Houston Car & Auto Accident Lawyer
No matter how much a person loves Houston, if you’re a Houston car accident lawyer, then you can’t help but see just how dangerous the roads of our beloved city can be. That’s why the Houston car accident attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta work hard to help Houstonians and Texans hurt in vehicle accidents to get the maximum compensation possible for their injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck or another type of vehicle accident, it can be difficult to know what steps you should take — and in what order. Here is a general outline of the actions that may ultimately help with your case:
- Priority number one: Get proper medical help. Move a safe distance away from the scene of the accident and call 9-11.
- Note: The police will create accident reports that can be extremely useful to you in the future.
- Once you or your loved one is safe, collect the recommend evidence at the scene of the accident outlined in our article, What to do After a Car Accident.
- Next, research the basics of vehicle and car accident claims (found below) and call a trusted Houston car accident lawyer. Grimes & Fertitta offers free consultations.
- Start to formulate your answers to the important questions to ask after a car accident before and during your consultation.
- Finally, start building your case with your Houston car accident lawyer.
Of course, even the above steps can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re still dealing with the fallout from an accident. This is why we can’t emphasize enough how critical it is that you find a Houston car accident lawyer who truly has you and your family’s best interests at heart.
Grimes & Fertitta are compassionate personal injury lawyers in Houston who are most concerned about your recovery.The quality and conscientiousness of your Houston car accident lawyer can make a huge difference in both your case results and your overall legal experience.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, we encourage you to continue studying the basics of vehicle and car accident claims and to contact a Houston car accident lawyer at Grimes & Fertitta today.
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Are drivers that are texting and driving likely to get into an accident?
Distracted driving, especially in the form of texting while driving, poses a significant threat to the safety of everyone on the road. It will not surprise you to hear that because texting while driving diverts a driver’s attention from the road, it increases the risk of accidents exponentially.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting is among the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. In fact, the NHTSA reports that sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds — a time during which a vehicle traveling at 55 miles per hour can cover the length of a football field.
Additionally, a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that drivers who engage in texting are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event compared to non-distracted drivers.
These statistics are alarming, and the research has unequivocally shown that texting while driving endangers the lives of everyone on the road. This is why the personal injury lawyers at Grimes & Fertitta are dedicated to holding texting drivers accountable.
Should I hire a Houston car accident lawyer?
How a Texas car accident lawyer can help your case
Many people believe that hiring a Houston car accident lawyer is a complicated and costly alternative to just going it alone. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Unfortunately, the reality is that insurance companies are more invested in saving themselves money than in getting you the compensation you need. A Houston car accident lawyer can help you:
- Determine whether or not you have a case: A trusted Houston car accident lawyer can look at all the different elements (described below) of a car accident case and determine whether or not you should pursue legal action. They know what questions need to be answered can help you gather additional evidence. But be careful: inexperienced lawyers can waste your time and money by making this determination incorrectly.
- Determine whether you should seek a settlement or go to trial: Sometimes, even with the help of a lawyer, companies still refuse to offer a settlement amount that meets all of your needs. A quality Houston accident attorney will have insight into when you should accept a settlement or take your case to trial. More importantly, they will have the experience, dedication, and finesse required for a successful outcome in court.
- Find additional resources and experts: Many cases require accident reconstruction or insight into a particular area of expertise. A Houston accident lawyer will know how and when to gather the additional resources and experts you need to build a compelling case.
- Take on insurance companies, trucking companies, etc.: These companies are used to throwing their weight around, intimidating and tricking accident victims into settling for less than they deserve. A Houston car accident lawyer knows the strategies companies like these use to whittle away at your compensation—and how to combat them.
- Handling your case in a timely manner while you heal: Vehicle accident cases can last anywhere from a few months to years. A trustworthy Houston car accident attorney will take steps to expedite your case as much as possible. Working with a car crash lawyer can also provide you and your family with more space to recover from your injuries without losing momentum in your case.
Why should I hire a Houston car accident attorney from Grimes & Fertitta?
The Houston car accident lawyers at Grimes and Fertitta have earned our positive reputation amongst clients and colleagues alike for several reasons.
Among other accolades, Grimes & Fertitta have been designated as Super Lawyers, named Houston Top Lawyers, and have won several landmark cases. Perhaps more importantly, we are known for our thoroughness, thoughtfulness, and straightforward approach both in and out of the courtroom. With decades of experience to our credit, we have earned particular renown for our handling of sensitive and tough cases, including cases of wrongful death.
We recognize that we are meeting our clients during what is likely one of the most difficult times of their lives. We take pride in the fact that when clients decide to work with us, they can rest assured that they’ve placed their case and future in good, trustworthy hands.
Understanding the different elements of your case. Common types of vehicle accidents in Houston.
When learning about your car accident case, it’s important to learn how your car wreck will be differentiated from other types of car crashes. The following are different classifications of vehicle accidents.
- Bus accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Hit and runs
- Fatal collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Single vehicle accidents
- Taxicab, Uber, and Lyft accidents
- Truck and 18-Wheeler accidents
Common causes of car accidents in Houston
Another important element of your car accident is what actually caused the crash. Many accidents are caused by human error and negligence, but there may be additional circumstances to consider. The following car wreck causes are among the more frequently seen by Houston car accident lawyers:
- Accidents due to construction work
- Confusing driving conditions due to poor signage
- Defective equipment and manufacturing issues
- Distracted driving
- Drinking or drug use (DWI/DUI)
- Inclement weather
- Improper vehicle maintenance (in both civilian and commercial vehicles)
- Potholes (an especially bad problem in Houston)
- Texting
- Tire blowouts
- Speeding and tailgating
- Wildlife
Common types of injuries from car accidents in Houston
With Houston’s expansive highway system and less-than-stellar inner-city roads, vehicle and car accidents in Texas’s largest city can lead to very serious, life-altering, and debilitating injuries. The type and severity of the injury you incur will play a big role in determining the amount of compensation you should be paid. Common injuries include:
- Amputation
- Brain and head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Burns
- Broken and fractured bones
- Disfigurement
- Neck and back injuries
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
Understanding car accident timelines, fees and costs.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?
The statute of limitations—the deadline for when you can file a claim—differs depending on the type of claim you’re filing. Once the statute of limitations has passed, you will no longer be able to file a claim or collect damages. The Texas statute of limitations for car accidents, the most common type of vehicle accident, is two years.
By hiring a Houston car accident lawyer as soon as possible, you decrease your risk of missing the deadline to file a claim and get the compensation that you and your family need.
Understanding car accident timelines, fees and costs.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?
- Ambulance costs
- Lost wages
- Hospital appointments and stays
- Surgery
- Medical equipment
- Physical therapy
- Long-term care (if necessary)
How much does it cost to hire a Houston car accident lawyer?
The costs associated with your case will be determined by your lawyer and the specifics of your accident. That said, personal injury lawyers and Houston car accident lawyers use a payment method called a “contingency fee,” which helps clients who would not have the means to pay upfront costs or fees if they lose their case. Specifically, contingency payment options mean that the lawyer’s ability to be paid is contingent upon whether or not you win your case. When your case is settled or won, you reimburse your lawyer a percentage (typically between 30% and 40%) of the damages you collect.
How much will I be compensated for my car accident claim?
Again, the amount of damages you are able to collect is dependent on the specifics of your case. The most common types of damages collected after a vehicle or car accident in Texas include damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Wrongful death
The amount of compensation you receive will be affected by the seriousness of your injuries and your insurance company. However, the likelihood that your compensation amount will be more generous is higher if you can present a compelling case.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer at Grimes & Fertitta
If you are looking for a Houston car accident lawyer that you can trust, the attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta are here to help. We know how draining the aftermath of a collision can be, and that’s why our full team is committed to helping you at every step of the way—sharing our expertise and treating you like a person, not a case number.
At Grimes & Fertitta, you and your family will always be treated as more than just a case number. Call us at 713-224-7644 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
