Houston Car Accident Lawyers

Houston saw 67,000+ car accidents in 2022 per TxDOT data and accounts for 16% of Texas’ auto accidents.  This goes to show that Houston has some of the most accident-prone roadways in Texas.

While Texas saw a decrease in car accident fatalities, Houston did not. In 2024, Houston’s traffic deaths rose to its highest numbers as the city has lagged on its Vision Zero goal.  A total of 301 victims died in Houston last year due to a car crash.  According to TxDOT, that’s 29 more deaths compared to 2023.

More people died in vehicle crashes than by homicide in Houston during the first six months of 2024. – Axios

On this page, we’ll cover what to do after a car accident, the leading causes of car wrecks, what to do if you’re partially at-fault, tips to avoid car accidents, how to get your police report after an accident, why you should hire a Houston car accident lawyer, and more.

Leading Causes of Houston Car Accidents

Speeding was the most notable cause of accident deaths according to the Houston Police Department.  Other notable causes of car accidents in Houston include:

• Distracted Driving (texting, phone browsing, etc.)
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Speeding (failing to control speed)
• Severe Weather
• Vehicle Defects (faulty brakes, faulty airbags, etc.)

Why You Need a Houston Car Accident Attorney

After a car accident you’re going to be overwhelmed, physically and emotionally. A car accident attorney can give you the upper hand in negotiations because insurance companies take litigation more seriously when an attorney is involved. So, you, the car accident victim, can focus on getting better while your attorney handles your case.

A Houston car accident attorney will be with you throughout your recovery process. They’ll represent you, deal with insurance adjusters and find doctors so your interests are put first. They’ll negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies to get you what you deserve.

Lawyers will also hold all negligent parties accountable through investigation and evidence gathering. They’ll document injury impact, negotiate and handle claims so you can focus on your recovery. They can also negotiate with providers to delay collections and reduce medical bills after an accident.

Remember: insurance companies want to pay victims as little as possible and will make low settlement offers during the claims process. A car accident attorney has the experience and resources to handle the claims process so you get the full value of your claim. They can counter the other driver’s blame and protect your case during negotiations.

A car accident attorney will make sure all aspects of your claim are calculated correctly, including:

• medical bills,
• lost wages,
• pain and suffering.

Our law firm has a No Win, No Fee Guarantee so clients can pursue their claims without upfront costs.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston

The minutes after a car accident are crucial. Your safety and taking the right steps can make a big difference in your claim. Act fast and deliberate.

First call the police and get medical attention. Your health and safety come first, and a police report will be important for any future claims. Next, gather as much evidence as you can at the scene. This includes photos, witness info and anything else relevant. Finally, call your insurance company right away so your claim can be processed quickly.

Here’s more on these steps so you’re ready in case of a car accident.

Call Authorities and Get Medical Attention

Calling the police after a car accident is not just a legal requirement it’s also for documentation and help. When you get to the scene call 9-1-1 to report the accident and get medical help if needed. This will get the accident documented which will be helpful when you file your claim.

Get medical help after the accident even if you don’t see any injuries. Some injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not show symptoms right away. If you suspect any injuries get a full medical exam as soon as possible. This will not only get you medical help but also get you medical records for your car accident claim.

Gather As Much Evidence at the Scene

Documenting the scene is important for your claim. Start by taking photos of the scene, including damage to vehicles, personal injuries, traffic signs and the surrounding area. These photos will be important evidence of what happened at the scene and help determine fault.

Also get contact info from witnesses including their names, phone numbers and statements. This will be important during the legal process. Also get names, phone numbers and insurance info from the other driver.

Get the police officers names, badge numbers and the Texas accident report number. All this info will help your case and the claims process.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Reporting the accident to your insurance company is required by law and helps with the claims process. Report the accident as soon as possible to get insurance coverage and avoid penalties. Delaying notification can get the insurance company to deny coverage and you’ll be stuck with the bill.

When you notify your insurance company be careful with what you say to the other party’s insurance to avoid admitting fault. Let your car accident lawyer handle the communication with the insurance companies so they protect your interests and get you fair compensation.

A Houston car accident attorney can make the recovery process easier by managing these communications and getting you car repairs as soon as possible through your coverage.

How Car Accident Claims Work in Houston

Proving negligence is a big part of the car accident claims process. In Texas, you must prove another party was unreasonably careless and that’s what caused your injuries. The amount of compensation in these cases is based on the severity of the injuries and other factors such as medical records and future earning capacity. You can recover economic damages like medical bills and lost wages and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Let’s get into filing a claim, statute of limitations and the difference between settlements and lawsuits.

Filing a Claim

Documenting the accident scene is key to getting insurance compensation. After the accident gather evidence such as pictures, video and witness contact information to support your claim. When you file a claim include all the details, medical treatment and bills.

If the insurance company and claimant can’t agree on a settlement the case will go to trial. Having a lawyer will make sure the insurance adjuster doesn’t take advantage of you during the claims process. A lawyer can file a claim even if you’re partially at fault for the accident.

Your lawyer will handle the entire process of filing a lawsuit if necessary to make sure you’re represented.

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, the deadline to file a claim or lawsuit after a car accident is two years from the date of the accident. This statute of limitations means you must take action within this time frame to preserve your right to compensation. If you don’t take action within the two-year statute of limitations, you’ll lose your right to compensation.

Claims involving the government or tolled circumstances may have a different timeline to file a car accident case lawsuit. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer to find out what deadlines apply to your case and make sure all necessary legal steps are taken in a timely manner.

Settlement vs. Lawsuit

Settling a claim out of court is usually quicker and less formal than a lawsuit. But if negotiations fail, you’ll need to file a lawsuit, and your lawyer will let you know. The insurance company has 30 days to respond to a lawsuit. Negotiations with the insurance company can continue even after a lawsuit is filed.

Claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance should be filed as soon as possible to get a quicker settlement. Outcomes from negotiations can vary; if successful outstanding bills are paid and the rest is sent to you.

Your compensation will be affected by your percentage of fault after litigation. Contact a car accident lawyer to find out if you should settle or sue.

What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents?

Car accidents in Houston can be very different, each with their own unique challenges and injury patterns. The most common types of car accidents in Houston are:

1. Rear End Collisions

Rear end collisions are common car accidents where one vehicle hits the back of another. These accidents happen when the lead vehicle stops suddenly and the following vehicle hits.

Typical injuries from rear end collisions are whiplash, back injuries and sometimes more severe spinal injuries. These accidents can result in big medical bills and recovery time so legal help is necessary to get fair compensation.

2. T-Bone Accidents

T-Bone accidents also known as side impact crashes happen when the front end of one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. These types of accidents are common at intersections and can be severe for the occupants of the struck vehicle.

In T-Bone accidents the side of the vehicle is hit which exposes the passengers to more risk of injury since there is no protective barrier compared to the front and back. Common injuries from T-Bone accidents are fractures, whiplash, internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries from the force of the impact.

3. Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of accident and often result in severe injuries or death due to the high impact. The high impact of head on collisions can cause catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and multiple fractures.

Since these injuries are so severe car accident victims of head on collisions may have long recovery time, big medical bills and permanent disabilities.

Legal help is necessary for head on collision victims to navigate the claims, get compensation and protect their rights.

Other types of car accidents that occur in Houston are:

• Rollover Accidents
• Hit-and-Run Accidents
• Distracted Driving Accidents
• Semi-Truck Accidents
• Rideshare Accidents
• DUI/DWI Accidents
• Speeding Accidents
• Uninsured/Underinsured Driver Accidents
• Intersection Accidents
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents

How To Find the Best Car Accident Lawyer

Working with a Houston car accident lawyer can make a big difference in your case. Call a car accident lawyer first for a free consultation to see what your options are after an accident. Look for attorneys who handle car accidents and schedule a consultation to discuss your options.

Meeting with potential lawyers in person can give you more insight than just reading about them. Consultations with Houston car accident lawyers are free so there’s no risk to you. Most Houston car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis which means you pay nothing unless you win your case.

Building a good attorney-client relationship is key to a successful case. Let’s get into some questions to ask your lawyer, contingency fees and building a relationship.

Questions to Ask

Experience

When choosing a car accident lawyer ask about their experience in car accident cases, their success rate and familiarity with similar claims. Ask about their qualifications, education and any special certifications in personal injury law.

Communication

Ask about their communication style how often they will update you on your case and how they prefer to communicate. Make sure you understand how they will address your concerns and questions throughout the process.

Fees (if any)

Ask about the fee structure by asking about their contingency fee arrangement and any extra costs you might incur during the case. Finally ask the lawyer about their approach to your case and how they will gather evidence and represent you.

Contingency Fees

Contingency fees are arrangements where legal fees are paid only if the case is won so clients can get legal help without upfront costs. Clients pay only if they win or settle the case, with typical fees ranging from 33% to 40% of the recovery.

One of the biggest benefits of contingency fees is that lawyers have a motivation to work hard to get the client the most compensation possible since their payment is based on the outcome. This arrangement means clients don’t pay unless the lawyer wins the case so there are no attorney fees if the case loses.

Building a Good Attorney-Client Relationship

Good communication with your lawyer builds trust and clarity on the case. Building a good attorney-client relationship means regular updates, transparent communication and mutual trust. This relationship is key to navigating your case and getting a good result.

A good relationship with your lawyer means they understand you and can advocate for you. This means being responsive to your questions and explaining the process in plain language.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m partially at fault in the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.001). This means:

• If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
• If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example:
Say a jury awards you $100,000 in damages, but they find you 20% at fault for speeding. Your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000.

Why This Matters:

• Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto victims to reduce payouts.
• A lawyer can challenge fault determinations and ensure fair compensation.
• If the police report incorrectly assigns blame, a lawyer can help dispute it.

📌 Tip: Never admit fault at the scene. Let the evidence (police reports, witness statements, accident reconstruction) determine liability.

Is Texas a no-fault state?

No, Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. This impacts how claims are handled:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance must pay for damages, medical bills, and other losses.
• If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to file against your own policy (if you have UM/UIM coverage).
• Disputes over fault can lead to lawsuits or settlement negotiations.

Why This Matters:

• In no-fault states, drivers must file claims through their own insurance regardless of fault.
• Texas does not require Personal Injury Protection (PIP), but many drivers carry it.

📌 Tip: If the at-fault driver denies responsibility, consult a lawyer before giving statements to insurers.

How do I get a copy of or read my Houston accident report?

The Houston Police Department (HPD) and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) provide accident reports. Here’s how to obtain yours:

Option 1: Online (Fastest)

• Visit the Texas Crash Report Portal: TxDOT Crash Reports
• Enter the accident date, location, and involved parties.
• Cost: ~$6 for a regular copy, ~$8 for a certified copy.

Option 2: In-Person (HPD)

• Houston Police Records Division: 1200 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
• Bring valid ID and accident details.

Option 3: By Mail

• Request via HPD Records Division, including a check/money order.

How to Read It:

• Unit Numbers: Who was at fault? Check the primary unit.
• Contributing Factors: Lists driver mistakes (e.g., speeding, distraction).
• Injury Codes: Scale of injuries (minor, major, fatal).

📌 Tip: If the report contains errors, a lawyer can help dispute incorrect details.

What’s the average car accident settlement in Houston?

Settlement amounts vary widely, but here are general ranges based on severity:

Injury Type	Average Settlement in Houston
Minor (Whiplash, Bruises)	$10,000 – $25,000
Moderate (Broken Bones, Surgery)	$50,000 – $200,000
Severe (Brain Injury, Paralysis)	$500,000 – $1,500,000+

Factors Affecting Value:

• Severity of injuries (hospitalization, long-term care).
• Lost wages & future earnings (can you return to work?).
• Pain & suffering (emotional distress, PTSD).
• Insurance coverage limits (if the at-fault driver has low coverage, suing may be necessary).

📌 Tip: Never accept the first insurance offer – they start low. An attorney can negotiate for full compensation.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

No. Insurance companies often lowball initial offers to settle quickly. Here’s why you should always negotiate:

• The first offer rarely covers long-term medical costs or lost wages.
• Once you accept, you waive the right to claim future damages.
• Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts – they assume most people won’t fight back.

Example Case:

• A Houston driver was offered $20,000 after a rear-end crash.
• After hiring an attorney, they settled for $75,000 – 3.75x the original offer.

📌 Tip: If you’re unsure, get a free case review from a lawyer before signing anything.

Do I really need a lawyer for a minor accident?

It depends. If there are no injuries and minimal damage, you may not need a lawyer. But in many cases, hiring one is still beneficial:

✔ When You Might NOT Need a Lawyer:

• No injuries, just property damage.
• Other driver admits fault, and insurance pays fairly.
• You’re comfortable negotiating small claims (under $10,000).

🚨 When You SHOULD Get a Lawyer:

• You experience pain days/weeks later (soft tissue injuries).
• The insurance company denies, delays, or undervalues your claim.
• You suffered a concussion, back pain, or any medical expenses.

Example:
A Houston driver involved in a low-speed crash thought they were fine. A month later, they needed $12,000+ in spinal therapy. If they had settled early, they wouldn’t have received compensation for ongoing medical care.

📌 Tip: Even minor injuries can lead to long-term medical costs – consult an attorney to ensure fair compensation.

Client Testimonial

“After experiencing my first car accident—a truly terrible experience—I had no idea what to do. I was suffering from neck and back pain, and my car was totaled. I was completely lost until a friend suggested that, given the severity of the accident and the damages involved, I should hire an attorney. This friend recommended the Law Offices of Omar Khawaja.

I reached out to them, and in no time, I had signed a contract. Throughout the case, I worked with highly professional individuals, and I want to express my gratitude to each of them. A special thanks to Julio, Suzie Hijazi, who fought tirelessly for my rights and achieved the best possible outcome, and to Beatriz, whose kindness and professionalism were truly appreciated.

I sincerely hope that none of you ever have to go through an accident, but life is full of unpredictable events. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, I highly recommend reaching out to this law firm. If you remain patient, rest assured that you will get the best possible outcome.

Once again, I want to thank everyone at Omar Khawaja’s office, especially those who worked on my case. I am extremely satisfied with the results of their hard work.” – Amirreza Amirshahi