Auto Accidents

Seriously Hurt in a Houston Car Accident?

Houston is one of America’s great cities. With a population of over 2 million people living and working in a sprawling 600 square miles of southeast Texas, it’s also one of its largest. We’re a city of immigrants and a world leader in several industries, including aeronautics and the energy sector. We have world-class hotels, a vibrant restaurant scene serving food from all over the globe, beautiful golf courses, the Houston Space Center, Miller Outdoor Park, and a championship baseball team that plays at Minute Maid Park, one of the best stadiums in the country. Unfortunately, Houston also has many bad and dangerous drivers.

Auto accidents have the potential to negatively impact your job, your family, your health, and your quality of life. Even an apparently minor traffic accident may result in serious injuries.

If you’ve been hurt because someone was negligent, you’re entitled to compensation for your injuries, including pain and suffering, past and future medical bills, and lost income. At DK Law, we’ve won millions of dollars in settlements for clients who were injured in auto accidents throughout Texas.

We also represent clients who suffered from the following types of accidents:

• Motorcycle
• Rideshare
• Truck
• Boating
• Pedestrian
• ATV
• Delivery van

Call (281)990-6547 to schedule a no-cost consultation with a Houston personal injury lawyer today.

 

Very passionate and professional. Treats his clients with the utmost care and goes above smd beyond.
- Eric G., Google Review

 

Different Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents generally occur in areas with dense traffic activity, poor visibility, or hazardous road conditions. Specifically:

• Rear-End Collisions: These often occur at intersections or in heavy traffic. For example, when a driver suddenly brakes at a traffic light or stop sign, the following vehicle may not stop in time due to tailgating or distracted driving, resulting in a rear-end collision.
• Head-On Collisions: This type of collision typically happens on undivided highways or rural roads where vehicles travel in opposite directions. For instance, if a driver crosses into oncoming traffic due to impaired driving (such as DUI) or while attempting to pass another vehicle, a head-on collision can occur.
• T-Bone Collisions: T-bone impacts commonly occur at intersections with traffic lights or stop signs. For example, when a driver fails to yield the right of way or runs a red light, another vehicle traveling perpendicular to them may be struck on its side, resulting in a T-bone collision.
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: Often happen on highways or freeways during adverse weather conditions or low visibility. For instance, in foggy conditions, if a driver loses control due to speeding or driving too fast for weather conditions, other vehicles may be unable to stop in time, leading to a chain reaction of collisions.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Accidents with only one vehicle involved can occur in various scenarios, such as when a driver loses control on a curve or due to distracted driving, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and collide with a barrier or terrain. Cars can also hit stationary objects, such as a tree, utility pole, or guardrail, often due to excessive speed, impaired driving, or failure to negotiate a curve.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston?

Most automobile crashes in Houston could be prevented if drivers were more careful and followed the traffic rules. Frequent causes of accidents include:

• • DUI: Driving impaired drastically reduces reaction times, impairs judgment, and affects motor skills, increasing the likelihood of collisions due to decreased ability to perceive and respond to hazards.
  • Distracted Driving: Diverting attention from the road increases reaction times and decreases awareness of surroundings, leading to accidents caused by delayed responses to traffic signals, sudden changes in traffic patterns, or unexpected obstacles.
  • Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid collisions. It also increases the severity of accidents by magnifying the force of impact, often resulting in more serious injuries or fatalities.
  • Tailgating: Following too closely reduces the following distance needed to react and stop safely. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions, especially if the leading vehicle brakes suddenly or encounters an obstacle.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes: Making sudden or improper lane changes without signaling or checking blind spots can lead to collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes or cause other drivers to take evasive actions that result in accidents.

Reckless Driving

: Engaging in reckless behavior such as excessive speeding, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals increases
• the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle or colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians.
• Driving Too Fast for Weather Conditions: Speeding in adverse weather reduces traction and control, making it harder to stop or maneuver safely. This can lead to skidding, hydroplaning, or losing control of the vehicle on slippery surfaces.
• Defective Automobile Parts: Malfunctioning parts like brakes, steering, or tires can cause sudden failures or impair vehicle control, contributing to accidents due to the inability to stop, steer, or maintain stability as expected.

Typical Injuries Caused by Automobile Crashes

When you’ve been harmed in a car accident, it may take months to recover. And it could be a long time before you’re able to start earning a living again. Some types of accidents may prevent you from ever returning to your job.

Automobile accident injuries that we frequently see in our office include:

• Paralysis
• Severe burns
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Loss of limb
• Whiplash
• Neck and back injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Bone fractures
• Lacerations

Steps to Take After Being Involved in a Houston Car Accident

Following these steps can help ensure your safety, protect your legal interests, and facilitate a smoother recovery process after a car accident:

• Ensure Safety and Call 911: Ensure everyone involved is safe and out of harm’s way. If there are injuries or significant damage, call emergency services immediately to get medical help and notify the police to document the accident.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, the importance of promptly seeking medical attention cannot be overstated. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time. Medical documentation also helps with insurance claims later on.
• Gather Evidence at the Scene: Collect important information such as contact information, insurance details, photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible, providing them with accurate details of the accident. This helps initiate the claims process and ensures that your insurance coverage can be applied to any necessary repairs or medical expenses.
• Contact a Car Accident Attorney: If you or anyone else involved in the accident has sustained injuries, or if liability is unclear, consider consulting with a Houston car crash lawyer. They can provide legal guidance, help protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue compensation if necessary.

How Fault is Determined in Houston Car Accidents

Determining fault in car accidents involves several key steps. Police reports are a pivotal part of the legal process, as they document findings and statements immediately after the incident, which helps an impartial assessment. Witness statements provide firsthand accounts that corroborate or challenge the involved parties’ claims. Analysis of traffic laws establishes if any violations contributed to the accident. Accident reconstruction experts use evidence like skid marks and vehicle damage to recreate the sequence, offering a scientific perspective on events and helping to determine liability accurately.

Did the Other Driver Flee the Scene or Fail to Carry Insurance?

One unfortunate scenario that occurs is when the driver that caused a crash either flees the scene or fails to have auto insurance. Don’t give up! You may carry an automobile insurance policy that includes coverage providing compensation for no-fault drivers who have been hurt by uninsured or underinsured drivers.

You need an experienced law firm to help navigate these waters and help you get the settlement and justice you deserve.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Car Accidents

In Texas, comparative negligence is called the “51% rule,” in which a party can recover damages if found to be less than 51% at fault. Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned, meaning higher fault reduces recovery. To minimize liability, one must deftly demonstrate the other party’s majority fault through evidence like witness testimonies or accident reconstructions. This approach has the potential to shift greater responsibility to the other party, increasing compensation recoverable under Texas law.

Role of a Houston Car Accident Attorney

The insurance companies are out to save money. They’ll probably make you a lowball offer or try to get you to sign a statement that could hurt your claim. But Mr. Khosravian at DK Law knows all their tricks.

If the other side doesn’t make a reasonable offer, we’re always ready to take them to court. We know how to educate jurors about the specifics of the accident, what caused it, and the injuries that resulted.

We’ll consult with knowledgeable trauma doctors, chiropractors, forensics engineers, mechanics, and collision reconstruction analysts to build a strong case on your behalf. Then we’ll file a claim to help you get the money you need to cover your expenses, which may include:

• Emergency room care
• Doctor’s office visits
• Surgery
• Medical devices
• Disfigurement
• Time missed from work
• Wheelchair ramps for your home
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Wrongful death

It’s important to speak to a Houston car accident lawyer immediately following a traffic accident to ensure the preservation of crucial evidence and witness recollection. Texas law also places time limits on filing an automobile accident claim.

Litigation Process in Houston for Car Accident Cases

The litigation process for car accident cases begins with an initial consultation with an attorney who assesses the case’s merits and potential legal strategies. Next, extensive investigation gathers evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstructions. If a settlement cannot be reached, the attorney files a lawsuit, initiating the discovery phase where both parties exchange evidence and witness testimonies. Settlement negotiations often follow, aiming to resolve the case out of court; if unsuccessful, the case proceeds to trial, where arguments are presented and a verdict is rendered.

Our Houston Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Case

If somebody hurt you, they should have to pay for it. At DK Law, we know how to win. Firm founder and lead attorney, Darius Khosravian, was chosen among the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. Mr. Khosravian is also a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

To speak with our Houston auto accident lawyer today, call (281) 990-6547 or contact our Houston area office online.