Your daily drive on the Katy Freeway or the I-610 Loop is a routine you perform on autopilot, a familiar rhythm of Houston life. When that routine is broken by the violent force of a collision, your priority shifts from your destination to your well-being. Then a flood of urgent questions begins: Who is at fault? How will you pay for the medical care you need? What do you say to the insurance adjuster who is already calling?
The decisions you make in the hours and days after a crash carry significant weight, and handling the process alone means facing insurance companies whose primary goal is to minimize their payout. You need clear, factual information and a decisive strategy to protect your rights. This is the moment to secure a Houston car accident lawyer to act as your advocate.
At Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers, we combine the tireless groundwork of the BOOTS with the sharp legal strategy of the SUITS to fight for you. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, let’s talk about how we can help. Contact us today to claim your free, no-obligation 30-Day Investigation.
Key Takeaways about Houston Car Accident Claims
- Texas operates under an "at-fault" system, meaning the person responsible for the accident is liable for the damages.
- A strict two-year time limit, known as the statute of limitations, applies to most personal injury claims in Texas.
- The state’s comparative negligence rule may reduce a person's compensation if they are found to be partially at fault for the crash.
- Multiple parties, not just the other driver, can potentially be held responsible for an accident.
- Compensation in a car accident case can cover both economic losses like medical bills and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are often far lower than the actual value of a claim.
Why Choose Us Our Houston Car Accident Attorney?
At Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers, we know we’re not like other law firms. We started this firm because we were tired of seeing good people get shortchanged by subpar service and lawyers who put profits over people. We are committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to your specific situation, guiding you with compassion and straightforward advice. We’re here to champion your cause, not just handle your case. Should I ask my car accident attorney what specific steps they will take to maximize my compensation and protect my rights after a crash?
Our unique approach sets us apart and is designed to get you results.
- Immediate Financial Help: An accident can be a huge financial hit. We have options to get clients immediate financial assistance to help them manage during this tough time. We’ll get you saddled up and ready for the ride ahead.
- No Cost, No Obligation 30-Day Investigation: A quick "free consultation" is often all hat and no cattle. We offer a full 30-day investigation into your case, at no cost and with no obligation. This allows us to give you "take it to the bank" information about your claim's potential.
- The Max Money Method: We don’t bluff. We use our proprietary negotiating and trial techniques to maximize the money you receive. The insurance companies know we’re coming to get every dollar you deserve.
We combine years of experience in civil litigation with a deep commitment to our clients’ well-being. We’re not just here to win a case; we’re here to help you heal, recover, and move forward with the dignity and financial security you deserve.
Car Accident Statistics in Houston
One person dies on Texas roadways once every two hours and three minutes, according to the most recent crash data from the Texas Department of Transportation. More than 60% of those accidents occur in urban areas, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 4,400 fatal vehicle crashes occurred in Texas in a single year. Nearly 560 of those occurred in Houston’s Harris County.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company After a Houston Car Accident?
After a car wreck in Houston, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster from the at-fault driver's company. They may seem friendly and concerned, and they might make a quick offer to settle your claim. While it can be tempting to accept this money, especially when bills are piling up, that first offer is almost always less than what your claim is truly worth.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible on claims. The adjuster’s job is to resolve your case quickly and for the lowest amount. They are counting on you being stressed, in pain, and unfamiliar with the legal process.
An initial offer often fails to account for the full scope of your losses, such as:
- Future Medical Expenses: If your injuries require ongoing treatment, physical therapy, or future surgeries, a quick settlement won't cover those costs.
- Long-Term Lost Income: What if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your earning capacity for years to come? The first offer rarely considers this.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life you experience are real damages that deserve significant compensation.
Accepting that first offer means you sign away your right to seek any further compensation for the accident, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than you first realized. Before you speak with an adjuster or sign any documents, it is wise to understand the full value of your claim. A lawyer do for you after a car accident includes evaluating your injuries, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurers to secure the maximum compensation possible.
Texas Car Crash Laws
Key Texas state laws can impact your car accident claim. An experienced car accident attorney who understands these laws is crucial for protecting your rights.
Texas At-Fault Insurance
Texas is an “at-fault” state for car accidents. This means that the person who is found to be at fault for causing the crash is responsible for paying for the damages of the other parties involved. This is different from "no-fault" states, where your own insurance covers your initial expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
However, Texas law requires all drivers to be offered Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
- PIP is a form of "no-fault" insurance that you can add to your own auto policy.
- It covers your initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages up to your policy limit, no matter who was at fault.
- You must opt out of PIP in writing; otherwise, it is automatically included in your policy.
Using your PIP coverage does not prevent you from filing a claim against the at-fault driver to recover damages that exceed your PIP limits.
Texas Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits
The law sets a time limit on your right to file a lawsuit after an injury. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you fail to file your lawsuit within this two-year window, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to seek compensation forever. There are very few exceptions to this rule, which makes it critical to act quickly after an accident.
Texas Comparative Negligence Rule
In some car wrecks, more than one person may share blame for the accident. Texas follows a legal doctrine known as modified comparative negligence, or the “51% bar rule.” This rule, dictates how compensation is handled when the injured person is partially at fault.
Here’s how it works:
- You Can Recover if You Are 50% or Less at Fault: You can still recover damages from the other party as long as your percentage of fault is not 51% or greater.
- Your Compensation is Reduced: Your total compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by $20,000 (20%) and you would receive $80,000.
- You Cannot Recover if You Are 51% or More at Fault: If you are found to be 51% or more responsible for the accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation from the other party.
Insurance companies often try to use this rule to shift as much blame as possible onto the victim to reduce or deny their claim. A skilled car wreck lawyer in Houston will build a strong case to minimize any fault assigned to you and protect your right to fair compensation. Car accident claims go to court when insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, and having an attorney ensures your case is prepared for litigation if negotiations fail.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Houston Car Crash Case?
While the other driver is the most obvious at-fault party in a car accident, they may not be the only one. A thorough investigation can reveal that other individuals or entities share responsibility for the crash. At Suits & Boots, our 30-Day Investigation is designed to uncover all potential sources of liability to maximize your financial recovery.
Depending on the circumstances of your crash near landmarks like the Galleria or Memorial Park, responsible parties could include:
- The Other Driver: For negligent actions like speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
- The Driver’s Employer: If the driver was working at the time of the accident (e.g., a delivery driver or a commercial truck driver), their employer may be held vicariously liable.
- A Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defective part, such as faulty brakes or a malfunctioning airbag, contributed to the accident or the severity of your injuries.
- A Government Entity: A city, county, or state agency could be liable if the accident was caused by poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or a failure to maintain safe road conditions.
- A Bar or Restaurant: Under Texas "dram shop" laws, an establishment that over-served a visibly intoxicated patron who then caused a drunk driving accident may be held liable.
Identifying all liable parties is a key step in ensuring you can access all available insurance coverage to pay for your damages. An accident lawyer help you by investigating every angle of your case, determining who is responsible, and pursuing compensation from all parties involved.
Compensation Available in a Houston, Texas Car Accident Lawsuit
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. This compensation, legally referred to as "damages," is intended to make you whole again by covering both the financial and personal impact of the crash.
Damages are typically categorized into two main types:
Economic Damages: These are the tangible, verifiable financial losses you have suffered. They include:
- Current and future medical expenses (hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, medication)
- Lost wages and income from time missed at work
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries are disabling
- Property damage to your vehicle and other personal items
Non-Economic Damages: These are the intangible, personal losses that do not have a specific price tag but are just as real. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (the impact on your relationship with your spouse)
In rare cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm, a court may also award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim but rather to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Our Houston Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
When you partner with Suits & Boots, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining a team of champions dedicated to your recovery. The legal process can be complex and intimidating, but we handle all the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most: your health. We put the hard-working BOOTS on the ground and the skilled SUITS in the negotiating room to fight for you. Get an attorney for a car accident as early as possible to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and start building a strong case for full compensation.
Here is how our Houston car wreck lawyer team will support you through the entire claim process:
- Conducting a Full 30-Day Investigation: We go beyond a simple consultation. We dig deep to gather all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photos of the scene, and vehicle data.
- Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim: We work with medical and financial professionals to accurately assess all of your past, present, and future damages to ensure we demand the full compensation you need.
- Handling All Communications: We take over all communication with insurance companies, medical providers, and other attorneys. You won’t have to deal with aggressive adjusters trying to get you to settle for less.
- Negotiating for a Max Money Settlement: We use our proprietary Max Money Method to negotiate aggressively with the insurance company. We don’t bluff, and we come prepared to prove the value of your claim.
- Representing You in Court: If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are always prepared to take your case to trial. We have extensive experience representing clients at all court levels and will proudly fight for you before a judge and jury.
Our goal is to transform your life for the better by securing the financial resources you need to move forward with confidence and security.
Houston Auto Accident FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions we receive from people who have been injured in car accidents.
What should I do if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages, you may still have options. You can potentially file a claim under your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is a part of your own auto insurance policy. We can review your policy to determine if this coverage is available to you.
How long will my Houston car accident case take to resolve?
The timeline for a car accident case can vary significantly. A straightforward case might settle in a few months, while a complex case involving serious injuries or a dispute over liability could take a year or more, especially if it goes to trial. Our 30-Day Investigation helps us give you a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case.
Do I have to go to court for my car accident claim?
Most car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement that covers the full extent of your damages, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire a Houston car accident lawyer from Suits & Boots?
We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no upfront fees. We only get paid if and when we win your case by securing a settlement or a court award for you. Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery, so if we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime. Expect after a car accident that your attorney will manage your case from start to finish, handling insurance negotiations and paperwork while you focus on recovery.
Contact Our Experienced Houston Car Accident Lawyers Today
You deserve better than a law firm that treats you like just another case number. At Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers, we don’t just represent clients; we champion them. We don’t just seek quick settlements; we demand full and just compensation.
We were tired of seeing other firms shortchange their clients, so we built a firm dedicated to doing things differently. Let us show you how the hard work of the BOOTS and the legal skill of the SUITS can get you the money you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck in Houston, don’t wait to protect your rights. The clock is ticking. Claim or start your free, no-obligation 30-Day Investigation today by contacting us at (713) 489-0922 or through our online form.