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Drivers helped after car accidents

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Over 100 dedicated professionals handling car accident cases 24/7

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Over 30 years of helping drivers with car accidents.

How Much Is My Houston Car Accident Claim Worth?

Many people come to our law firm with a common question: "How much can I expect from my car accident settlement?" Answering this question is always difficult because it depends on your unique circumstances.

Most people don't know the value of their claim until they have a thorough evaluation one of our experienced Houston car accident lawyer. What we do know is the high cost of medical care in the U.S., regardless of the severity of the injuries. Consider some of the cost listed below.

Average costs for medical treatments:

  • An ambulance ride: Approximately $1,000.
  • Emergency room visits: Usually ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the services.
  • Hospital stays: Around $2,750 per night or more.
  • Surgeries: Costing tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Physical therapy: Up to $350 per session.

Some injuries require additional care, including:

  • Time in the intensive care unit (ICU)
  • Home health care
  • Assisted Living
  • Medical equipment
  • Prescriptions

Each client we help will have different costs and losses. Whether your losses amount to $1,000 or $1 million, you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party, and you shouldn't have to bear the financial burden if someone else is responsible for your accident. Contact us today for a complimentary personalized evaluation.

What Factors Influence the Value of a Car Accident Settlement?

When determining the value of a car accident settlement in Texas, several key elements come into play. These include:

  • Severity of Injuries: The extent of physical harm you’ve endured has a significant impact. Severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or broken bones often lead to higher settlements because of the long-term effects and medical care required.
  • Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle is factored into the settlement. If your car was totaled or suffered extensive damage, this will increase the total settlement amount.
  • Fault Assignment: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means the percentage of fault assigned to each party affects how much you can recover. If found to be partially responsible for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
  • Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage refers to the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident. Though difficult to quantify, it’s a vital part of your claim.
  • Medical Expenses: All medical costs related to the accident are included in the settlement. This covers hospital visits, surgeries, medication, therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical needs if ongoing treatment is required. It's crucial to account for future medical care, especially in cases involving long-term recovery.
  • Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If the accident caused you to miss work, your settlement should include compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or diminish your ability to earn in the future, that loss of income must be considered in the settlement.

Our experienced Houston car accident attorneys carefully assess these factors to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under Texas law.

Ambulance at an accident

Are Medical Expenses Taken Into Account When Calculating My Settlement?

Yes, medical expenses are one of the largest factors when calculating a car accident settlement. Your compensation should reflect both your current medical costs and any future medical care you may need. This includes:

  • Immediate Medical Costs: Ambulance fees, emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic tests (such as MRIs or X-rays), and initial treatments.
  • Ongoing Medical Treatment: If your injuries require long-term care, physical therapy, or rehabilitation, these costs will be factored into the settlement.
  • Future Medical Needs: In serious cases, you may need surgeries, medications, or ongoing treatments in the future. Our attorneys work with medical experts to project these future costs and ensure that your settlement covers them.
  • Prescription Medications and Medical Equipment: Costs for medications, wheelchairs, braces, or any other necessary medical equipment should also be included in the settlement calculation.

Our lawyers will ensure that all aspects of your medical treatment, both present and future, are fully covered in your settlement so you aren’t left with unpaid bills down the road.

How Is Fault Determined in Houston Car Accidents?

In Texas, determining fault is critical because it directly affects your ability to recover compensation. The state operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This rule states that if you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you are ineligible to receive any compensation.

Our team of attorneys excels in gathering and analyzing all necessary evidence to build a compelling case for our clients. We fight to ensure that fault is properly assigned and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Several sources of evidence are used to establish fault:

  • Police Reports: After a car accident, law enforcement typically arrives at the scene to assess the situation. The police report will include an officer’s observations, witness statements, and any citations issued. This report can be critical in determining fault.
  • Witness Statements:Statements from individuals who saw the accident can help clarify what happened and who was responsible.
  • Physical Evidence: Skid marks, vehicle damage, and other physical evidence from the scene help reconstruct the events leading to the collision.
  • Expert Testimony: In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be brought in to provide an analysis of how the accident occurred.

Can I Receive Compensation for Pain and Suffering?

Yes, you can receive compensation for pain and suffering, which accounts for the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident and its aftermath. This type of compensation goes beyond covering medical bills and lost wages—it addresses how the accident has affected your quality of life.

  • Physical Pain: If you’ve endured significant physical pain from your injuries, this will be considered when calculating your compensation.
  • Emotional Distress: Accidents can have a profound emotional impact, causing anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional damages are part of your pain and suffering claim.
  • Loss of Enjoyment: If your injuries have prevented you from enjoying activities you once loved, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time with family, this loss can be factored into your settlement.

While pain and suffering damages are not as easily quantifiable as medical bills, our attorneys will work to maximize this portion of your compensation, ensuring your pain is properly acknowledged and compensated.

Steward J. Guss - an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Should I Consult an Attorney for My Car Accident Claim?

If you've been involved in a car accident, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. Our car accident attorneys at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers are here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Handling a car accident claim involves more than just filing paperwork. It requires an experienced advocate to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. Our team specializes in car accident cases and is dedicated to fighting for your best interests. We meticulously gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and navigate the legal complexities to build a robust case on your behalf.

By working with our skilled attorneys, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the pursuit of compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you need to move forward.

Meet Our Team

Testimonials

They are not too pushy but provide you with the information to make an informed decision.

Heka

Guss, has a phenomenal Team and has hired great staff that is very caring! They are not too pushy but provide you with the information to make an informed decision. They are also really resourceful! Some of the staff have had real experiences that happened to them and were also taken great care of which prompted them to begin working for such a great law firm. Thank you Guss and Associates.

Stewart J. Guss and his team did an outstanding job handling my case.

James

From start to finish, they were professional, attentive, and incredibly effective. I was thrilled with the results – they secured a settlement that was twice what I expected! Their expertise and dedication truly set them apart. I highly recommend Stewart J. Guss for anyone in need of top-notch legal representation.

Mr. Stewart Guss is such a kind and caring attorney.

Ben

Mr. Stewart Guss is such a kind and caring attorney. In a world of attorneys that is very difficult to maneuver these days he stands out from the crowd not only for his expertise but for his integrity. Should you need a personal injury attorney to help you with a case do not hesitate; Run and get his help. You won’t regret it!!

I had the best experience with this firm. I have never gotten in an accident, so I didn’t know the process or what to expect at all.

Sabrina

I worked with Whitney and Kristen and they explained everything thoroughly from start to finish. They were always prompt in responding to any questions or concerns I had, and always kept me updated. My sister had also used them and I didn’t even know, but they said they liked working with them so that put me at ease. They honestly made a really great impression on me. And I would definite...

I recommend Mr. Guss to anyone who seeks hard-working staff.

Amanda

The law office of Stewart J Guss has very friendly staff, and is always accurate and reliable.  They got me what I deserved and was fast and on point with the whole case. They keep you up-to-date with your case and return any calls you place to them in a timely manner.  They answer your questions and concerns appropriately for all parties involved.  I recommend Mr. Guss to anyone...

I made the right decision to choose Stewart J Guss law firm.

Khanh

I made the right decision to choose Stewart J Guss law firm. Especially thanks to Ms Andrea Yoss and Whitzney. They were professional and communicative. Though it took time longer than expected but it was finally settled well. I highly recommended the law firm to anyone whom need help with auto accident cases!

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