From culture and history to a thriving downtown scene, Houston has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, it also presents many road hazards for motorists and is home to several highly dangerous roads. Some of the most common ones throughout the city include:

• I-45
• FM 1960
• I-10
• Highway 6
• Beechnut Road
• Fondren Road
• Westheimer Road
• Bissonnet Street

While each of these roads presents a different risk, they all have contributed to a significant number of crashes on a regular basis. When driving on these roads, extra caution should be used to reduce the risk of being injured. 

Most car accidents are preventable and therefore the result of negligence. However, this must be demonstrated in a personal injury claim and established as a fact before you can be issued any compensation for your losses. To satisfy this legal requirement, your car accident attorney in Houston, TX must show the four elements of the standard of negligence, which include:

• Duty of care: A driver has a responsibility to you and other motorists to observe the rules of the road and exercise caution in order to ensure safety and prevent an accident
• Breach of duty: A driver who disregards the rules of the road or acts carelessly or recklessly puts other motorists at risk and violates the responsibility they have when out  on the road
• Causation: A driver who engaged in unsafe behavior and caused an accident was the direct source of the collision and your resulting injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses. 
• Damages: A driver who is found liable for causing an accident that could have been prevented is responsible for providing you with compensation for your losses as a means of restitution. 

To successfully and thoroughly show each one of these components, it is important to have as much evidence as possible. Photos, surveillance, statements from witnesses or experts, and bills and diagnostic results for your injuries and other losses can be used to show the other party’s actions, level of liability, and the consequences you are living with as a result. Your lawyer will skillfully advocate for you and negotiate maximum compensation in the process. 

Sometimes, more than one party may be at fault in causing a vehicle collision. This may involve multiple other parties, or you may have contributed to the accident in some small way yourself. In either situation, you may be left wondering what your options are for recovering compensation. Texas’ modified comparative negligence laws provide guidance on how these situations are to be handled. 

When more than one party is at fault for an accident, each party’s level of fault is examined and assigned a percentage that represents their contribution. For those who are less than 50% at fault, their maximum compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault they received. For those who contributed 50% or more to the accident they will be prohibited from receiving compensation altogether. 

In the event that you contributed to the accident, it is vital to speak to your lawyer right away. They will investigate and review the accident and your actions, and will fight to ensure you are liable for as little as possible. They will also negotiate to get you as much compensation as possible to help with your losses. 

Sadly, even the most innocent of mistakes after a car accident can be used against you. Insurance companies often try to avoid paying you what you are due in order to protect their bottom line. They use a variety of tactics to restrict your payout as much as possible. They may use technicalities to delay or deny your claim or provide a low settlement offer. To minimize the risk of this occurring, avoid these mistakes to ensure you receive maximum compensation: 

• Apologizing or admitting fault to the other driver or law enforcement for the accident 
• Refusing to seek medical care after an accident, or failing to follow a doctor’s instructions regarding your recovery or ongoing care
• Choosing not to file a police report that would document the details of the accident and provide valuable evidence
• Failing to gather as much evidence as possible via photos, videos, witness statements, repair estimates, or medical bills or results
• Discussing the accident with friends and family, posting about it on social media, or talking with an insurance adjuster 
• Failing to hire car accident attorneys in Harris County to represent you, protect your rights, and negotiate a fair settlement
• Accepting the first offer you receive from the insurance company, as it is typically the lowest offer

By avoiding these mistakes, hiring a lawyer, and being extremely cautious in all your dealings with other parties, you can increase the likelihood that you will receive a favorable outcome for your case. It also reduces the time it will take to resolve your case with the insurance company.

The cost of medical care and vehicle damage after an accident can be astronomical, and having to pay for these costs out of pocket could decimate your finances and wreak havoc on your life. Compensation can help you recover what you have lost. It provides financial relief designed to help you recover and regain a sense of wholeness in your life. You may be able to recover a variety of losses after an accident, which may include: 

• The cost of initial or ongoing medical care, such as tests and treatments, rehabilitative therapy, equipment, and other necessary accommodations
• Repair or replacement costs for vehicles and personal belongings
• Lost earnings or earning capacity from being unable to work due to injury
• Funeral and burial expenses in the event of fatality 
• Pain and suffering caused by the trauma of the accident
• Reduced quality of life and inability to enjoy activities you previously participated in prior to the accident
• Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Loss of companionship and consortium

What you can recover in a personal injury claim is specific to your unique circumstances and losses. The severity and extent of your losses can heavily influence what you will receive in your settlement. The value of your losses and the overall worth of your case can be calculated with the help of a lawyer. The more evidence you can provide of your losses, the more accurate their estimate will be, and the more effectively they can negotiate a favorable settlement for you.  

Texas’s Statute of Limitations on Recovering Compensation

After a car accident, you have a limited amount of time to pursue damages for the losses you have suffered. The statute of limitations in Texas is two years from the time of the accident. Any attempt to file a claim after this time will likely be barred. Because of the time limit and the risk that evidence will deteriorate, it is essential to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to ensure you receive a favorable outcome. 

After an accident, it is ​​important to hire an attorney promptly to ensure you are not taken advantage of and can get the results you need as swiftly as possible. Your case will be stronger since the evidence and the ability to recall events are fresh and have not had time to deteriorate. Car accident lawyers in Houston, TX can also act quickly to investigate the events, gather additional evidence, and negotiate a settlement so you can receive the resources you need. 

Your lawyer will be your advocate and find the most effective solution to the challenges you are facing. They will fight for you from beginning to end and protect your rights. Because not every case goes to trial, your lawyer will often work to settle your case with the insurance company or directly with the other driver if necessary. However, they are prepared and equipped to go to court should the need arise. 

Hiring a Lawyer is Possible With a Contingency Fee Model

Personal injury lawyers work on contingency fees so that legal services are not out of reach when you need them the most. This structure means that you never pay your lawyer out of pocket for their services. They only collect legal fees when they win your case and deduct them from an awarded settlement or verdict. This ensures that you have an advocate and an attorney aligned with the goals you have for your case. 

Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers is committed to helping clients who have suffered serious injuries at the hands of another party in Harris County. We fight for you and ensure you are not treated unfairly, especially while you are in a vulnerable position. We empower you and your future by securing the results you need. Reach out to our Downtown Houston law office to schedule your free consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.