Damages We Can Recover
If another party was responsible for the wreck, Texas law allows you to seek compensation for the personal and financial losses you have suffered as a result. Depending on the circumstances, this could include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care costs
- Income losses
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Property repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Frequently Asked Questions
The days and weeks after a Houston car crash often raise important questions about treatment, insurance coverage, and recovery options. We would like to offer clear, direct answers to the questions we hear most often from people in your position.
How much does a Houston car accident lawyer cost?
Most personal injury lawyers, including those at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up front to have our firm begin working on your case. You also don’t owe us any legal fees unless we secure money for you, and those fees come from a percentage of any payout we win, not out of your pocket.
What is the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Texas?
Texas’ statute of limitations is a law that gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to sue for compensation. Some cases involve slightly different time limits, so it’s best to consult a lawyer early on who can keep your case on track.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under Texas law, you can recover money from another party as long as you are no more than 50 percent at fault. If you are below this threshold but still partially at fault, your compensation award will decrease based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20 percent responsible, your total compensation would drop by 20 percent. Insurance companies try to place as much blame on you as possible to reduce what they have to pay. A lawyer can challenge these unfair tactics and protect your rights.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You could still be entitled to compensation in these circumstances. First, your own auto insurance policy may include uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) provisions. These activate when the driver who causes an accident either doesn’t have insurance at all or has insufficient insurance to cover the full cost of your losses, respectively. A lawyer can help you explore all possible sources of compensation with the goal of maximizing your recovery.
How long does a car accident lawsuit take in Houston?
The timeline of a Houston car accident lawsuit can vary widely. Straightforward cases might settle within months. More complex cases can take longer, especially if they involve severe injuries, multiple vehicles, substantial losses, or disputes about fault. If your case goes to trial, the process will be even longer since you’ll need to work around the court’s schedule and filing requirements. No matter the details, a lawyer can keep your case moving forward and pursue the most favorable outcome possible at every turn.
What should I bring to my consultation with a car wreck attorney?
Bring any documents tied to the crash, including medical records, bills, repair estimates, photos, witness information, crash reports, and letters from the insurance company. The goal is to give your lawyer a clear picture of what happened and what you’re dealing with. The attorney will review all the evidence with you and help you evaluate your options.
Can I recover compensation in a hit-and-run accident?
Yes. If you can’t locate the other driver, you could still pursue compensation through an uninsured motorist (UM) claim if you have that type of coverage. If the police later identify the driver, you could also bring a claim directly against them. A lawyer can review your policy, gather evidence, and take steps that support your claim even if the other driver fled the scene.
How Our Houston Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Our Houston auto accident lawyers are here to provide direct support throughout every stage of your injury claim. We can investigate the crash, gather key evidence, and present it to show that someone else was responsible for what happened. Our team can also calculate the full value of your claim and work with experts who can explain the long-term effects of the accident on your life. We handle all communication with the insurance companies and won’t fall for unfair or low offers. We’ll negotiate hard for the full amount you deserve. If those negotiations break down, our Houston personal injury lawyers will be ready to take your case to trial and argue persuasively in court.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston
The steps you take after a car accident in Houston are of critical importance because they can shape the record that supports your claim. Here’s what you should do to protect yourself and your legal rights:
