If the other driver was at fault, their insurance company may owe you a rental car or reimbursement for alternative transportation while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced. You can also use your own collision or rental reimbursement coverage if you carry it on your policy. Keep all receipts for any out-of-pocket transportation costs.
Houston Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can plunge your life into absolute chaos in seconds. Between the physical pain, the stress of dealing with insurance companies, the mounting medical bills, and the uncertainty about what comes next, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. You may be getting calls from adjusters, fielding questions from your employer about when you can return to work, and trying to figure out how to pay for treatment you did not plan for.
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you have rights under Texas law, and those rights deserve to be protected. Our car accident attorneys at Sharma Injury Law are here to provide the answers and guidance you need during this difficult time. Our trusted Houston firm is ready to help, so call us at 281-893-8644 to schedule a consultation or connect with us online.
Why Trust Sharma Injury Law to Fight for You?
Our firm has proudly served the Houston and surrounding areas across Texas for over 30 years, carrying forward a multi-generational family legacy built by Bash Sharma and now continued by his daughters. We take pride in providing quality, aggressive legal representation while staying personally involved in every case we handle.
When you work with our attorneys, you are not passed off to a staff member or left wondering what is happening with your claim. You get direct, one-on-one communication with an attorney who knows your name, your story, and your goals. We answer your calls, return your messages promptly, and keep you informed every step of the way. Here is what sets our firm apart:
- Direct access to your attorney at every stage
- A family-run firm that treats you like family
- Immediate evidence collection and preservation
- Comprehensive case investigations to identify all at-fault parties
- In-depth accident reconstruction and analysis to establish exactly how the crash occurred
- Collaboration with a trusted network of experts and professionals
- Skilled negotiation with liable insurers for maximum recovery
- Trial readiness and aggressive litigation when necessary
Our Houston car accident lawyers never rush the process because your peace of mind matters just as much as the outcome.
Types of Car Accidents
Auto accidents take many forms. The type of collision often determines the severity of injuries involved. Crashes on Houston roads commonly fall into the following categories:
- Commercial trucking collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Side-impact (T-bone) crashes
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Parking lot accidents
Each type of car accident presents its own challenges in determining fault and pursuing compensation. Some collisions involve straightforward liability, while others require a deeper investigation into road conditions, vehicle defects, or the actions of multiple drivers. Getting a clear picture of what happened is the first step toward holding the right people accountable and building the strongest possible claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston, Texas
Houston’s busy highways and intersections see thousands of collisions every year. Many of these crashes are entirely preventable. The most frequent causes of accidents in our area include:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting GPS)
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Unsafe lane changes
- Fatigued driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Defective vehicle parts
- Construction zone hazards
Stretches of I-45, I-10, and the Sam Houston Tollway are consistently among the most dangerous highways in the region. Regular construction zones near the Texas Medical Center and downtown Houston add more risks, especially during peak travel hours.
Who Is Liable for Car Accident Claims?
Liability comes down to who caused the crash. Texas is a fault-based state, which means the person or party responsible for the accident owes compensation to those they injure, generally through their mandatory liability insurance. Potentially liable parties include the following:
- Other drivers
- Commercial trucking companies
- Employers (if the at-fault driver was on the job)
- Vehicle manufacturers (in defective part cases)
- Government agencies (for poorly maintained roads or faulty signals)
- Rideshare companies
- Bar or restaurant owners (under the Texas dram shop law)
More than one party can share fault in the same accident, and each liable party may carry separate insurance policies. Identifying each source of liability increases the chances of recovering full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Proving Negligence in a Houston Car Accident
Proving negligence means showing that another driver failed to meet their legal duty to operate safely, and that failure directly caused your injuries. Every driver on Texas roads is held to this standard. When someone falls short of it, and you get hurt as a result, that breach is the foundation of your claim.
Police reports filed with agencies like the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and other evidence all serve as building blocks for proving your case.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Car Accidents?
Car accident injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Some injuries show up immediately, while others take days or even weeks to develop symptoms. Common injuries from Houston car crashes are as follows:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Burns and lacerations
- Knee and shoulder injuries
- Herniated discs
- Soft tissue injuries
- Post-traumatic stress and anxiety
Seeking medical attention right after an accident protects both your health and your legal options. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not have obvious symptoms immediately but can become serious without treatment. Gaps in medical care can also give insurance companies a reason to argue your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
How Much Is Your Car Accident Claim Worth?
Every auto accident case is different. The value of your claim depends on the specific facts, the severity of your injuries, and how those injuries have affected your life. Several key factors influence what a case may be worth, including:
- The extent and cost of your medical treatment
- Whether you need ongoing or future care
- The amount of income you lost while recovering
- Any permanent disability or reduced earning capacity
- The level of pain and suffering you endured
- Whether the at-fault party acted with gross negligence
No online calculator can give you an accurate number because there are too many variables specific to your situation. A thorough evaluation of your medical records, bills, employment documentation, and other evidence is the most reliable way to understand the true value of your claim and avoid accepting less than you deserve.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Houston?
You can seek compensation for a wide range of losses in Houston car accident claims or lawsuits. Damages generally fall into two categories: economic and non-economic. Depending on the circumstances of your collision, recoverable damages in a car accident case may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and employee benefits
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental trauma and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage and vehicle repair or replacement
- Household service costs during recovery
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Disability and home/vehicle modifications accompanying impairment
- Loss of consortium for spouses
- Wrongful death for families
Texas law permits courts to award exemplary, or punitive, damages when the at-fault party acted with fraud, malice, or gross negligence. Texas law caps exemplary damages in most cases, and courts apply them only when the evidence clearly establishes such conduct.
Documenting every loss from the very beginning, including keeping copies of all medical bills, pay stubs, and receipts, strengthens your ability to pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Houston, Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations for most Houston car accident claims is two years from the date of your collision. Missing this deadline almost always means losing the right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. Certain situations, such as claims involving minors or government entities, can extend or shorten this window, so acting promptly is always the safest approach.
FAQ: Answers for Car Accident Victims
Can I Get a Rental Car While My Car Gets Fixed?
Should I Talk to the Insurance Claims Adjuster?
Be very careful before speaking with an insurance adjuster, especially one representing the other driver. They are not your friend, regardless of how sympathetic they present themselves. Adjusters are trained to gather information that can reduce or deny your claim, often by asking questions designed to get you to minimize your injuries or accept partial blame. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement, and anything you say may be used against you later. Never speak to an insurance adjuster without an attorney present.
Will My Insurance Rates Go Up After I Make a Claim?
It depends on your insurer and the circumstances of the accident. If you were not at fault, many Texas insurers will not raise your premium for filing a third-party claim. However, filing a claim through your own coverage, such as collision or uninsured motorist, may trigger a rate increase depending on your specific policy terms and your overall claims history.
What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages as long as your share of fault is not more than 50 percent. If you are found more than 50 percent at fault, recovery is barred entirely. Your total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of responsibility you hold. For example, being 25% at fault means your recovery is reduced by 25%. An investigation into the full facts of the crash often reveals that the other party bears more blame than initially assumed.
Can I Still Bring a Claim if I Don’t Have Car Insurance?
Yes. Texas law does not prevent uninsured drivers from filing injury claims against at-fault parties. However, driving without insurance carries its own penalties under state law, and the lack of coverage may complicate the claims process in some situations. You still have the right to pursue compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
How Much Does a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Many Houston car accident firms handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf. Note that clients may still be responsible for certain litigation costs regardless of the outcome. During your consultation, we will walk you through exactly how our fee arrangement works so there are no surprises.
Don’t Settle for Less. Let Us Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind, and the initial settlement offer they present is rarely what your case is truly worth. Waiting too long to take action can put your claim at risk as deadlines approach and records become harder to obtain. You owe it to yourself and your family to find out what your case may be worth before accepting anything.
At Sharma Injury Law, our attorneys are committed to pursuing every dollar you are owed and making sure your voice is heard throughout the process. If you need a Houston car accident lawyer who will treat your case with the urgency and attention it deserves, call us at 281-893-8644 or reach out online to schedule a consultation today.
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