic. Intersection accidents can be very serious, as the sides of vehicles have less protection and a striking car can directly hit drivers or passengers.
- High-Speed Highway Crashes: Houston is crisscrossed by highways and interstates (I-45, I-10, I-69, I-610 Loop, and others). On these roads, vehicles travel at high speeds. Collisions on highways, including multi-vehicle pileups, can lead to severe injuries due to the force of impact. Common causes are speeding, tailgating, sudden stops in traffic jams, or drivers making unsafe lane changes. A single incident (like a vehicle losing a tire or a sudden slow-down) can trigger chain-reaction crashes with many cars involved.
- Head-On Collisions: Less common but extremely dangerous, head-on crashes happen when two vehicles traveling opposite directions collide front-first. This can occur on narrower roads or undivided highways, often due to a wrong-way driver, someone drifting over the center line (perhaps from drowsiness or intoxication), or attempting to pass on a two-lane road. Head-on collisions at any significant speed often result in life-threatening injuries because the impact forces on both vehicles are combined.
- Sideswipes and Merging Accidents: In congested traffic or on highway on-ramps and off-ramps, sideswipe accidents can occur. This is when the side of one car scrapes or slams into the side of another vehicle, usually when both are moving in the same direction. It often happens if a driver fails to check blind spots when changing lanes or merges without yielding. While sometimes sideswipes are minor “fender-benders,” at higher speeds they can cause one or both vehicles to lose control.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes are a reality in Houston. This is not a type of collision itself, but rather when a driver causes an accident and then flees the scene without stopping to provide information or help. Victims of hit-and-run accidents face the challenge of identifying the responsible driver. If you’re a victim of a hit-and-run, it’s crucial to report it immediately. Sometimes traffic cameras or witnesses can provide a license plate number or description. If the hit-and-run driver isn’t found, you may need to rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage to get compensated.
Each type of accident has unique legal and factual issues. For example, rear-end collisions generally establish a presumption that the rear driver was at fault for not maintaining a safe distance. Intersection accidents require careful review of traffic signals, right-of-way rules, and witness accounts to figure out who had the green light or stop sign. Regardless of the type of crash, our legal team in Houston has extensive experience investigating them. We know what evidence to look for in each scenario – whether it’s skid marks indicating braking in a rear-end case, or obtaining cell phone records to see if a driver was texting.
By recognizing the kind of accident you were in, we can anticipate the common defenses insurance companies might raise (“you slammed your brakes too hard” in a rear-end case, or “you were speeding through the intersection” in a T-bone case, etc.) and prepare counterarguments. No matter how your accident happened, if another party’s negligence or recklessness contributed to it, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts to life-altering trauma. Even low-speed collisions can result in serious physical harm. As Houston car accident attorneys, we have seen virtually every type of injury in the cases we handle. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is very common in rear-end accidents. The sudden jolt can strain neck muscles and ligaments, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. More severe neck or spinal injuries can occur, including herniated discs or even spinal cord damage in high-impact crashes.
- Back Injuries: The force of a collision can injure the mid or lower back. Victims may suffer herniated discs, fractures in the spine, or soft-tissue injuries. Back injuries often lead to chronic pain and require lengthy therapy or surgery. A common symptom after an accident is lower back pain – always get it checked, as it could be a sign of something serious.
- Head and Brain Injuries: A blow to the head during an accident can cause a concussion or more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even if you don’t hit your head directly, the jarring motion can make your brain strike the inside of your skull (this is what happens in a concussion). Symptoms might not appear immediately – watch for headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory problems. More serious TBIs can result in long-term cognitive or personality changes. Always mention any head symptoms to your doctor after a crash.
- Broken Bones: The impact forces in car wrecks frequently lead to fractures. Common broken bones include arms, wrists, ankles, collarbones (from seatbelts or airbags), ribs, and legs. Some breaks are simple fractures that heal with casting, while others are compound or complex fractures requiring surgery and hardware (plates, screws) to stabilize. Broken ribs can also pose a risk of internal injury.
- Facial Injuries and Airbag Impact: While airbags save lives and prevent severe head injuries, they can cause burns or abrasions. In a crash, occupants might also hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. This can result in facial cuts, broken noses, dental injuries, or eye trauma. Always have cuts cleaned and treated to minimize scarring and watch for signs of a concussion if you had a significant impact.
- Internal Injuries: The sudden deceleration in a collision can injure internal organs even without external signs. Seatbelt placement can sometimes cause bruising or trauma to the abdomen. Internal bleeding, organ damage (to lungs, liver, spleen, etc.), or internal bruising might not be immediately obvious. That’s why a medical checkup is critical – doctors may perform scans to ensure you don’t have hidden internal injuries.
- Psychological Trauma: Not all injuries are physical. Being in a violent car accident is a frightening experience. It’s common for survivors to experience emotional distress, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a bad crash. For example, you might feel extremely nervous driving or riding in a car again, have flashbacks of the accident, or suffer nightmares. Emotional and psychological injuries are very real and should be addressed with therapy or counseling. They are also compensable in a claim as part of your pain and suffering.
No matter what kind of injury you suffered, it’s important to follow through with all recommended medical treatment. Not only will this give you the best chance at a full recovery, it also documents your injuries thoroughly – which is key evidence when seeking compensation. Keep records of doctor visits, therapy sessions, medications, and how your injuries impact your daily life (for instance, if you cannot lift your child or you missed weeks of work, note that).
Adley Law Firm works closely with our clients to understand the full extent of their injuries. We often consult with medical experts to predict any future complications or long-term care needs, especially for severe injuries like brain trauma or spinal damage. Our goal is to ensure that any settlement or verdict accounts for all of your injuries, including future medical expenses and the personal toll the accident has taken on you.
How Adley Law Firm Can Help
When you’re recovering from a car accident, dealing with legal paperwork and pushy insurance adjusters is likely the last thing you want to do. That’s where we come in. Adley Law Firm has been a trusted name in Houston personal injury law for over 30 years. Here’s how our Houston car accident attorneys can help you:
- Free Consultation & Personalized Advice: We start by offering a free initial consultation. There’s no obligation – we’ll listen to what happened, answer your questions, and give you an honest evaluation of your case. We’ll explain your options in plain language. And if you prefer to speak Spanish, we have bilingual staff ready to assist. Comunicarse con nosotros es fácil – hablamos su idioma y estamos aquí para ayudar.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Our legal team will immediately begin investigating your accident. We collect police reports, contact witnesses, obtain video footage if available, and gather all critical evidence. We may visit the scene of the crash to understand the road layout or visibility. In complex accidents, we can bring in accident reconstruction experts to piece together exactly how it happened. By building a strong evidence-backed case, we put pressure on the insurance company to pay what’s fair.
- Handling the Insurance Companies: You won’t have to worry about what to say to insurance adjusters – we handle that for you. From filing claims paperwork to communicating with the adjuster on your behalf, we make sure the insurance company treats your claim with the seriousness it deserves. We’re familiar with the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, and we know how to counter them. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who fight for every dollar you’re owed.
- Proving Liability and Damages: Sometimes fault in an accident is clear; other times, the other side might try to pin some blame on you. We will work to prove the other party’s negligence – whether they were speeding, texting, drunk driving, or otherwise careless. We also thoroughly document your damages. That includes obvious things like medical bills and car repair costs, but also less tangible losses like pain, suffering, and the impact on your daily life. If you can’t work for a while, we’ll calculate your lost income. If you will need ongoing therapy or treatment, we’ll factor that in. By presenting a comprehensive picture of your losses, we aim to maximize your compensation.
- No Fee Unless We Win (Contingency Fee): Worried about attorney costs? Don’t be. Adley Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis for car accident cases. This means **you pay nothing upfront** and absolutely no legal fees unless we recover money for you. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment, which we discuss with you from the beginning. This contingency arrangement allows everyone, regardless of financial situation, to have top-tier legal representation. It also aligns our interests with yours – we want to get you the most money possible, because our success is tied to yours.
- Experienced Trial Attorneys: While most cases settle, if we do need to take your case to court, you’ll have seasoned trial lawyers on your side. Our team, led by attorneys with decades of experience, has successfully tried cases in Houston and across Texas. We prepare every case as if it may go to trial, which often leads to better settlement offers because the insurance companies know we won’t back down.
- Compassionate Support: Beyond the legal fight, we truly care about our clients as people. We understand that a car wreck can be a traumatic event. Our staff will check in on your recovery, help you find medical providers if you’re struggling to get treatment, and keep you updated on your case’s progress. We pride ourselves on being responsive – when you have questions, we’re just a phone call or email away. At Adley Law Firm, you’re not just another case number. We take the burdens off your shoulders and treat you like family.
Choosing the right lawyer after a car accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Our Houston-based firm has a strong track record: we’ve recovered millions of dollars for accident victims and their families. From the moment you hire us, the insurance companies have to go through us, not you. That means you can focus on what’s most important – getting better – while we focus on getting you compensated.
Remember, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Let our experienced Houston car accident attorneys handle the legal headaches. We’re on your side every step of the way, working tirelessly to obtain justice and financial relief for you. Your job is to heal; our job is to handle everything else.
Contact Adley Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen and help you move forward after your accident.
Houston Car Accident FAQs
Below are some common questions we hear from car accident victims in Houston. If you have a question not answered here, feel free to reach out to us – we’re here to help.
- Q: Should I call the police after a minor fender-bender in Houston?
- A: It’s usually a good idea to call the police to the scene of any accident, even a minor one. In Texas, you are legally required to report an accident if there’s an injury, a death, or property damage over $1,000. In practice, many seemingly “minor” crashes easily exceed $1,000 in damage (modern bumpers and sensors are expensive!). A police officer will create an official accident report, which can be very useful for insurance claims. The report will document the parties, vehicles, insurance, and the officer’s notes about what happened. If the other driver later changes their story, that report can be crucial evidence. So even if you feel okay and the cars just have dents, calling the Houston Police Department is wise. If for some reason an officer can’t come (e.g., during severe weather when only major accidents get responses), you can later file a report online through TxDOT’s crash report system. Bottom line: protecting yourself with proper documentation is important, and that starts with a police report.
- Q: How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
- A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means if you don’t file your claim within two years, you’ll likely lose your right to pursue it in court. (There are very limited exceptions, such as if the injured person was a minor at the time of the crash, the “clock” might start at their 18th birthday.) It’s important to note that while two years may sound like a lot of time, preparing a strong case takes time too. Important evidence can fade or be lost as time goes on – accident scenes change, memories of witnesses become less clear, and videos may get overwritten. That’s why we encourage anyone injured in a wreck to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Even if you’re not sure you want to file a lawsuit, you want to preserve your ability to do so. Adley Law Firm will ensure all paperwork is filed timely. Don’t wait until the deadline is near; it’s better to have the legal process underway well before the statute of limitations expires.
- Q: What if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene?
- A: Being hit by an uninsured driver (or the victim of a hit-and-run) is frustrating, but you still have options. First, if it was a hit-and-run, try to gather any information at the scene – partial license plate, vehicle description, or witness statements – and file a police report immediately. Police might locate the driver, especially if there’s clear evidence or video. If the driver truly can’t be found or they have no insurance, you can turn to your own policy. Many Texas drivers carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of their auto insurance. UM coverage can compensate you for your injuries and property damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or disappears. Similarly, if the at-fault driver had insurance but not enough to cover all your damages (underinsured), your UIM coverage can make up the difference up to your policy limits. You may also have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or MedPay coverage, which can help pay medical bills regardless of fault. Our lawyers can help you navigate a claim through your own insurance in these scenarios. And yes, you can still hire a lawyer even if you’re dealing with your insurance – remember, they might still try to minimize payout. Lastly, while suing an uninsured driver personally is technically possible, it’s often not practical because if they didn’t carry insurance, they may not have assets to collect against. We’ll guide you on the best strategy to get compensation in an uninsured or hit-and-run situation.
- Q: How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Houston?
- A: Up-front, it costs you nothing to hire our car accident lawyers. Adley Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we win or settle your case successfully. There is no hourly rate and no retainer that you have to pay out-of-pocket. During your free consultation, we’ll explain our fee agreement. Typically, the standard contingency fee for personal injury cases is a percentage (often around 33% to 40%) of the recovery. That percentage can depend on factors like whether a lawsuit has to be filed or the case goes to trial. What’s important to know is that you will not owe any attorney’s fees if we don’t recover money for you. Additionally, our firm often advances case expenses (for example, court filing fees or costs to obtain records), and those are reimbursed from the settlement at the end. We believe everyone should have access to justice, regardless of financial situation. The contingency fee structure enables us to work for you without adding financial stress. So, you can hire a top Houston accident attorney without worrying about the cost upfront.
- Q: Will I have to go to court for my car accident case?
- A: Most car accident claims are resolved through settlements without ever having to step foot in a courtroom. Our goal is to settle your case for a fair amount without a lengthy court battle, if possible. We begin by negotiating with the insurance company and often can reach a satisfactory settlement through those discussions. However, if the insurer is not offering a reasonable amount or is denying fault unjustly, filing a lawsuit may become necessary to move things forward. Even after a lawsuit is filed, there’s still a good chance your case will settle before trial – for instance, during pre-trial mediation or simply when the insurance company sees you and your attorneys are serious. If your case does go to court, rest assured that we will be by your side each step of the way. We’ll prep you on what to expect, handle all the legal arguments, and fight for your rights in front of the jury. Some clients find the idea of testifying or being in court intimidating, but we make sure you are comfortable and prepared. Remember, the decision to settle or go to trial is always your choice; we will give you our advice, but we work for you. If going to court is what it takes to get justice, we won’t hesitate to do so. Our team has successfully tried cases in Houston courts, and we’re ready to do it when it’s in your best interest.
Have more questions? Contact us at Adley Law Firm for straightforward answers and a free case evaluation. We’re here to address any concerns and help you make informed decisions after your car accident.