When you or a loved one suffer injuries in a car accident, there is more to recovery than getting medical attention. There are medical bills, costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle, and questions about if and when you may return to work. This is in addition to dealing with an insurance company attempting settlement before your injuries even have a chance to heal.
At AK Law Firm: Injury Lawyers, our Houston car accident attorneys dedicate themselves to recovering the maximum compensation allowed by law for injured car accident victims. Our law firm is:
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will respond promptly to set up a free initial consultation and begin work on your car accident claim. Our car accident lawyers work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning we get paid only when we recover compensation for you.
NAVIGATE THIS PAGE
Why Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer?
Car accident cases are often complex and require the help of experienced accident attorneys. Insurance companies will offer inadequate settlements to victims who are not aware of the value of their accident claim and attempt to settle quickly, knowing victims need to pay medical bills and other expenses. Car accident attorneys are strong victim’s advocates who stand up and demand fair and just compensation for claims.
The Houston car crash attorneys at AK Law Firm will do the following:
What Types of Compensation Can Be Recovered in an Accident Claim?
Several factors are taken into account when determining the amount of compensation a car accident victim receives. These include all accident-related items with fixed monetary costs, called economic damages. Those items that cannot be valued are known as non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are as follows:
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages can include:
In some cases, punitive damages are also available in Texas. Punitive damages are damages meant to punish bad behavior and discourage it from happening in the future. Punitive damages are rare and only available when ordered by the court; an experienced Houston car accident attorney can further explain them.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston, TX
There are many common causes of car accidents. Many, but not all, are the result of distracted driving. Some examples are the following:
In cases where the potentially liable party is not a negligent or distracted driver, the responsible party could include:
Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents occur every day in Houston, and studies show most car accidents happen within five miles of home. There are many types of car accidents, including, but not limited to, the following:
Car Accident Injuries
The severity of car accident injuries depends on many factors. Some of these include:
Car accident injuries are either impact injuries or penetrating injuries. Impact injuries are the result of blunt impact to the body. Penetrating injuries occur when an object enters the body; often, shattered glass causes penetrating injuries.
Impact injuries and penetrating injuries are capable of rendering a victim physically, mentally, and emotionally impacted for life. The most common impact and penetrating car accident injuries are as follows:
Brain and Head Injuries
These injuries result from a victim’s head hitting the steering wheel or side window. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when a traumatic event disrupts brain function. Traumatic brain injuries range from mild to severe. Mild traumatic brain injuries include minor concussions. More serious traumatic brain injuries result in long-term and possible permanent cognitive impairment. Car accidents may also lead to skull fractures, broken facial bones, and facial lacerations and bruises, with the potential to cause permanent or long-lasting deformity and damage.
Neck and Back Injuries
Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury suffered by people involved in rear-end collisions. Whiplash causes a sudden jolt of the neck in a back and forth motion. Severe whiplash may result in cervical spine fracture. Mild whiplash disappears in a few days or weeks. Other neck or back injuries due to car accidents are herniated discs and spinal cord injuries.
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
Contusions or bruises usually mark chest and abdominal injuries in milder accident cases. In more severe cases, the force of a car crash results in broken ribs or internal organ damage. Seatbelt impact or steering wheel impact is the most common cause of chest contusions in a car accident.
Leg and Knee Injuries
Hitting the dashboard upon impact injures legs and knees in a car accident. Leg and knee injuries include bruises, scrapes, sprains, and broken bones.
Psychological Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
It is possible to incur psychological injury or PTSD after a severe car accident. Physical limitations and disabilities resulting from a car accident may lead to depression and anxiety that require short or long-term treatment.
Not all car accident injuries are readily apparent. This is especially true of brain and head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Therefore, it is essential to receive a medical examination after a car crash and follow any aftercare instructions of your medical provider.
Steps to Take After a Houston Car Accident
There are steps a victim can take after a car accident to improve their chances of physical and financial recovery. They are as follows:
Always attend any follow-up medical appointments recommended by medical providers. Keep all accident-related documentation and receipts together. Never provide a recorded or written statement to anyone, especially an insurance company, before speaking with a Houston car accident attorney.
Texas Insurance Laws
Texas requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability auto insurance. People who drive without auto insurance face fines up to $1,000 and suspension of their license for up to two years. Texas auto liability insurance minimums are the following:
Texas may add additional administrative fees to driver’s license renewal to people who drive without insurance. There is a maximum surcharge of $250 per year to the fees you pay for your driver’s license renewal for the three years following a ticket for driving without insurance.
Insurance rates are higher for those purchasing plans after driving without auto insurance. Therefore, it is always good to carry at least the state minimum in auto liability insurance coverage.
Texas auto insurance is fault-based. This allows the victim of a car accident to hold the liable party responsible for any injuries, property damage, or losses. The victim of a car accident files a claim against and recovers damages from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy.
When there is not enough insurance to cover a victim’s losses or the at-fault driver does not have insurance, a victim may seek additional compensation in court. The court can order payment from the at-fault driver’s accounts or require them to liquidate their assets.
Texas Car Accident Laws
You have certain rights and responsibilities after a car accident in Texas, from mandatory reporting requirements to filing deadlines. Understanding these laws is important to securing your right to compensation and protecting your best interests throughout the claim process.
According to the Texas Transportation Code, you must report your collision if the accident resulted in one of the following outcomes.
You must report the crash to the local police department or sheriff’s office, depending on where the accident took place. If the accident occurred within city or town limits, you will need to file a report with the police. The county sheriff’s office will have jurisdiction over your case if the accident occurred outside of a municipality.
The law specifies that you must report your accident as soon as possible by the quickest means of communication. Calling 911 immediately after the collision is usually the most efficient way to accomplish this. When a police officer responds to a collision, he or she will also create an important piece of evidence for your future claim: an accident report.
After taking the initial reporting steps, you will need to consider your legal options for compensation. Since Texas is a fault-based insurance state, you have three main options to collect compensatory damages.
Many car accident cases will begin as an insurance claim and progress to a lawsuit if the victim cannot reach an adequate settlement. However, some cases may be worth filing as a lawsuit immediately, especially if they involve high amounts of damages. Your attorney will advise you on the best course of action for your claim.
If you choose to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to file your claim within two years of the accident. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the court dismissing your claim, and you will not be eligible for compensation. Speak to an attorney at AK Law Firm to determine your unique deadline and begin the filing process.
Modified Comparative Fault in Texas
When a victim is partially at-fault for the car accident that caused their injuries, Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule. In-car accidents where more than one party is to blame, a jury calculates the total dollar amount of the victim’s damages and the percentage of fault that belongs to each party. The victim’s damages award reduces by a percentage equal to his or her share of fault.
Therefore, if a victim’s total damages are $100,000, and they are 30 percent responsible for the accident, they will receive $70,000. However, if a victim is more than 50 percent responsible for the car accident, they do not receive any damages at all.
Insurance companies use modified comparative fault when making settlement determinations, and the insurance claims process for a car accident in Texas is not always easy or fair. Even if you are not the at-fault driver, the other driver’s insurance company will try to settle quickly and compensate you as little as possible for your claim.
How Much Does a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
After your accident, you may wonder if it is worth hiring a lawyer — or if seeking legal representation is even possible, on top of the other financial damages associated with car crash injuries. The truth is that personal injury firms often operate on a contingency fee basis, which limits your out of pocket costs.
While many lawyers charge expensive legal fees, the personal injury attorneys at AK Law Firm do not take any payment unless we secure a settlement on your behalf. If you do receive compensation, our attorneys will take an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement as payment for our services. The average contingency fee is around 33%; you and your lawyer will discuss the terms of your agreement before you decide to hire us.
Speak with a Car Accident Attorney in Houston
Insurance adjusters are good at processing and closing claims. That is why it pays to have an experienced Houston car accident lawyer like those at AK Law Firm by your side. To learn more about the legal rights surrounding your car accident, call our office today.
When you or a loved one suffer injuries in a car accident, there is more to recovery than getting medical attention. There are medical bills, costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle, and questions about if and when you may return to work. This is in addition to dealing with an insurance company attempting settlement before your injuries even have a chance to heal.
At AK Law Firm: Injury Lawyers, our Houston car accident attorneys dedicate themselves to recovering the maximum compensation allowed by law for injured car accident victims. Our law firm is:
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will respond promptly to set up a free initial consultation and begin work on your car accident claim. Our car accident lawyers work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning we get paid only when we recover compensation for you.
NAVIGATE THIS PAGE
Why Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer?
Car accident cases are often complex and require the help of experienced accident attorneys. Insurance companies will offer inadequate settlements to victims who are not aware of the value of their accident claim and attempt to settle quickly, knowing victims need to pay medical bills and other expenses. Car accident attorneys are strong victim’s advocates who stand up and demand fair and just compensation for claims.
The Houston car crash attorneys at AK Law Firm will do the following:
What Types of Compensation Can Be Recovered in an Accident Claim?
Several factors are taken into account when determining the amount of compensation a car accident victim receives. These include all accident-related items with fixed monetary costs, called economic damages. Those items that cannot be valued are known as non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are as follows:
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages can include:
In some cases, punitive damages are also available in Texas. Punitive damages are damages meant to punish bad behavior and discourage it from happening in the future. Punitive damages are rare and only available when ordered by the court; an experienced Houston car accident attorney can further explain them.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston, TX
There are many common causes of car accidents. Many, but not all, are the result of distracted driving. Some examples are the following:
In cases where the potentially liable party is not a negligent or distracted driver, the responsible party could include:
Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents occur every day in Houston, and studies show most car accidents happen within five miles of home. There are many types of car accidents, including, but not limited to, the following:
Car Accident Injuries
The severity of car accident injuries depends on many factors. Some of these include:
Car accident injuries are either impact injuries or penetrating injuries. Impact injuries are the result of blunt impact to the body. Penetrating injuries occur when an object enters the body; often, shattered glass causes penetrating injuries.
Impact injuries and penetrating injuries are capable of rendering a victim physically, mentally, and emotionally impacted for life. The most common impact and penetrating car accident injuries are as follows:
Brain and Head Injuries
These injuries result from a victim’s head hitting the steering wheel or side window. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when a traumatic event disrupts brain function. Traumatic brain injuries range from mild to severe. Mild traumatic brain injuries include minor concussions. More serious traumatic brain injuries result in long-term and possible permanent cognitive impairment. Car accidents may also lead to skull fractures, broken facial bones, and facial lacerations and bruises, with the potential to cause permanent or long-lasting deformity and damage.
Neck and Back Injuries
Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury suffered by people involved in rear-end collisions. Whiplash causes a sudden jolt of the neck in a back and forth motion. Severe whiplash may result in cervical spine fracture. Mild whiplash disappears in a few days or weeks. Other neck or back injuries due to car accidents are herniated discs and spinal cord injuries.
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
Contusions or bruises usually mark chest and abdominal injuries in milder accident cases. In more severe cases, the force of a car crash results in broken ribs or internal organ damage. Seatbelt impact or steering wheel impact is the most common cause of chest contusions in a car accident.
Leg and Knee Injuries
Hitting the dashboard upon impact injures legs and knees in a car accident. Leg and knee injuries include bruises, scrapes, sprains, and broken bones.
Psychological Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
It is possible to incur psychological injury or PTSD after a severe car accident. Physical limitations and disabilities resulting from a car accident may lead to depression and anxiety that require short or long-term treatment.
Not all car accident injuries are readily apparent. This is especially true of brain and head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Therefore, it is essential to receive a medical examination after a car crash and follow any aftercare instructions of your medical provider.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Personal Injury in Houston?
Steps to Take After a Houston Car Accident
There are steps a victim can take after a car accident to improve their chances of physical and financial recovery. They are as follows:
Always attend any follow-up medical appointments recommended by medical providers. Keep all accident-related documentation and receipts together. Never provide a recorded or written statement to anyone, especially an insurance company, before speaking with a Houston car accident attorney.
Texas Insurance Laws
Texas requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability auto insurance. People who drive without auto insurance face fines up to $1,000 and suspension of their license for up to two years. Texas auto liability insurance minimums are the following:
Texas may add additional administrative fees to driver’s license renewal to people who drive without insurance. There is a maximum surcharge of $250 per year to the fees you pay for your driver’s license renewal for the three years following a ticket for driving without insurance.
Insurance rates are higher for those purchasing plans after driving without auto insurance. Therefore, it is always good to carry at least the state minimum in auto liability insurance coverage.
Texas auto insurance is fault-based. This allows the victim of a car accident to hold the liable party responsible for any injuries, property damage, or losses. The victim of a car accident files a claim against and recovers damages from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy.
When there is not enough insurance to cover a victim’s losses or the at-fault driver does not have insurance, a victim may seek additional compensation in court. The court can order payment from the at-fault driver’s accounts or require them to liquidate their assets.
Texas Car Accident Laws
You have certain rights and responsibilities after a car accident in Texas, from mandatory reporting requirements to filing deadlines. Understanding these laws is important to securing your right to compensation and protecting your best interests throughout the claim process.
According to the Texas Transportation Code, you must report your collision if the accident resulted in one of the following outcomes.
You must report the crash to the local police department or sheriff’s office, depending on where the accident took place. If the accident occurred within city or town limits, you will need to file a report with the police. The county sheriff’s office will have jurisdiction over your case if the accident occurred outside of a municipality.
The law specifies that you must report your accident as soon as possible by the quickest means of communication. Calling 911 immediately after the collision is usually the most efficient way to accomplish this. When a police officer responds to a collision, he or she will also create an important piece of evidence for your future claim: an accident report.
After taking the initial reporting steps, you will need to consider your legal options for compensation. Since Texas is a fault-based insurance state, you have three main options to collect compensatory damages.
Many car accident cases will begin as an insurance claim and progress to a lawsuit if the victim cannot reach an adequate settlement. However, some cases may be worth filing as a lawsuit immediately, especially if they involve high amounts of damages. Your attorney will advise you on the best course of action for your claim.
If you choose to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to file your claim within two years of the accident. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the court dismissing your claim, and you will not be eligible for compensation. Speak to an attorney at AK Law Firm to determine your unique deadline and begin the filing process.
Modified Comparative Fault in Texas
When a victim is partially at-fault for the car accident that caused their injuries, Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule. In-car accidents where more than one party is to blame, a jury calculates the total dollar amount of the victim’s damages and the percentage of fault that belongs to each party. The victim’s damages award reduces by a percentage equal to his or her share of fault.
Therefore, if a victim’s total damages are $100,000, and they are 30 percent responsible for the accident, they will receive $70,000. However, if a victim is more than 50 percent responsible for the car accident, they do not receive any damages at all.
Insurance companies use modified comparative fault when making settlement determinations, and the insurance claims process for a car accident in Texas is not always easy or fair. Even if you are not the at-fault driver, the other driver’s insurance company will try to settle quickly and compensate you as little as possible for your claim.
How Much Does a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
After your accident, you may wonder if it is worth hiring a lawyer — or if seeking legal representation is even possible, on top of the other financial damages associated with car crash injuries. The truth is that personal injury firms often operate on a contingency fee basis, which limits your out of pocket costs.
While many lawyers charge expensive legal fees, the personal injury attorneys at AK Law Firm do not take any payment unless we secure a settlement on your behalf. If you do receive compensation, our attorneys will take an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement as payment for our services. The average contingency fee is around 33%; you and your lawyer will discuss the terms of your agreement before you decide to hire us.
Speak with a Car Accident Attorney in Houston
Insurance adjusters are good at processing and closing claims. That is why it pays to have an experienced Houston car accident lawyer like those at AK Law Firm by your side. To learn more about the legal rights surrounding your car accident, call our office today.
Fill out the form and get the compensation you deserve.
We are here to make sure that you have a devoted personal injury attorney on your side, willing to stick with you the entire way through.
3501 Allen Pkwy Suite 100
Houston, TX 77019, United States
We are here to make sure that you have a devoted personal injury attorney on your side, willing to stick with you the entire way through.
3501 Allen Pkwy Suite 100
Houston, TX 77019, United States
©2023 AK Law Firm Injury Lawyers | All Rights Reserved | AK Law Firm Injury Lawyers is Responsible for this Announcement. This is an attorney’s announcement in compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct. This website is intended to provide general information. This website and its content are not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. Any testimonial or endorsement on this website does not constitute a guarantee, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
