No one ever expects to be involved in a car accident, but the unfortunate truth is that most drivers will experience a collision at some point in their lives. Most of these are minor fender benders with no injuries, but sometimes, the consequences are much more serious.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you may not only be dealing with physical pain but mounting medical bills, lost income from time spent away from work, and numerous other challenges. In Texas, when a crash is caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation for these effects. However, dealing with an insurance company is often stressful. You’ll likely be met with resistance, poor communication, or even an outright denial of your claim.
That’s where the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec comes in. For over 30 years, our firm has provided compassionate and effective legal representation to victims of car accidents in Houston and their families, and recovered millions on their behalf.
Key takeaways
- You can pursue a personal injury claim after a Houston car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, but insurers often dispute liability or minimize payouts.
- Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering, with no cap on non-economic damages in typical Texas auto cases.
- Texas follows modified comparative fault, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault, making strong evidence and legal representation critical.
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Houston?
Recovering compensation after a car accident is rarely as simple as filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Insurers often conduct their own investigations, dispute liability, or attempt to minimize the value of an injury claim. Successfully pursuing compensation usually requires gathering evidence, documenting the full extent of your damages, and presenting a well-supported case that clearly shows how the other driver’s negligence caused your losses.
A car accident lawyer can manage this process from start to finish. Experienced attorneys know what types of evidence can strengthen a case and how to obtain it. They also know how to push back against common insurer tactics that could otherwise leave you with a lower settlement than you deserve. In short, having a car accident lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of recovering fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
How Our Houston Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You Build a Strong Claim
At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, our Houston personal injury lawyers have represented car accident victims across Harris County since 1996, helping thousands of clients navigate the claims process and recover the compensation they need to move forward. We understand that every case is unique, and we work closely with each client to provide personalized guidance and support throughout the legal process.
Our legal team handles every step of your case, including:
- Investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and speaking with witnesses,
- Calculating the full impact of the accident on your life, including medical bills, lost income, emotional trauma, and other harm.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit and taking your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Keeping you informed and supported so you can focus on your recovery
With experience handling Houston accident claims and knowledge of local insurance practices and courts, we build strong, well-supported claims that give you the best chance to recover the full compensation available for your injuries and losses.
Common Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Houston, TX
Our Houston car accident attorneys have experience handling a wide variety of crashes, including, but not limited to:
- Head-On Collisions: High-impact crashes that often result in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions: Accidents where one vehicle strikes the side of another, frequently causing severe injuries.
- Rear-End Collisions: Common accidents that can cause whiplash, back injuries, and other physical trauma.
- Multi-Vehicle Collisions: Crashes involving three or more vehicles, where liability can be complex.
- Distracted Driving Accidents: Incidents caused by texting, calling, eating, or other driver distractions.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving Accidents: Accidents involving alcohol- or drug-impaired drivers.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving Accidents: Collisions caused by drivers exceeding the speed limit or driving recklessly.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Crashes where the at-fault driver leaves the scene without taking responsibility.
- Parking Lot Accidents: Low-speed collisions that can still result in property damage and injuries.
- Road Rage Accidents: Crashes caused by aggressive or intentional driving behaviors.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents: Situations where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage.
No matter how the accident happened, we encourage you to reach out to learn how we may be able to help.
Common Injuries We See in Houston Auto Accident Claims
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impact often causes the head and neck to jerk violently, resulting in pain, stiffness, and long-term mobility issues.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spine can range from herniated discs to more severe spinal cord injuries (SCIs), which can lead to partial or complete paralysis and require lifelong care.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries from collisions can cause concussions, cognitive impairment, memory loss, or permanent brain damage, significantly impacting quality of life.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Impact from a crash can break or fracture bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis, often requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term treatment needs.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or other conditions. These are often severe injuries, and they can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Burns and Lacerations: Accidents involving fire, chemicals, or shattered glass can cause severe cuts or burns requiring medical attention and reconstructive treatment.
- Psychological Injuries: Accidents can also lead to emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
No matter the type or severity of your injury, our team works to fully document your medical needs, long-term care requirements, and related damages to ensure your claim accurately reflects the impact of your accident.
What Types of Compensation Can We Help Injury Victims Recover After a Crash in Houston?
After a car accident, the damages you’ve suffered can be significant, both financially and emotionally. Depending on the severity of your crash, our law firm can help you recover compensation for a variety of economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, emergency care, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatment related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries, including potential future earning capacity if your ability to work is permanently affected.
- Property Damage: Coverage for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Disfigurement or Permanent Disability: Compensation for lasting physical injuries or changes to your appearance that impact your quality of life.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: In the tragic event of a fatal car accident, we can help recover costs associated with burial and funeral expenses for your loved one.
Texas’ Comparative Negligence Law and How it Can Affect Your Houston Car Crash Case
In Texas, settlements for car accidents are determined based on “modified comparative fault.” The benefit of this system is that you can still collect some compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident.
Under the rules of comparative negligence, the amount of damages you can receive after an accident is affected by the percentage of fault you hold for the accident. So if your damages total $10,000, but you were determined to be 20% at fault for the accident, you would collect only $8,000.
Because of this rule, it is all the more crucial that you work with an attorney. Many insurers, unfortunately, try to leverage comparative negligence to their advantage by trying to claim that you were more at fault for the accident. A lawyer will be able to point to the evidence to show that this is not the case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Texas?
There is a statute of limitations that determines how long you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident in Texas. This means that if you wait too long to hire a car accident lawyer and file a lawsuit, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for injuries and other damages.
That’s why it’s important to act quickly and contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident. The sooner you hire the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, the sooner we can begin investigating your case and building a strategy for the best financial outcome.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our car accident attorneys to protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving the financial compensation you may be entitled to.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston
If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to know the steps to take immediately afterward to protect yourself and your claim. Below are the general steps you’ll need to take following your accident.
- First, ensure everyone’s safety and call for medical help if needed. Exchange information with the other driver, but avoid admitting fault.
- If emergency services aren’t needed, it’s still important to contact the Houston police department to report the accident. This will help document the scene and initiate a police report, which can later be used as evidence in your claim.
- Even if you feel that your injuries are minor, you’ll still need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many serious injuries do not display symptoms until days or even weeks later. Furthermore, having medical documentation of your accident is one of the most important pieces of evidence you can have once you begin the claims process.
- Document the accident scene with photos and gather witness contact information.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious in your communication. When in doubt, always contact a lawyer to communicate with insurance on your behalf and to look at any potential offers before accepting them.
- Contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to under Texas law.
For steps on handling the aftermath of a car accident, click here to visit our guide.
Houston Car Accident Lawyer: FAQs
Do Not Wait to Take Action. Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Houston.
You have limited time to file an injury claim. In Texas, you have two years. This is why it is necessary to take action to resolve the issue. In addition, waiting too long may impede your ability to recall important details that could be key to supporting your accident claim.
We know that car accidents can be overwhelming, even more so when you face a serious injury. Contact our Houston car accident lawyers today to discuss your case. Our firm serves clients throughout Harris County, Galveston, Fort Bend County, and Brazoria County. We offer free case evaluations, and we also handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
