Helping Car Accident Victims Make a Full Financial Recovery
Texas drivers travel billions of miles each year. Unfortunately, with that many vehicles on the road, car accidents are going to occur. In 2018, there were 3,639 fatalities on Texas roads, and hundreds of thousands of people were injured in car accidents that year. Houston and Harris County were no exception. In fact, Harris County had the highest number of fatalities from car accidents in 2018. Sadly, many victims of car accidents are not adequately compensated for their damages and losses. Insurance agents often overlook future expenses and non-economic damages, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Hiring an experienced Houston car accident attorney can increase the chance of being treated fairly if you are injured in a car crash. Contact The Alfred Firm by calling (713) 489-1875 to request a free consultation with an experienced Houston car accident lawyer. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, so you never have to worry about paying upfront attorneys’ fees.
What Causes Houston Car Accidents?
Our Houston car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of car accidents. We understand the factors that cause car accidents, which helps us build strong cases for fault and liability against negligent, careless, and reckless drivers. Some common causes of car accidents in Houston include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving and using a cell phone while driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drowsy and fatigued driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Improper lane changes
- Failing to stop at crosswalks
Proving that a driver was responsible for your car accident is the key to winning a car accident case. If you cannot prove the other driver is at fault, you cannot recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Therefore, our legal team expends a great deal of energy, time, and resources in investigating the cause of your accident to gather evidence we can use to prove the other driver caused the crash. Contact our personal injury law firm right away to get the legal representation you need at this critical time. We will field calls and questions from your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company so you can focus on returning to your everyday life. We seek maximum compensation for our clients facing car accident injuries, and we won’t rest until you’ve collected every penny possible for a car crash. Call now to learn more about how we can help!
What Are Some Common Injuries and Damages Caused by Car Crashes?
The injuries and damages caused by a car accident depend on the circumstances of the accident. Serious car accident cases are often showcased on the news, including fatal car accidents and wrecks resulting in severe damage. However, even a low-speed impact could result in traumatic injuries that cause chronic, debilitating pain for the victim. Our legal team carefully analyzes your injuries and damages and gathers medical records and evidence to prove your claim. Our Houston car accident lawyers have experience handling car accident cases involving common car accident injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage done to the back and neck can be among the most painful injuries a car accident victim sustains. Spinal cord injuries may lead to chronic pain, expensive surgical procedures, and even paralysis
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – Brain injuries sustained in a car crash can be devastating for the victim and their family. Open head wounds, closed head wounds, concussions, oxygen deprivation, and bleeding in the brain can all lead to catastrophic damage. Some results of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) include memory loss, speech disorders, mood disorders, blindness, and more
- Paralysis – Paralysis affects some car accident victims who experience severe damage to the spinal column. This condition often prevents victims from continuing in their employment and from enjoying activities they used to do before the accident
- Whiplash – Neck injuries can occur when the person’s car stops or swerves suddenly and the body is jerked around in the impact. Whiplash is commonly considered a minor injury, but whiplash victims understand the excruciating pain and long recovery time of this condition
- Broken Bones – Many car accident victims experience broken bones because of the wreck. Drivers may have fractures in their limbs, hands, and feet as they braced for impact. Severe fractures may require extensive surgeries to correct, costing victims precious time and funds
- Burn Injuries – Burn injuries are recognized as some of the most painful injuries due to the daunting recovery period. Burns often result in scarring that can permanently impact a person’s quality of life
- Amputations – Losing a limb can be traumatizing and agonizing. The person may experience painful symptoms following the amputation and may also lose their ability to work and enjoy their life as before
- Scarring and Disfigurement – Scarring affects a victim’s self-identity, making the car accident even more traumatizing and distressing
- Internal Organ Damage – Damage to the victim’s internal organs can significantly affect their ability to thrive or even survive. Internal bleeding, lacerations, and crushed organs may not be immediately detected, resulting in even more permanent damage. Please get checked by a trusted medical professional right away after a car accident in Houston, even if you think you aren’t badly injured
You never want to settle a car accident claim until you complete medical treatment. You may not realize that you sustained a permanent impairment or disability until your doctor completes your care. At that time, we can evaluate the damages in your case to determine the value of your car accident claim. Call our law firm right away to get started.
What Damages Am I Entitled to for My Car Crash Injuries?
While each injury claim is unique, some damages are common in most car accident cases. Your car accident lawyer can help identify damages you are entitled to in your car accident case. Damages that you may receive compensation for include, but are not limited to:
- The cost of your past and future medical treatment and care
- Cost of personal care and assistance with household chores
- Physical therapy and other therapies
- Mental health counseling related to the car accident
- Loss of income and benefits because of injuries
- Past and future physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Permanent impairments, scarring, and disabilities
- Other out-of-pocket financial losses associated with the accident or your injuries
- Reasonable funeral and burial costs
- Punitive damages if the at-fault party engaged in criminal behavior, such as drunk driving
Our car accident lawyers in Houston carefully document your damages and work with your physicians to ensure we maximize your injury claim’s value. We want to recover full compensation for all damages or as close to that amount as possible, given the facts of your case. Let us help you get the maximum compensation possible under the law. Call our Houston car accident attorneys today.
What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident in Houston?
If you are injured in a car accident, try not to panic. Remaining calm helps you think clearly and remember what happened. Your priority should be to get to safety and alert the authorities. Call 911 to report the accident and request help. Do not discuss the accident with the other driver or witnesses. If there are eyewitnesses, ask them for their names and contact information. If it is safe for you to do so, try to take photographs of the accident scene and make a video. We will search for traffic camera videos and other videos of the accident. Still, your photos may be the only evidence we have of how the accident scene appeared immediately after the crash. Seek medical treatment for your injuries. If you do not go directly to the emergency room, see your physician as soon as possible. The insurance company for the other driver may claim the accident did not cause your injuries if you delay medical care. You may feel fine because the adrenaline rush from the crash may be masking internal injuries. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident and take notes of every interaction with anyone regarding the accident. Avoid speaking with the insurance claims adjuster. The adjuster protects the insurance company. Talk to an attorney and let the attorney deal with the insurance company.
Why Should I Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer?
You need a lawyer to protect your legal rights. That is the simple answer. The insurance company for the other driver is not going to protect your rights. It wants to avoid paying your claim. If it cannot avoid liability, it wants to pay as little as possible for your claim. Our Houston car accident attorneys understand how insurance companies operate. We know their tactics and how to fight back to protect our clients. Our passion for helping people is the foundation for our dedication to our clients. We will do everything within our power to obtain a fair and just settlement for your car accident claim. Whenever possible, we will do that without litigation. However, we are experienced trial lawyers. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, we do not hesitate to file a lawsuit to protect your right to compensation for your injuries.
What Are the Most Dangerous Types of Car Accidents?
Any car crash can be upsetting, causing property damage and serious injuries that take time to heal. However, some car accidents are notably severe because of the impact the cars have on each other. Some of the most dangerous auto accidents include head-on car accidents, rollover accidents, drunk driving collisions, and wrecks involving commercial vehicles.
- Head-on collision – A head-on wreck may happen for various reasons, including distracted driving, drunk driving, and other forms of driver negligence. The at-fault party may not realize they are entering the opposing lane of traffic, which means these wrecks often happen at high speeds. The force of the two cars can eject passengers, total cars, and result in fatalities. Please seek help from experienced car accident lawyers for help covering medical bills, lost wages, and more following a head-on collision that wasn’t your fault
- Rollover accident – A rollover refers to one or both vehicles impacting in such a way that it sends a vehicle turning through the air, sometimes multiple times. This form of Houston car crash can result in severe injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, internal organ damage, and limb loss. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you recover damages following a rollover auto accident
- Drunk driving collision – When individuals drive while intoxicated, they lack the response time to avoid a collision. Often, the drunk driver doesn’t make any attempt to slow down or swerve out of the way, making these wrecks even more dangerous. Auto accident lawyers like those at The Alfred Firm can help you seek compensation in full, including punitive damages from the drunk driver
- Semi-truck crash – A crash with a commercial vehicle can be particularly devastating because of the size and nature of the truck. Many 18-wheelers carry dangerous cargo which could ignite or explode, increasing the risk to car crash victims. Moreover, these car accident lawsuits become complicated because of the many parties that could be at fault, such as the truck driver, maintenance crew, loading crew, truck manufacturer, or trucking company. Our Houston truck accident attorneys will help identify the at-fault party and seek compensation in full in your personal injury case
How Is Liability Determined in a Texas Car Accident?
Determining liability in a Texas car accident is crucial. Victims seeking compensation must demonstrate that they were not to blame for the auto accident, or they could sacrifice some or all of their compensation. In Texas, a modified comparative system is used, meaning you cannot collect compensation if you were more than 50% responsible for the crash. Our team of Houston auto accident attorneys will leave no stone unturned as we uncover the reason for your crash. We use every piece of evidence possible to prove that the other party was to blame, including surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, photos of the crash, police reports, and testimonies from expert witnesses. We will also gather documentation to show that you deserve fair compensation for every injury sustained in the crash. When you are suffering injuries from a car accident, you need help from a Texas car accident attorney who understands the law and will fight for you. You can rely on the team at The Alfred Firm to stand by your side and protect your legal rights.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Auto accident victims often wonder how long they have to take action after a car crash. According to Texas law, a car accident victim can bring a personal injury claim up to two years after the auto accident. However, certain cases may vary. Please speak with a Texas car accident lawyer immediately to learn when you can file a claim. While two years may seem like a long time to resolve car accident claims, the time passes surprisingly quickly, especially with complex personal injury claims. If your accident occurred with a semi-truck or drunk driver, the legal proceedings could be even more complex. Having the money sooner can mean you can pay medical bills and recover lost wages without going into debt and losing your credit score or home. Please don’t delay contacting a trusted car accident lawyer like those at our law firm. We will handle the legal details of your claim so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and spending time with loved ones.
Should You Hire Our Houston Car Accident Lawyers?
If you or a loved one has experienced a personal injury from a car accident in Houston, you may be feeling shocked and overwhelmed. Insurance adjusters usually approach victims right away with a settlement to try to close the case quickly. However, these settlements are often lowball offers that will not cover the person’s future damages. You and your loved ones deserve better than that. Our legal team offers excellent counsel and representation to get you the fair compensation you deserve. Don’t wait any longer. Act now by scheduling a free case review with one of our attorneys. We are here to help you, including providing you with the information you need to make the best decision regarding your car accident claim. Contact The Alfred Firm at (713) 489-1875 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney in Houston.