Car accidents in Houston happen in an instant but can have devastating consequences on your health and financial security for long after. When reckless behavior on the part of other motorists involved is to blame, you have the right to seek justice.
The Stano Law Firm is here to help. As a former Texas prosecutor, our Houston car accident lawyer is a fierce ally on your side and fights to get you the maximum compensation. Find out more about why Texas crashes happen, common obstacles in filing a claim, and how to protect your rights.
Reckless Behavior That Increases Houston Car Accident Risks
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that nearly 120,000 car accidents in Harris County happen each year, ranking us second highest in the state in terms of risks. Rear-end collisions, side-swipes, t-bone crashes, and other common collisions leave thousands of Houston residents suffering serious, potentially disabling personal injuries.
Sadly, these often could have been prevented but for reckless behavior by other drivers. Among the most common causes include:
- Speeding and aggressive driving, such as tailgating and cutting others off when passing;
- Texting, talking on cell phones, changing GPS settings, and other distracted driving behavior;
- Running red lights or disregarding other traffic signs and signals;
- Drowsy driving, which can result in falling asleep behind the wheel;
- Driving while impaired, whether by alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescribed medications.
When car accident injuries happen due to the negligence of other drivers, you have the right to hold them accountable. Our experienced Houston car accidents lawyer provides clients with the experienced legal representation needed to overcome common obstacles that often arise in claims.
Common Obstacles In Houston Car Accident Claims
Car accidents in Houston can cause broken bones, torn muscles or tendons, severe head, back, or neck injuries, and other types of harm. According to the National Safety Council, total losses from even a relatively minor crash can easily reach six figures. More disabling injuries can leave victims facing millions of dollars in costs.
When the reckless and negligent behavior of other motorists is responsible for a car accident in Houston, you have the right to seek justice, either through the auto insurers involved or by taking the at-fault driver to court. However, common obstacles that often arise in claims include:
- Uninsured or underinsured drivers: Many Houston drivers are either uninsured or lack sufficient coverage.
- Hit-and-run accidents: To avoid taking responsibility for reckless behavior, drivers often flee the scene.
- Delays and denials from insurers: Insurance companies are for-profit businesses and look for ways to deny, delay, and downplay claims.
- Disputed liability: Whether dealing with insurers or taking the at-fault driver to court, they may try to claim that your behavior was responsible for the crash.
Having an experienced Texas car accident lawyer on your side during this difficult time in your life helps in overcoming these obstacles and maximizing compensation in your claim.
How To Protect Your Rights After A Houston Car Accident
While some states follow ‘no-fault’ insurance liability laws, Texas follows a fault-based system. Under the Texas Statutes, you have up to two years after a car accident in Houston to hold reckless drivers accountable, either through their insurer or by filing a car accident lawsuit through the Harris County Civil Court. Under state law, even if you were partially at fault, you are still entitled to file a claim for crash-related injuries.
Compensation available for car accidents in Texas includes coverage of all property damages, current and future medical expenses, lost earnings due to your injuries, and pain and suffering. To protect your rights in a Houston injury claim, follow these steps:
- Notify the police immediately when any type of crash happens;
- Get the name, contact, and insurance information for all motorists involved;
- Gather evidence, including photos or videos at the scene and contact info for witnesses;
- Get medical treatment for any injuries and follow your doctor’s instructions regarding activity restrictions.
Notify your insurer in the days after. However, before making any statements or accepting any immediate settlement offers, speak with our experienced Houston car accident lawyer first.
Contact Our Trusted Houston Car Accident Lawyer Today
At The Stano Law Firm, we act as strong allies on behalf of car accident victims in Houston and fight to get them the maximum compensation they are entitled to. Get the professional legal help you need to protect your rights in a claim. Contact us online or call 832-777-0390 and request a consultation today with our experienced Houston car accident lawyer.