Automobile accidents can disrupt lives in an instant, leaving victims grappling with injuries, financial burdens, and emotional trauma. At Paxton Law Firm, we offer compassionate support and expert guidance to help clients seek justice and fair compensation for their losses.
What Do I Do If I've Been In A Car Wreck?
- Check for injuries and call emergency services.
- Move to a safe location, if possible, away from oncoming traffic.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, contact details, and insurance information.
- Document the accident scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage or landmarks.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
- Notify law enforcement and cooperate with their investigation.
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor, and keep records of all medical treatment received.
- Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid discussing fault or accepting blame.
- Refrain from speaking with the other party’s insurance company without legal representation.
- Contact a reputable attorney, like the car wreck attorneys at Paxton Law Firm, for expert guidance.
What Should I Know About UM & UIM Coverage?
Do I Have A Claim If I'm The Passenger In A Car Wreck?
Beware of Insurance Companies After Car Accidents… Even When They Sound Caring or Friendly
After an automobile accident, you can expect a call from an insurance agent representing the at-fault party’s insurance company. While they may sound caring or friendly, you must get your guard up. These insurance companies have one primary goal: to minimize their financial liability and settle claims for as little as possible. They may ask questions about your responsibility, prior medical history, and other questions and use the information you provide to later lowball you.
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests, often at the expense of accident victims. At Paxton Law Firm, we advise clients to refrain from engaging directly with insurance companies and to seek legal representation immediately. Our experienced car wreck lawyers in Houston are skilled negotiators who understand the tactics used by insurance adjusters and will fight vigorously to ensure our clients receive the full and fair compensation they deserve.
Common Reasons for Automobile Accidents:
- Distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, or using navigation systems while driving
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to obey traffic signals or signs
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Fatigue or drowsy driving
- Aggressive driving behaviors, such as road rage or improper lane changes
- Poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or ice
- Vehicle defects or mechanical failures
- Inexperienced drivers, including teen drivers or those with limited driving experience
You Deserve Fair Compensation After A Car Accident…
Regardless of Your Citizenship or Documentation
Automobile accidents are sudden, often traumatic events resulting from collisions involving vehicles. They can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-altering conditions like spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Our car wreck lawyers in Houston understand the challenges that accident victims face and is committed to providing comprehensive support throughout every step of the process.
It’s important for all individuals to know that regardless of their citizenship status or documentation, they have rights under the law. At Paxton Law Firm, we firmly believe that everyone deserves fair compensation for their injuries and losses. We stand by our clients, ensuring that their legal rights are protected and advocating fiercely on their behalf. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or undocumented immigrant, we’re here to help you hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Much Can I Recover In Damages After A Car Wreck?
Every car accident case is unique, and the potential compensation a victim can recover depends on several factors. A skilled attorney can help maximize the potential settlement, but there are no guarantees. The following elements will influence how much you can recover:
- Medical bills: The medical bills you incur due to your car accident injuries are one of the most significant components of your claim. These may include hospital stays, emergency room visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and other necessary medical treatments. If your injuries require long-term care, those expenses will also be considered.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or your earning capacity is permanently diminished, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This will include the income you missed during your recovery period and any future lost earnings.
- Property damage: If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the crash, the repair or replacement costs can be factored into your claim. You will be entitled to recover the cost of fixing your car or, if necessary, the fair market value of your vehicle before the accident.
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering damages include compensation for both physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This could involve chronic pain, mental anguish, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life as a result of the crash.
- Comparative fault: If you were partially responsible for the car accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault you hold. For example, if you were found to be 30% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 30%. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you may not be able to recover any compensation at all.
How Do I Understand My Car Accident Report?
An experienced attorney at Paxton Law Firm can break down each section of your Texas car accident report so you can understand its implications clearly. If you need to obtain a copy of your Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3), you can do so online through the Texas Department of Transportation. Here’s what you can expect from each page of the report:
- Page 1: This page will provide key details such as the date, time, and location of the crash, including the county, city, street, and whether the accident occurred at an intersection or construction zone. It will also list the names of all drivers, passengers, bystanders, and vehicles involved in the incident. Injury information will be included here as well.
- Page 2: This page includes any charges filed at the crash site and outlines the sequence of events leading to the collision. It will also provide a crash narrative, a diagram, and information on any injured victims, including where they were taken for treatment. If anyone was killed, the date and time of death will be included here.
- Page 3: For accidents involving commercial vehicles, this page will contain information about the carrier, including contact details, vehicle weight, and other relevant data.
- Page 4: This page explains various codes and technical terms used in the report, which can be further discussed with a Paxton Law Firm attorney to ensure you fully understand the details of your accident report.
Real Reviews From Houston Car Accident Clients
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Automobile Accidents FAQs
Who Is Liable For Automobile Accidents In Texas?
Determining liability for automobile accidents depends on various factors, including negligence, state traffic laws, and the specific circumstances of the collision. Texas follows a “fault” system, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is typically liable for damages. This could include the driver who was negligent or reckless or violated traffic laws.
However, liability may extend beyond the drivers. Under certain circumstances, other parties, such as vehicle manufacturers, government entities responsible for road maintenance, or even employers of negligent drivers, could be held liable.
What Are The Types Of Losses I Can Recover?
Depending on your circumstances, the following losses can be recovered:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
- Funeral expenses and wrongful death damages
How long do I have to file a claim after an automobile accident in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after an automobile accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s essential to consult with a car wreck lawyer in Houston as soon as possible, as certain circumstances may affect the deadline for filing a claim.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages.
Should I accept the insurance company's initial settlement offer?
You must not accept the insurance company’s initial settlement offer without consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements in the hopes of minimizing their financial liability, often pressing you into accepting these offers without consulting an attorney. Please consult Paxton Law Firm to negotiate for a fair and adequate settlement.
What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Why Choose Paxton Law Firm As Your Car Wreck Lawyers in Houston
Paxton Law Firm is your trusted advocate in seeking justice after an automobile accident in Texas. We treat each client like they’re our only client, ensuring you maintain direct contact with our attorneys 24/7 and receive regular updates about your case. Regardless of the complexity of the case or the challenges involved, Richard Paxton and our team of car wreck lawyers in Houston are dedicated to defending your rights and pursuing the maximum possible compensation.