Houston Car Accident Lawyer

Do you need a Houston car accident lawyer?

Houston’s roads are the nation’s most dangerous and deadly. We know because we live here too!

When you’ve been in a road accident, our car accident injury lawyers in Houston can help you know your rights – and protect them.

We know the stress you are under. That's why our Houston car accident attorneys work hard to take the legal burdens off your shoulders while you focus on recovering during this time.

As an accident injury law firm with over 20 years of experience, Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers is the name to remember if you're ever in a wreck. From fender benders to catastrophic pileups, our firm handles it all.

You and your loved ones deserve the best Texas car accident lawyer on your side during this stressful time. A car accident lawyer from our firm can meet with you to help you better understand your legal options and answer your questions. Our Houston car accident lawyers want to help you make the best choices after a serious crash.

We offer FREE consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don't wait any longer to know your rights. Get the help you deserve. Reach out now to be connected to a Houston car accident lawyer near you.

You are never under any obligation when you call our law firm for help.

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Why Should You Hire Our Houston Car Accident Lawyers?

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A car accident is a complex situation for anyone to deal with. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on your side.

They only care about paying you as little as possible. That’s why you need someone on your side that cares about you and your best interests.

The attorneys at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident claims, and we have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our injured clients.

You might not know your rights and your options after a car wreck. An attorney from our firm will sit with you and inform you of your rights and options for pursuing compensation. We will also work diligently to gather the necessary evidence to hold the at-fault driver accountable and advocate for you if the insurance company tries to deny or devalue your claim or blame you for the accident.

Don't worry: if you are uninsured, or cannot afford health insurance deductibles or co-pays, we may be able to help you obtain the medical treatment you need at no upfront out-of-pocket cost to you.

Contact Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you after a serious car accident.

How Much Does a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Charge?

One of the main reasons car accident victims decide not to call a personal injury lawyer is because they are concerned about the cost.

Our Houston auto accident attorneys don’t charge exorbitant hourly fees like you might see on TV shows or movies.

We know that as a car accident victim, you deserve to RECEIVE money, not PAY money.

For this reason, we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our attorneys don’t get paid until they collect money from winning your case.

When we secure a favorable settlement or verdict, you pay our firm a percentage of the money we win for you.

This allows all injured car accident victims the ability to seek justice – no matter what their financial situation may be.

Contingency fees vary from lawyer to lawyer, and we can discuss our fees when you call us to schedule your FREE consultation and case review.

A contingent fee means:

  • You pay NOTHING for a consultation
  • If you hire us, we will cover all costs upfront
  • We charge no fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you
  • Our payment comes from your settlement, NOT your pocket

You never have to have extra money on hand to hire our car accident attorneys. This means that EVERYONE can afford to hire the best lawyer for their car accident claim.

What Should I Do After a Houston Car Accident?

If you've been involved in a car accident, it's important to take certain steps to ensure your safety, the safety of others, and to protect your legal interests. Here's a general guide on what to do after a car accident:

  • Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and try to remain as calm as possible. This will help you think more clearly and handle the situation effectively.
  • Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance immediately by dialing emergency services.
  • Move to a Safe Location: If possible and without causing further harm, move your vehicle to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road. This helps prevent additional accidents.
  • Call the Police and Report the Accident: Texas law requires you to report any vehicle accident that resulted in injuries or death or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even if the accident is minor, you should still call the police. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.
  • Exchange Information: Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle details with the other parties involved in the accident. Be sure to note the make, model, and license plate number of each vehicle.
  • Document the Scene: Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, and any relevant road signs or signals. This documentation can be valuable later.
  • Obtain Witness Information: If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements may be helpful in determining fault.
  • Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be construed as an admission of fault. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident with the other parties involved, the police, or insurance representatives.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your own insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with the necessary information and follow their instructions for filing a claim.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't believe you're seriously injured, it's a good idea to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can document any injuries sustained in the accident.
  • Keep Records: Keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and communication with insurance companies. These records can be crucial for any legal or insurance claims.
  • Consult an Attorney: The most important step you can take after receiving treatment for your injuries is to contact an experienced Houston car accident attorney. They can provide guidance on your specific situation and help protect your rights.

Remember, the specific steps may vary depending on your location, local laws, and the severity of the accident. Always prioritize safety and follow the advice of law enforcement and medical professionals. If in doubt, speak with the legal professionals at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers for guidance tailored to your situation.

When Should I Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer?

Houston car accident lawyer

Even if you take all of the right steps after your auto accident in Houston, you will have many questions. Some concerns need answers right away, 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:

Are There Injuries or Fatalities?

When you or someone close to you suffers injuries in a crash, the first order of business is to get medical help.

If you received medical care or if a loved one didn’t survive the crash, you should speak with an experienced auto accident attorney at our law firm as soon as possible to determine the full impact of those losses.

Are Any Vehicles Damaged?

Car crashes can cause serious damage to your car or even completely destroy it. You rely on your vehicle to get you to work, school, or your family obligations.

You should not pay for the costs of repairs or replacing your car if someone else caused your crash.

You also don’t want to go weeks or months without a vehicle. You deserve full compensation for the damage from the responsible party’s insurance company, and our law firm can help.

Are the Houston Police Involved?

Houston law enforcement officers regularly arrive at the scene of car accidents. An officer should always try to identify if one or more drivers violated the law, such as by driving intoxicated.

Officers can also issue citations for speeding, running red lights, and other traffic violations. If this happens, it can help you prove who was at fault for your future insurance claim. Having a copy of the police report is invaluable.

Are There 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 cover them.

Medical bills from car accidents can range from a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars. In either case, you should call our law firm right away to understand your rights.

What Are the Legal Rights and Responsibilities of the Drivers?

If any property damage or injuries occurred in a crash, Texas law requires all drivers involved to stop and remain at the scene until they have rendered necessary aid and exchanged information.

In the time following a crash, each driver’s rights and responsibilities will depend on who caused the crash.

Any drivers or motorists who didn’t act negligently have the right to file insurance claims against the negligent driver.

Drivers who cause a crash will need to contact their own insurance companies, which have the responsibility of reimbursing victims for their losses.

In many cases, more than one person may bear some fault. A Houston car accident attorney at our firm can determine liability in your unique situation.

What Kind of Settlement Should You Expect?

If another driver was negligent and you file an insurance claim, the amount of your settlement payment will depend on many factors. These include:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • The total cost of your medical bills
  • Whether you need ongoing medical care in the future
  • How much work you missed, and what income you lost
  • Whether you’re able to go back to work in the future
  • Whether you have lasting impairments, disfigurement, or disabilities
  • The pain and suffering you experienced

What Makes a Strong Car Accident Injury Claim?

There are many factors to consider when determining the strength of your car accident claim.

  • Clear liability. Texas is a modified comparative negligence state. If someone is more than 50% at fault for the accident, they cannot recover money from the accident. Instead, they’re liable for damages after the crash. If your case involves clear liability, then it will be a stronger case.
  • Significant property damage. When your vehicle suffers significant property damage, insurers are more likely to equate this with a more serious accident. This can improve your chances of collecting maximum compensation.
  • Immediate medical treatment. If you received immediate medical treatment, this strengthens your case. Delaying treatment simply gives insurance adjusters the impression that you were not as injured as you claim. It can also create skepticism that your injury is the result of your crash and not something else.
  • Consistent medical treatment. Injured accident victims who follow their doctor’s treatment plan and attend all therapy sessions will only strengthen their cases.
  • Serious or permanent injury. If you suffered serious or permanent injury, insurance companies are forced to take your case more seriously. For this reason, it is important to reach maximum medical improvement before signing any settlement offer.
  • Evidence. Strong cases often have strong evidence supporting them. Eyewitness statements, toxicology reports, and police reports are all examples of evidence that can help your Houston car accident attorney win your case.

How Much Is My Houston Car Accident Claim Worth?

What is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Houston?

Many people contact our law firm with the same question: How much will I receive for my car accident settlement?

There is never a single (or simple) answer to this question because the answer depends directly on your individual circumstances.

Many people have no idea what their claim is worth until they have an experienced Houston car accident lawyer fully evaluate their situation.

What we DO know is that medical care in the U.S. is expensive! This is true no matter how serious your injuries may be. The following are some average costs of medical treatment you may need for your car accident injuries:

  • An ambulance ride can be around $1,000
  • An emergency room visit regularly costs $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the services
  • Hospital stays can be around $2,750 per night or more
  • Surgeries can cost tens of thousands of dollars
  • Physical therapy can cost as much as $350 per session

Some people suffer injuries that require additional care, including time in the intensive care unit (ICU), home health care, assisted living, medical equipment, and more.

Every client we help will have different costs and losses. Whether your losses are $1,000 or $1 million, you still deserve to receive compensation from the liable party.

If someone else caused your crash, you should never have to cover your own costs. Call us today to get a personalized evaluation for free.

Trust Guss To
Get You Results!

HANDLING PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS NATIONWIDE FOR 20+ YEARS.

 

How Much Can I Recover for Pain and Suffering in a Houston Car Accident?

The amount you can recover for pain and suffering in a car accident can vary widely and depends on several factors. Pain and suffering damages are considered non-economic damages, which means they are more subjective and may not have a specific monetary value assigned to them. Here are some factors that can influence the amount you might recover:

  • Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of your injuries play a significant role in determining the amount of pain and suffering damages. More severe injuries that result in long-term or permanent disabilities typically lead to higher compensation.
  • Medical Expenses: The amount of your medical expenses, including past and future costs, can be considered when calculating pain and suffering damages. Higher medical expenses may be associated with more significant pain and suffering.
  • Impact on Daily Life: The impact of the injuries on your daily life, such as the ability to work, enjoy hobbies, or maintain relationships, can influence the amount of compensation for pain and suffering.
  • Duration of Recovery: The length of time it takes for you to recover from your injuries can affect the calculation. Prolonged recovery periods or permanent impairments may result in higher compensation.
  • Emotional Distress: Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can contribute to pain and suffering damages.
  • Effect on Quality of Life: The overall impact of the accident on your quality of life is considered. This includes both physical and emotional aspects of your well-being.
  • Insurance Policy Limits: The at-fault party's insurance policy limits can also impact the amount you can recover. If the at-fault driver has limited insurance coverage, it may restrict the amount available for compensation.
  • Legal Representation: Having a skilled personal injury attorney can also influence the outcome. An experienced lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and present a compelling case, potentially leading to a higher settlement.

Determining the specific amount you can recover for pain and suffering is complex and depends on the unique circumstances of your case. Consulting a personal injury attorney who is familiar with local laws and practices can provide you with a better understanding of your potential recovery and help you navigate the legal process.

What Other Forms of Compensation Can I Receive After a Houston Car Accident?

Along with medical expenses and pain and suffering damages, you could receive various forms of compensation following a car accident that was not your fault. Examples include:

  • Property Damage: You could obtain compensation for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
  • Lost Wages: If the accident causes you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the income you lost during your recovery but also potential future earnings if your ability to work is impacted.
  • Emotional Distress: You could receive compensation for psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident.
  • Loss of Consortium: In cases where the injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or family members, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one dies as a result of the car accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other damages through a wrongful death claim.
  • Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the at-fault party's actions were particularly egregious or malicious, a court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
  • Rehabilitation and Disability: If the accident results in long-term or permanent injuries that require ongoing care or rehabilitation, you may be entitled to compensation for these expenses.

To navigate the complexities of seeking compensation after a car accident, you must consult an experienced personal injury attorney. A Houston car accident lawyer from Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers can assess the specifics of your case, help determine liability, and guide you through the legal process to maximize your potential recovery.

Why Should You Partner with Our Houston Auto Accident Lawyers?

To protect your rights when dealing with insurance companies and their questionable tactics, turn to our experienced legal team.

Our personal injury attorneys can help with every stage of your case, from filing an insurance claim to the final resolution.

Trust us to protect you every step of the way, including during these stages:

The Insurance Process

As mentioned, insurance adjusters look for ways to limit payments to car accident victims. The at-fault driver’s insurance company adjuster may claim they’re on your side—but TRUST US, they are NOT.

You ALWAYS want an aggressive car accident law firm handling your insurance claim. This includes dealing with adjusters, reviewing offers, and negotiating higher settlement offers whenever possible.

Filing the Claim

The insurance process begins when you make a claim seeking payment for your losses. Before you file a car accident claim, you want to understand the full extent of your losses, including past and future medical bills, past and future lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Many people grossly underestimate their damages and receive much less than they deserve as a result.

Our law firm works to make sure you request EVERY DOLLAR of your losses and the full amount you need and deserve.

Our experienced car crash attorneys also know how to provide persuasive evidence to support your claim.

Dealing With Adjusters

After you file an auto accident claim in Houston, an adjuster will call. The adjuster will act sympathetic and tell you they are there to help you.

ALWAYS remember that the adjuster is helping the insurance company and NOT you! The adjuster will probably ask you to give a recorded statement, and they may even tell you that a recorded statement is necessary to get a settlement.

This is NOT true. Insurance companies in a third-party claim don’t have the right to a recorded statement from you unless litigation is in process.

Giving the other side’s insurance adjuster a recorded statement can be a major mistake. While you can provide basic information such as your name and contact information, you should politely decline to give a recorded statement and let our team handle ALL communications with the insurance company from this point forward!

Reviewing Settlement Offers

Finally, the insurance adjuster tells you what you’ve been waiting to hear—the company is making a settlement offer.

You’ve likely been stressed over medical bills piling up and unpaid bills due to missing work, so you are anxious to receive your insurance check.

However, immediately accepting the first settlement offer just to get quick money is often a HUGE mistake.

Insurers want to pay as little as possible to increase their own bottom lines. For this reason, they usually encourage injured claimants to accept a lowball offer right out of the gate.

Once someone accepts an offer, they generally waive the right to seek additional compensation, no matter how incomplete the settlement was!

You ALWAYS should have an experienced car accident lawyer review ANY offers from the insurance company before you accept anything.

Our car accident lawyers will review an offer and inform you whether it is fair or not (it usually isn’t). We can then negotiate with the car insurance company to convince them to make a higher offer that will cover your losses.

Insurance companies know that our law firm means business and that we will NOT back down. This often gives us the upper hand in negotiations, and we are able to resolve many cases during the claim negotiation process.

While you may think personal injury law and the claims process should be simple and that you don’t need a lawyer, remember that these companies try to take advantage of unrepresented claimants.

Once they know you have an attorney handling your claim, their tune often changes quickly! We will work for you during every step of your claim, and we will never collect any attorney fees unless we get compensation for you!

Stewart Guss Car Accident Lawyer in Huston
Stewart J. Guss  Car Accident Attorney in Huston

Contact a Dedicated Houston Car Accident Lawyer at Trust Guss Injury Lawyers Today

While you are focusing on your physical and emotional recovery, trust our Houston car accident attorneys to protect your legal rights.

There's no need to deal with aggressive insurance adjusters or opposing lawyers on your own. Why take chances with your financial future? Let us help you starting today!

Call for a free consultation at 866-720-7920 or send us a message online today.