Houston, Texas Vehicular Accident Injury Attorney

A Comprehensive Guide to Vehicle Accident Cases in Texas

As a Houston, Texas, personal injury attorney, we understand that vehicle accidents can be traumatic and life-altering. Whether you were injured in an automobile, truck, or motorcycle accident, our skilled legal team is here to help you navigate the complex world of vehicular injury cases in Texas. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss various aspects of vehicle accident cases, including common injuries, types of accidents, negligence, determining fault, damages, relevant Texas statutes and codes, and how a personal injury attorney can assist you in your time of need.

Defining a Texas Vehicular Accident

A vehicular injury case is a legal dispute arising from an accident involving motor vehicles where one or more parties have sustained physical or emotional injuries. These cases typically involve negligence on the part of one or more drivers. They may require the intervention of a personal injury attorney to ensure the injured party receives fair compensation.

What are Common Injuries Suffered in Texas Vehicular Accidents?

Injuries in vehicle accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-threatening trauma. Some common injuries include:

1. Whiplash
2. Broken bones
3. Traumatic brain injuries
4. Spinal cord injuries
5. Internal bleeding
6. Burns

What are Common Types of Vehicular Accidents in Houston, Texas?

Vehicle accidents in Texas can involve a variety of scenarios, such as:

1. Rear-end collisions
2. Head-on collisions
3. T-bone or side-impact crashes
4. Rollovers
5. Multi-vehicle pile-ups
6. Pedestrian accidents
7. Motorcycle accidents
8. Truck accidents

How is Negligence Determined in Houston Vehicle Accidents?

Negligence plays a crucial role in vehicular injury cases. In Texas, negligence occurs when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care while operating a motor vehicle, resulting in harm to others. To prove negligence, a personal injury attorney must establish the following elements:

1. Duty: The at-fault driver owed a duty of care to the injured party.
2. Breach: The at-fault driver breached that duty by failing to exercise reasonable care.
3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the injuries sustained by the victim.
4. Damages: The injured party suffered actual damages due to the accident.

Who is at Fault in a Houston Vehicle Accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning that an injured party’s compensation may be reduced if they are found to be partially at fault for the accident. If the injured party is determined to be more than 50% responsible, they are barred from recovering any damages.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Texas Vehicular Accident?

In vehicular injury cases, damages can include:

1. Medical expenses
2. Lost wages
3. Pain and suffering
4. Property damage
5. Loss of consortium

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Prove Damages in Texas?

A personal injury attorney plays a crucial role in proving damages sustained by the victim in a vehicular accident. They can help by:

1. Gathering evidence: An attorney collects medical records, bills, and expert testimony to establish the injuries’ extent and associated costs.
2. Assessing non-economic damages: A skilled attorney can help determine the value of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium, which can be challenging to quantify.
3. Presenting a comprehensive claim: By presenting a well-documented and compelling claim, the attorney can maximize the potential compensation awarded to the victim.

How are Damages Calculated in a Texas Vehicular Accident Case?

Damages in a personal injury case are generally divided into economic and non-economic damages.

1. Economic damages: These are quantifiable financial losses incurred by the victim, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Economic damages are calculated based on the actual costs and documentation the victim provides.
2. Non-economic damages: These are more subjective losses that are not easily quantifiable, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Calculating non-economic damages can be complex, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help determine a reasonable value for these losses.

Who Decides How Much You Will Receive in a Texas Vehicle Accident Case?

In Texas, the amount of damages awarded to an accident victim is determined by either a jury or a judge, depending on whether the case goes to trial or is resolved through a bench trial. In many instances, personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations between the victim’s attorney and the insurance company, with both parties agreeing on a fair settlement amount.

What are Common Laws Related to Texas Vehicle Injury Accidents?

Key statutes and codes relevant to vehicle accident cases in Texas include:

1. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.001 – Modified Comparative Fault

• In an action to which this chapter applies, a claimant may not recover damages if his percentage of responsibility is greater than 50 percent.

2.  Texas Transportation Code §550.021 – Duty to Report Accidents

ACCIDENT INVOLVING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

• The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident that results or is reasonably likely to result in injury to or death of a person shall:
  • immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible;
  • immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident;
  • immediately determine whether a person is involved in the accident and if a person is involved in the  accident, whether that person requires aid; and
  • remain at the scene of the accident until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023.
• An operator of a vehicle required to stop the vehicle by Subsection (a) shall do so without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
• A person commits an offense if the person does not stop or does not comply with the requirements of this section.  An offense under this section:
  • involving an accident resulting in:
    • death of a person is a felony of the second degree; or
    • serious bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, to a person is a felony of the third degree; and
  • involving an accident resulting in injury to which Subdivision (1) does not apply is punishable by:
    • imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for not more than five years or confinement in the county jail for not more than one year;
    • a fine not to exceed $5,000; or
    • both the fine and the imprisonment or confinement.

3. Texas Transportation Code §545.051 – Speeding and Reckless Driving

• In this chapter, a reference to an operator includes a reference to the vehicle operated by the operator if the reference imposes a duty or provides a limitation on the movement or other operation of that vehicle.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You After a Vehicular Accident?

A skilled personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance to victims of vehicle accidents by:

1. Investigating the accident
2. Gathering and analyzing evidence
3. Determining fault and liability
4. Negotiating with insurance companies
5. Representing the victim in court, if necessary
6. Pursuing fair compensation for the victim’s injuries and losses

If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident in Houston, Texas, do not hesitate to contact our experienced personal injury attorney. We are committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve for your physical, emotional, and financial losses

What is the Statute of Limitations on a Personal Injury Vehicular Accident in Houston?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a vehicle accident is two years from the accident date. This means that the injured party must initiate legal action within this time frame or risk losing their right to pursue compensation. However, this rule has some exceptions, such as when the injured party is a minor or when the responsible party is a government entity. In these cases, the statute of limitations may be extended.

How to Deal With Insurance Companies After an Accident Injury in Texas?

Dealing with insurance companies after a vehicle accident can be frustrating and time-consuming. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the amount of compensation paid to claimants. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate this process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.

What Happens When Someone is Killed in a Vehicle Accident in Texas?

In the tragic event that a vehicle accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. In Texas, eligible family members include the deceased person’s spouse, children, and parents. A personal injury attorney can assist the family in pursuing compensation for funeral expenses, loss of consortium, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

How Does it Take to Resolve a Personal Injury Case in Texas?

The duration of a personal injury case in Texas can vary significantly based on various factors, such as the case’s complexity, the severity of the injuries, the amount of damages sought, and the willingness of both parties to negotiate. A straightforward case may be resolved within a few months, while more complicated cases can take a year or longer to reach a resolution. An experienced personal injury attorney can help manage the process efficiently and work toward a timely resolution while protecting the victim’s rights and interests.

What is the Settlement Process in a Vehicular Accident in Texas?

The settlement process in a personal injury case involving a vehicle accident typically involves several steps. Although the process can vary based on the specific circumstances of each case, it generally follows this outline:

1. Investigation and evidence gathering: Once you hire a personal injury attorney, they will investigate the accident. This involves collecting evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, and other relevant documentation.
2. Demand letter: After thoroughly investigating and assessing your damages, your attorney will draft and send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. The letter outlines the facts of the case, the extent of your injuries, and the compensation you seek.
3. Negotiations: Upon receiving the demand letter, the insurance company may respond with a counteroffer. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf, aiming to reach a fair settlement. This process may involve multiple rounds of negotiations and counteroffers.
4. Settlement agreement: A settlement agreement is drafted and signed if both parties can agree on a fair compensation amount. Once the agreement is in place, the insurance company will disburse the agreed-upon funds to cover your damages.
5. Filing a lawsuit: If negotiations fail to result in a satisfactory settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and taking the case to court. However, it is important to note that many personal injury cases are resolved through settlements without litigation.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Get Vehicle Accident Victims the Highest Possible Settlement?

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you secure the highest possible settlement in several ways:

1. Comprehensive investigation: A thorough investigation of the accident ensures that all relevant evidence is collected, strengthening your case and increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
2. Accurate evaluation of damages: Your attorney will carefully assess economic and non-economic damages to determine an appropriate compensation amount that fully addresses your losses.
3. Skilled negotiation: Personal injury attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies and are adept at countering their tactics to minimize payouts. Your attorney will advocate for your interests and negotiate aggressively to secure the best possible settlement.
4. Expertise in personal injury law: A knowledgeable attorney understands the intricacies of personal injury law and can use this expertise to build a strong case, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
5. Willingness to litigate: Insurance companies are more likely to offer a fair settlement if they know your attorney is prepared to take the case to court. An attorney with a proven track record in litigation can be a powerful incentive for insurers to agree to a higher settlement.

Retaining a skilled personal injury attorney increases your chances of obtaining the highest possible settlement for vehicle accident injuries. Their expertise, negotiation skills, and dedication to your case will help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your losses.

How Does a Personal Injury Vehicular Accident Attorney Get Paid in Texas?

In Texas, personal injury attorneys handling vehicular accident cases typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the attorney’s fees are contingent upon the successful resolution of your case, either through a settlement or a court judgment. If the attorney cannot obtain compensation for you, they do not receive any fees for their services.

Contingency fees are usually expressed as a percentage of the total compensation awarded to the client. The exact percentage can vary but typically ranges from 25% to 40% of the recovered amount. This percentage may be negotiable depending on the specific circumstances of your case, such as the case’s complexity or the likelihood of success.

It is essential to understand that contingency fees cover the attorney’s fees but do not include other costs associated with the case. These costs may include filing fees, expert witness fees, court reporter fees, and other expenses incurred during the investigation and litigation process. Sometimes, the attorney may advance these costs and deduct them from your settlement or judgment when the case is resolved.

The contingency fee arrangement benefits clients by allowing them to pursue compensation for their injuries without the financial burden of upfront legal fees. This arrangement also aligns the attorney’s interests with the client’s. The attorney’s compensation is directly tied to the case outcome, motivating them to work diligently to obtain the highest possible compensation for their client.

When hiring a personal injury attorney in Texas for a vehicular accident case, discussing the contingency fee arrangement and any associated costs upfront is essential. This ensures that both parties understand the financial expectations and establish a strong working relationship throughout the case.

In conclusion, if you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident in Houston, Texas, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team has extensive experience handling vehicular injury cases and is committed to pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal process during this challenging time.