Houston Car Accident Lawyer
At Walker Texas Lawyer, we understand car accident victims’ challenges. With over 40 years of experience handling car accident cases, Walker has helped countless clients receive the compensation they deserve. Victims should not have to suffer the financial burden of medical bills—as well as lost wages and property damage caused by someone else’s negligence.
Injured In An Auto Accident In the Houston Area?
James Walker is committed to providing personalized attention to each client. He will guide you through the legal process with compassion and professionalism. He deeply understands the legal system and is well-versed in Texas car accident laws. James uses his knowledge and experience to build solid cases for the law firm’s clients and fight for their rights.
In addition to Mr. Walker’s legal expertise, he has a network of medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists who can provide valuable insights into the case. Walker Texas Lawyer law firm works closely with these experts to gather evidence and build a strong case for its clients. Every victim deserves justice, and Mr. Walker will fight for their rights.
Walker Texas Lawyer has fought for over 25,000 clients. He has recovered millions for auto accidents, Houston truck accidents, wrongful death claims, Houston motorcycle injuries, and more.
Contact Walker Texas Lawyer TODAY! Give us a call at 713-552-1117 to schedule a free consultation.
Houston Car Accident Statistics
Houston is the largest city in the State of Texas. The area is inhabited by about 6.1 million people making it the 5th largest city in the United States. The number of passenger vehicles on Houston’s streets and highways has increased due to the growing population. The increased number of vehicles has increased the number of accidents.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were a total of 75,336 crashes in Houston in 2021, an increase of about 14% from the previous year. The same report shows that there were 330 fatal accidents in the City of Houston in 2021, a 20% increase from the prior year. Harris County, where Houston is located, had 97,201 car accidents in 2021, 466 of them being fatal.
It’s worth noting that the number of fatal car accidents in Houston has increased in recent years. For instance, in 2019, there were 242 fatal accidents.
Traffic Accident Lawyer In Houston
With the ever-growing suburbs, traffic congestion is only going to get worse. It is easy to tell from Houston’s traffic patterns that most people drive to work. This has led to Houston becoming more known as a commuter city. Commuter traffic and auto accidents go hand in hand. If you have been injured in a car accident, you need Walker Texas Lawyer. He has over 40 years of experience with Houston car accidents and will get you the compensation you deserve.
How A Houston Car Accident Attorney, Walker Texas Lawyer Can Help
Every 57 seconds, an accident occurs in Texas. While road improvements and increased law enforcement have helped lessen the number of traffic accidents, crashes still happen more often than we would like. This leaves many families shattered due to the death of their loved ones.
Most car wrecks are caused by negligence and reckless acts of drivers. If you are involved in a car accident, it can affect your life in many ways. The ripple effects of a car accident can be small or large, but regardless of the size, it is important to hold those responsible accountable. That’s where a car accident negligence attorney, Walker Texas Lawyer, can help.
James Walker is committed to helping car accident victims in Houston and the greater Houston area. He is an accident attorney specializing in helping car accident victims recover what they deserve. With 40 years of experience will fight for your rights with every resource available. Walker Texas Lawyer has a proven track record of winning millions for his clients.
Here’s How Walker Texas Lawyer Can Help You:
- Walker Texas Lawyer will handle all aspects of your personal injury claim, including communicating with the other driver’s insurance company and any third parties.
- He will thoroughly investigate the car crash, gather evidence, determine causation, and establish liability.
- Walker works closely with car accident experts and other professionals to better understand the technical aspects of a collision and injuries.
- He will work with you to consider all potential avenues for financial recovery. From insurance claims to lawsuits, workers’ compensation benefits, dram shop law, and beyond.
- Walker Texas Lawyer will pursue the best possible settlement for your case with a solid foundation of evidence.
- James Walker is an award-winning personal injury attorney in Houston. Hiring Walker Texas Lawyer means that you have over 40 years of experience by your side if trial is necessary.
If you have been in an auto accident, it is important to seek legal help. The injuries you sustained are likely due to someone else’s negligence. A Houston car accident negligence lawyer can help hold the party responsible for your injuries accountable. Walker Texas Lawer has over 40 years of experience getting results for people like you. Contact him to arrange a free case evaluation.
When Should You Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer?
After your auto accident in Houston, you may have many questions. Some concerns need answers immediately, while other questions may arise in the days and weeks after the accident. If you’re wondering whether to call a Houston car accident law firm, consider the following issues:
Were any vehicles damaged?
When you are involved in a car crash, you need your vehicle repaired or replaced quickly. You shouldn’t have to pay for repairs or replacing your car if someone else caused the crash. Walker Texas Lawyer can help you get compensation from the responsible party’s insurance company.
Are there any injuries or fatalities?
If you or someone close to you suffered injuries in an accident, the first order of business is to get the medical help you or your loved one needs. If you received medical care or a loved one didn’t survive the crash, we encourage you to contact a law firm as soon as possible so your lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Will you have medical and insurance costs to pay?
If you don’t have any financial losses, you can’t collect compensation from the insurance company. However, even if you have relatively minor medical bills or a few out-of-pocket expenses, you have the right to recover payment for those costs. Your health insurance company might not cover injuries if they happened in a car crash because it expects the other driver’s insurance to protect them. Medical bills from car accidents can range from a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars. In either case, call Walker Texas Lawyer right away to understand your rights.
What are the rights and responsibilities of drivers?
If you are involved in an accident, Texas law requires you to stop and stay at the scene until you have rendered necessary aid and exchanged information with everyone involved. Your rights and responsibilities will depend on who caused the accident. Any drivers or motorists who didn’t act negligently have a right to file insurance claims against the negligent driver. Drivers who cause an accident need to contact their own insurance companies, responsible for reimbursing victims for their losses. In many cases, more than one person may bear some fault; this is where it becomes important to speak with a trusted Houston Car accident negligence lawyer.
What Can I Recover From A Car Accident In The Houston Area
If you’re unsure what damages can be recovered in a car injury case, you should learn more about the costs associated with a car collision. In most cases, the party at fault will be responsible for paying for any damages incurred by the parties, not at fault.
- All types of medical expenses, including visits to the doctor, surgical treatment, etc.
- Expected future medical expenses, such as long-term treatment or future medical procedures.
- Pain & suffering, including mental and physical pain.
- Mental stress, such as grief, nervousness, anxiety, etc.
- Lost wages due to time off from work and earning capacity due to the severity of the injury
- Loss of any property or damage to any property.
What Is My Texas Car Accident Case Worth?
People contact Walker Texas Lawyer with various questions, but the one that comes up most often is: “How much will I receive for my car accident settlement?” It’s impossible to provide a simple answer because every case is different. Every Texas car accident victim is unique, so how you respond to the following questions can give us some insight into your case’s value:
- How seriously were you injured in the car accident?
- Will you be able to recover fully and resume your normal activities?
- Did you have any medical conditions before the accident that got worse as a result?
- How long will it take to reach the point where your injuries have healed?
- Can you return to work immediately, or will you need time off?
- Do you have injuries that could affect your ability to work and generate income in the future?
- What out-of-pocket costs have you been forced to pay because of your car accident?
- Does your vehicle need to be repaired, or replaced?
- Did the car collision cause you to experience any trauma?
Injured In A Car Accident?
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Walker Texas Lawyer today for a free consultation. We offer a no-win, no-fee policy, meaning you don’t have to pay anything unless we win your case. Walker Texas Lawyer understands your challenges and is here to help you every step of the way. Don’t wait; call us or fill out our online form today and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Car Collisions In Houston
Walker Texas Lawyer handles all types of car incidents, but here are a few common types:
- Head-On Collision
- Multi-Vehicle
- Backing-Up
- Rollover
- Hit and Run
- Left-Hand Turn
- Broadside Collisions (T-Bone)
- Rear End
- Single Vehicle Accidents
- Taxi & Limo Accidents
- Uber or Lyft Accidents
- Dram Shop Accidents
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims
- Pedestrian Accidents
The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Houston
Houston’s traffic can sometimes be dangerous due to the high number of cars on the road and aggressive drivers. News coverage of traffic accidents often highlights the deaths of those involved but fails to appropriately cover the serious injuries sustained by others involved in the accidents. The most common cause of severe accidents is negligence on behalf of drivers. Negligent driving can take many forms, including:
Speeding
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute released its 2021 Urban Mobility Report, ranking Houston third among large U.S. cities for worst traffic. In addition, the study also notes that, on average, Houston residents spend 169,765 hours of extra time on the road each year.
Many drivers, in an attempt to make up for lost time, accelerate their vehicles in an attempt to reach their destinations quickly. Speeding is one of the most common reasons behind most vehicle accidents in Houston and surrounding areas. According to the Department of Transportation, speed was a factor in 1,832 motor vehicle accidents in Houston and other cities in Harris County in 2020.
Moreover, driving fast in conditions such as rain, fog, smoke, smog, etc., can be extremely dangerous. This is one reason that many accidents happen in bad weather conditions.
Reckless Driving
Many accidents occur when the driver fails to consider the safety of others. This may happen by not obeying traffic laws, ignoring a red light at a signal, and simply showing off. Reckless drivers show off by making too-sharp of driving cuts, dangerous passes on two-lane roads, and racing other cars on the road.
Road Rage Or Aggressive Driving
Road rage involves aggressive or violent behavior exhibited by drivers on the road. This can include shouting, honking, or even physical violence. Aggressive driving refers to dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding and weaving in and out of traffic. Both road rage and aggressive driving are hazardous and can result in severe accidents and injuries.
Drunk Driving
TxDOT reported at least 2,766 drunk driving accidents in Houston in 2021. On average, almost 8 DUI accidents occur every single day. These are not just common accidents– they tend to be quite serious as well. At least 532 of these accidents caused serious or incapacitating injuries. Another 866 people were possibly injured. At least 87 people died in drunk driving wrecks that year. Being involved in an accident with a drunk driver can be a traumatic experience.
Drugged driving
Drugged driving is just as serious as drunk driving because people do not stay in their right mind after consuming illegal or prescription drugs. These drugs hamper one’s ability to drive a vehicle safely.
Texting & Distracted driving
Texting while driving is the most dangerous form of distracted driving. Your entire focus shifts from the road to your phone. How dangerous is it? One study compared drunk driving to texting and driving. It found that drivers are six times more likely to get into an accident if texting than driving intoxicated. Driving is a serious task, and mobile phones should never be used while driving. If it is necessary to use the mobile phone, the driver should pull off the road.
Texting isn’t the only reason drivers get distracted. They also can become distracted when they:
- Eat and drink
- Talk to passengers
- Attempt to reach for an object or item on the floor
- Combing hair or putting on makeup
- Adjusting the radio
You’re considered a distracted driver when you take your eyes off the road, let your mind wander, or divert your hands from the wheel.
Fatigued driving
When a driver is tired, reflexes are impaired, and driving becomes dangerous. Tired drivers may fall asleep at the wheel, not see an approaching car, or stop in time to avoid hitting another vehicle. Alertness is always required when driving a car. Otherwise, accidents will occur.
Tire Blowout
Tire blowouts are one of the most common causes of car accidents on the road. A tire blowout occurs when a tire suddenly loses air pressure, causing it to burst or deflate rapidly. This can result in the driver losing control of the vehicle, swerving into other lanes, or even rolling over. Tire blowouts can be caused by various factors, including worn-out tires, overinflated or underinflated tires, and road hazards such as debris or potholes. Drivers who experience a tire blowout may panic and overcorrect the steering, worsening the situation. Therefore, drivers must maintain their tires regularly, check the tire pressure, and replace worn-out tires to prevent tire blowouts from occurring.
A thorough investigation can help identify the cause of an accident so that you can know who to hold liable. When you understand liability, you can begin to move forward with recovery.
What Makes a Strong Car Accident Injury Claim?
There are many factors to consider when determining whether your Houston car accident claim is strong.
- Your Vehicle Damage: When your car is badly damaged in an accident, the insurance company is more likely to consider it more serious than a minor collision. This will improve your chances of getting maximum compensation.
- Immediate Medical Treatment: If you received immediate medical treatment after your crash, that strengthens your case. Delaying treatment gives the insurance adjuster the impression that you weren’t as injured as you claim. It can also create skepticism that your injury is from the crash and not something else.
- Continual Medical Treatment: Continual follow-up treatments, including but not limited to following a doctor’s treatment plan, attending all therapy sessions, and making all necessary doctor appointments, will only strengthen your cases.
- Car Accident Evidence: Strong cases often have strong evidence to support them. Eyewitness statements, photos, videos, toxicology reports, and police reports are all examples of evidence that a car accident attorney in Houston can use to help you win your case.
- Clear Liability: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means you are barred from recovering compensation if the court finds you are more than 50 percent responsible for an accident.
- Loss Of Ability To Perform Work: If you have suffered an auto accident injury that affects your ability to work or future earning potential, this is a factor in determining the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.
Is Texas At Fault Or No-Fault State For Car Collisions?
The difference between an “At-Fault” and “No-Fault” state is based on how you may seek compensation. In a “fault” or “at-fault” state, the insurance company of the person at fault in an accident is responsible for damages from that car accident. In a no-fault state, victims must seek damages from their insurance carrier regardless of who was at fault.
Texas is an at-fault state. This means that the person responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying for damages. If your injuries were caused by another driver who does not have enough insurance coverage to cover your expenses, you can file a lawsuit against this person. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine how Texas’ auto laws will affect your case and the options available to recover the compensation you deserve.
If I Am Responsible For A Car Accident, Should I Still Hire A Lawyer?
Having a lawyer on your side is always advisable when you are involved in an accident. There are several reasons why this is so.
The biggest reason is that you might not be entirely at fault for an accident. Accidents occur for many different reasons, such as faulty equipment. There can be many contributing factors, such as road conditions. Hiring a Houston car accident lawyer can help you know your legal options.
In the event that you are partly responsible for a car accident, it is possible to limit your liability by identifying other potential causes. By hiring a lawyer, you can potentially recover compensation and save money.
What If I Am Partially At Fault For My Car Accident?
Texas has a modified comparative negligence law gives anyone with less than 51 percent of the responsibility for an accident the right to pursue compensation. If you are only 25 percent responsible for the accident, you might be able to recover damages.
If you are found to be partially at fault in an accident, you may receive a reduced settlement from the court. Texas law stipulates that compensation for damages must be reduced according to each party’s responsibility for causing the accident.
For instance, if a jury held you responsible for 25 percent of the accident in which you were injured and awarded you $100,000, you would receive $75,000.
The Texas comparative fault laws are complicated and can be confusing. This is why hiring a car accident negligence lawyer is critical. They know the complex Texas legal system and will help you navigate the process.
Do I Have A Time Limit To File My Injury Claim In Texas?
In General, Texas’s personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the accident date. If you are going to file a lawsuit, it must be within that time span. Additionally, you will need to use diligence in attempting to serve the defendant.
Some exceptions can extend or shorten a limitations period. One example of extending the date is called tolling. Time limitations can be extended if the injured individual was a minor when the incident occurred. When they turn 18, the standard two-year statute of limitations becomes active.
Also, if you are in an accident with a governmental entity in Texas, there may be certain notice provisions that you must comply with. You must comply with the provisions to sue the governmental entity or employee. Some municipalities have concise notice provisions from a few months to six months. You must understand the conditions that may apply to such an entity.
Other Legal Deadlines
Other legal deadlines can impact a personal injury claim in Texas. One example is a statute of repose for products over 15 years old at the time of the accident. This limitation is important in motor vehicle accidents. After a certain period, it can give immunity to foreign manufacturers, such as those from China, Korea, or Japan.
If you have any issues or questions regarding a potential limitation or the timing of a personal injury claim, contact Walker Texas Lawyer Today!
What Should I Do If I Am In A Car Accident In Houston?
After a car accident, there are a number of important steps to take to ensure that you protect all your legal rights and remain safe. Even minor missteps can put your health and financial future in danger. Here are some important things to do (and not do) after your car crash to improve your chances of financial recovery:
Step 1: Get Medical Attention
After a collision, your first step is to evaluate your injuries and seek medical attention. Often, people feel perfectly fine immediately after a wreck. But then the pain sets in as adrenaline wears off and your body begins to heal itself.
The longer you wait to seek medical attention, the longer you leave your injuries untreated. This can make your injuries worse and delay your recovery time. Additionally, waiting can distance your injuries from the accident. This makes it more difficult to prove the injuries occurred due to the accident. Keep track of all your medical bills related to the accident.
Step 2: Get To Safety
In the wake of a car accident, safety is essential. Your next step is to help ensure the safety of yourself and others involved in the accident. If you feel healthy at the scene of the accident, check on any passengers in your car. Once everyone is safe enough, check on other drivers from the accident.
If all parties are safe, move your vehicles off the roadway. In many cases, however, drivers turn on their hazard lights and remain in the middle of a busy thoroughfare. This is incredibly unsafe. If everyone’s cars remain functional, they should move them off to the shoulder or entirely off the road.
Step 3: Call 911 To Report The Accident
After an accident, call 911 if there is any medical emergency. If there’s no major medical emergency, contact the Houston police department instead of 911. Report the accident and wait for the officer to arrive.
The officer will interview the drivers, passengers, and witnesses at the scene. They examine the scene and compile an incident report, including their views on the accident.
If the police issue you a traffic violation ticket, you must sign it. Signing it doesn’t imply that you are at fault. Remember to get the police officer’s name and identification details.
Step 4: Do Not Apologize Or Admit Fault
Never admit fault at the scene of an accident. Even seemingly harmless statements can be used against you down the line. This link lists things not to say in an accident to help protect your legal rights.
Step 5: Gather Evidence
Evidence is crucial in pursuing car accident injury claims. When you hire a Houston car accident attorney, part of their work is investigating the claim and collecting evidence. However, the best evidence is collected at the scene of the accident. The longer the case is pursued after the accident, the harder the evidence is to collect.
Do not rely on the police for a complete Houston car accident report. Instead, take down as much information as possible. Document the other drivers involved, including the driver’s name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information. Be vigilant and take notes of the road condition at the time of the wreck. Look around, and if you find any witnesses at the scene who can support your understanding of how the collision happened, get their contact information. Additionally, note any businesses in the area that might have security cameras.
If you have a dash cam, make sure to save the footage. Also, taking photos with your mobile phone or camera can help your case.
Make sure to take images of the following:
- The overall scene
- Damage to the vehicles
- Property damage
- The license plate and insurance info of the other driver
- Your injuries and those of anyone involved
- The street layout
- Traffic signs
- Road conditions
- The surrounding scenery of the collision
Police reports are typically accurate, but it is not a police officer’s job to resolve your car accident claim. Their main concern is public safety and the health of those at the scene. This is why you need to call a car accident negligence lawyer; you have an advocate on your side.
Step 6: Avoid Settlement Offers
The other driver’s insurance company might contact you shortly after the collision. If they make an offer, do not accept it.
An initial offer from a driver’s insurance company often does not allow you to know the full impact of a car accident. For example, it may not include the cost of further medical attention or lost income. The insurance company wants you to sign because you waive your right to additional funds. However, lowball offers never match the total damages you deserve.
After seeking medical attention, patients have a better idea of the extent of their injuries. However, it’s still easy to pass over potential damages like lost wages, pain and suffering, and physical therapy when you don’t plan ahead. A Houston car accident attorney can help you maximize your compensation. You are already a car accident victim. Don’t be a victim twice.
Step 7: Call A Car Accident Lawyer Near You
Walker Texas Lawyer handles your claim from start to finish. He will oversee the investigation and all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
When you’re injured in a car wreck, it’s important to consult an attorney who can help you understand your rights and make informed decisions about your case. Walker Texas Lawyer offers FREE Consultations. You can call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you don’t have to wait until business hours to speak with someone.
What Should I Avoid Doing If I Am In An Auto Accident In Houston?
- Never give the other insurance company a recorded or written statement without first speaking to a qualified Houston personal injury lawyer and deciding how you will proceed.
- Don’t expect the other driver’s insurance company to be fair. They are out to pay as little as possible on any claim you make.
- Never accept the settlement on what your car is worth without knowing the value of your vehicle.
- You do not have to go to the repair facility suggested by the adverse insurance company.
- Don’t get in the middle of the repair process between the shop you choose and the insurance company. Let the shop you trust handle your repairs and let them deal with the adverse insurance company directly.
- Before settling a personal injury claim from an auto accident, ensure you handle your injuries. Sometimes injuries like whiplash develop later, and those medical bills skyrocket. It would be best if you were specific about the nature and extent of your injuries. Many insurance companies will offer a small amount that may include “estimated medical expenses” right after an accident. This tactic is used to take further injuries out of the claim.
- Don’t believe that the words ‘we accept responsibility,” or we’re going to “pay this claim” means that the insurance carrier intends to be fair with you. They hope that you trust them and do not seek out a qualified personal injury lawyer.
- Never give the opposing insurance company a blanket medical or employment records release.
Contact A Texas Car Accident Lawyer Today!
What are the Car Insurance Requirements in Texas?
According to Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code, the minimum coverage amounts for Texas is:
- $30,000 for injury to one person in an accident
- $60,000 for two or more people injured
- $25,000 for damage or destruction of property
Texas requires all drivers to carry car insurance. This mandatory coverage is typically referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.
While Texas law requires this level of insurance, Mr. Walker often sees this as insufficient. This is why he recommends attaining more coverage. One example is hospital bills. Severe injuries can quickly add up to $75,000 or more. Additionally, vehicle accidents may cause damage to several vehicles or buildings that exceed $25,000. Another consideration is that accidents may involve drivers without insurance at all. For this reason, it is best to pay a little extra for supplemental insurance.
Supplemental Insurance
It is important to remember that liability insurance only covers the other party’s injuries and property damage. If you are at fault for the accident and receive injuries, your liability coverage will not compensate you. You then pay for your medical bills, lost wages, or damage to your car. Types of Supplemental insurance policies include:
- Collision Insurance – this policy will cover the cost of repairing your car if you cause an accident
- Uninsured/Under-insured Motorist Insurance – this policy covers your injuries and property damage when you are involved in an accident that a driver caused without insurance or whose insurance did not cover all of your damages.
- Comprehensive Insurance – This policy covers the cost to repair or replace your car if it is stolen or damaged by weather, fire, or other incidents not included in collision insurance.
- Medical Coverage Insurance – this policy will cover medical and funeral expenses incurred from an auto accident regardless of fault. You must reimburse your medical insurance coverage company if you collect from an insurance claim against the at-fault party.
How Long Does An Insurance Company Have To Resolve A Claim?
After you file a claim, the provider must acknowledge it within 15 days. The acknowledgment should include a proof-of-loss form and other paperwork. Within that 15-day window, the provider should request additional information to process the claim.
After you have submitted all the paperwork, the insurance company has 15 days to review your claim. Once a final settlement has been reached, they have five business days to pay you.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Car Insurance Claim?
The healing process can be long and slow after you have been injured in a car crash. Unfortunately, there is no set time limit. If it’s a simple claim with moderate injuries, your claim could settle within a couple of weeks.
If the claim is more involved or you dislike the offer, settling could take longer.
Ultimately, the amount of time it takes to settle an insurance claim after many factors influence a car accident. Insurance companies will do everything possible to delay, diminish, or deny your claim, making the recovery process as difficult as possible.
In the event of a severe injury, it is important to wait until your condition improves or you have a better idea regarding its scope and impact before sending back the forms. The longer it takes you to return the proof-of-loss forms, the longer it will take to settle your case.
Call A Car Accident Negligence Lawyer
Walker Texas Lawyer will try to speed the recovery process by providing the evidence necessary to pursue the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. Your car accident injuries are unique, and so is your case, which means the time it takes to resolve your financial recovery will depend on how your injury lawsuit is designed. Walker’s primary goal is to deliver results as quickly as possible, so you can confidently move forward with your life.
How Do I Get A Copy Of My Car Accident Report In Houston?
Depending on the government office, you are entitled to a copy of the police report after your car accident.
- City Of Houston – The easiest way is to buy a duplicate of your crash report from the Crash Records Information System(CRIS)
- Harris County – call (713) 274-9730 to reach the Precinct 3 Records Department.
- Texas State Police – You can purchase a copy of the report here
How Do I Read My Texas Car Accident Report?
When reading your Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3), understanding what it means can be challenging. An attorney can help you break down the report’s page-by-page details to understand exactly what happened. You may purchase a copy of your CR-3 online through the Texas Department of Transportation.
First Page
The first page of your Texas car accident report will show your crash’s date, time, and location. It will include the county name, city name, street name, and whether your accident occurred at an intersection or in a construction zone. This page will also have information about each driver and passenger involved in the crash (including yourself) and any bystanders or other vehicles involved. There will also be an “injury” code box indicating whether or not any passengers sustained injuries from their accident.
Second Page
On the second page of the report includes a list of any charges filed against a driver or pedestrian in connection with the accident, along with a narrative and pictorial diagram of the accident scene. It also contains information about where injured victims were taken, including ambulance unit and hospital identification information. This information would be included on this report page if anyone were killed at the crash scene or within 30 days after the accident.
Third Page
The third page of your crash report may contain information about commercial vehicles involved in your accident. If a commercial vehicle (truck delivery, tractor-trailer, etc.) was involved in your crash, you will find the name, address, and contact information of the commercial carrier responsible for the cargo on board. You will also find additional information about the truck’s weight and the truck driver’s safety record.
Fourth Page
The fourth page of your Texas crash report explains the codes and terminology included in your accident report. Walker’sHouston car accident lawyers can explain these items in detail and thoroughly analyze your report with you in person.
Houston Car Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
It is estimated that more than 20,000 car accident injuries will occur in Texas this year. These injuries can range from mild to catastrophic, depending on the severity of the crash. Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side will help you secure financial compensation when someone else is at fault.
Here are some common car accident injuries:
Amputation
Many car accident victims in the United States have had a limb amputated.
Broken Bones
A human body has 206 bones, and each can be fractured or damaged in a violent car crash. Broken bones in car accidents are often located in the arms and wrists, ribs, lower legs, face, and skull. The vertebrae can also be fractured on impact in a car collision.
Burns
Burns injuries are typically caused by extreme heat, chemicals, or electricity exposure during an accident. Airbags can even inflict burn injuries, typically to the chest, hands, or face.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that may arise after a car accident. It’s associated with the limitation or disruption of blood flow in the body after a wreck. Often, it happens to victims who aren’t able to move well because of their injuries or who are restrained in the wreckage for some time until first responders are able to get them out.
The biggest threat with DVT is that these blood clots dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Joint Injuries
Car crashes can damage a person’s joints, causing strains, tears, dislocations, and fractures. Common car accident joint injuries affect the knees, shoulders, elbows, and hips. While these soft tissue injuries might not seem serious, they can require surgery and cause chronic health problems.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are often seen in collisions where the driver’s head hits the steering wheel, like a rollover accident or a high-impact collision. These accidents can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, inability to control bodily functions and partial or complete loss of mobility.
Traumatic Brain Injury
The term “traumatic brain injury” may suggest the injury is severe, but mild brain injuries can also have long-term consequences. In the context of car accidents, or even truck and motorcycle accidents, brain injuries can happen when a victim’s head contacts the dashboard, windshield, windows, or another part of the vehicle.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused by car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Each sudden back-and-forth head motion can cause neck and shoulder pain, blurred vision, and cognitive impairment. It can also lead to more severe neck and back problems. A car accident negligence lawyer can help you recover.
How Can A Car Accident Attorney Help Me?
Your car accident attorney will investigate the accident to determine who is responsible. Your lawyer will look into the following areas:
- Was the other driver drunk or drugged?
- Did the other driver use his cell phone while driving?
- Did the other driver speed over the stated limit or not follow speed limits issued for rough weather?
- Was the driver distracted in some other way than those listed above?
- Was the other driver’s vehicle not in good operating order?
- Could the wreck have been prevented in some way?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver for negligence successfully. Walker Texas Lawyer will help you understand your rights and options and will work for you to ease the entire process.
Does The Type of Car Accident Affect My Case?
Car accidents can be complicated. Each type of crash has unique qualities and poses its own challenges in litigation. Investigating a rollover will be different from a collision involving a pedestrian. Other experts might be needed to investigate a hit-and-run as opposed to an intersection accident. Injuries caused by a head-on collision are typically much different from a fender-bender or rear-end collision.
Walker Texas Lawyer has over 40 years of experience helping clients that have been injured or lost family members as a result of:
- Head-On Collisions
- Rollover Accidents
- Fatal Car Accidents
- Rear-end collisions in Houston
- Road Defects
- T-Bone Accidents
- Left Turn Accidents
- Hit-and-run Accidents
- Highway Accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Houston Lane Change Crashes Attorney
- Sideswipes
- Self-driving car accidents
- Single vehicle accidents
- Multiple vehicle accidents
- Car and truck accidents
- Car and bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian and Car accidents
- Scooter and Car accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
Walker Texas Lawyer is dedicated to helping victims of car collisions across the great city of Houston. We’ve seen almost every type of collision you can imagine — and helped victims successfully pursue compensation for their damages. You can call us today to learn how our knowledge, experience, and resources can benefit you after your car accident.
Why Do You Need The Assistance Of A Houston Car Wreck Lawyer?
It is important to know that before you file for compensation for the damages, you have a strong and compelling case. Walker Texas Lawyer will utilize the necessary professionals and tools to analyze your case, uncover and present the facts required to support a claim, and ensure that you get all the compensation you are entitled to.
Although insurance company representatives may initially seem to be on your side, you should remember that these companies are in business to make a profit, not to look after your needs. That’s why you need a lawyer who can help you get fair compensation.
Walker Texas Lawyer Is A Houston Car Accident Lawyer You Can Trust
If you were in a car accident, you may wonder why you should call Walker Texas Lawyer for your case. Here are some reasons why we believe we are the best choice for your car accident case:
Experience
At Walker Texas Lawyer, we have over 40 years of experience handling car accident cases. We have helped countless clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, damages, and losses. James Walker deeply understands Texas car accident laws and the legal system, which allows us to build strong cases for our clients.
Personalized Attention
Walker Texas Lawyer understands that every car accident case is unique and provides personalized attention to each client. We take the time to listen to our client’s concerns and needs and tailor our legal strategy accordingly. Walker aims to provide compassionate and professional legal representation that helps our clients achieve the best possible outcome.
No-Win, No-Fee Policy
At Walker Texas Lawyer, we believe that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer a no-win, no-fee policy, which means our clients do not have to pay anything unless we win their case. This policy gives our clients the peace of mind they need to pursue their cases without worrying about legal fees.
Network of Experts
We have a network of medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts who can provide valuable insights into the case. We work closely with these experts to gather evidence and build a strong case on behalf of our clients.
Results
Our track record of successful cases speaks for itself. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and have helped them move on from their car accidents with peace of mind.
If you were in a car accident, don’t hesitate to call Walker Texas Lawyer for a free consultation. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you receive the compensation you deserve.