Houston Car Accident Lawyer | Johnson Garcia LLP

Experienced Houston Car Accident Lawyer

Even when you do your best to drive defensively and avoid danger on the road, unfortunately you can’t control certain risk factors. Bad weather, poor road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, and the actions of other drivers cause car accidents throughout the Houston area every day.

Many of these accidents are minor fender-benders you can resolve with a call to the insurance company. Others are much more severe, resulting in major damage, injuries, expensive medical bills, and other frustrating complications.

If you’re the victim of a serious crash, there are steps you can take to make sure you get the best possible outcome—including finding the right Houston car accident lawyer to represent you.

Our team at Johnson Garcia LLP can help you navigate the stressful legal aspects of your case and help you get the compensation you need while you recover.

Have You Been a Victim in a Car Accident?

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

After a crash, you might be in a state of shock. You might be confused, or you might be angry. These feelings are common and normal. But it’s important to get into a calm mindset before talking to the other driver or the police. It’s hard to speak clearly and rationally if you’re angry or upset.

If you or your passenger(s) is seriously injured, pinned, bleeding, or unresponsive, don’t try to move yourself or the passenger. This can make injuries worse. Call 911 immediately or make sure someone else on the scene calls. If you’re not seriously injured, take a few deep breaths and do the following:

Pull over to a safe location. Leaving your car in the road can be hazardous. If the accident is relatively minor and your car is drivable, consider pulling over to a safe location on the side of the road. If your car is on the road but it’s too dangerous or not possible to move it, carefully exit the vehicle and move to a safe place off the road.
Call the police. Even if no one has been hurt, you’ll need to call the police to get a complete report before you or anyone else involved leaves the scene of the accident. If there are witnesses nearby, make sure that they talk to the police about what they saw.
Exchange insurance information with the other driver. Take down their full name, driver’s license number, insurance company name and policy number, and their license plate number. Do not admit fault to the other driver or witnesses, and do not say anything that might accidentally suggest you are at fault in any way (e.g., “I only looked down for a second.”).
Take notes. Write down everything you can about the entire accident, including what you remember happening, any details you noticed (even if they don’t seem important), where the vehicles ended up, the timing of events, etc. Also jot down details about their vehicle (make, model, color).

Take pictures. Use your phone to take photos of the scene from different viewpoints and angles. Make sure to get clear pictures of the vehicle damage, the positioning of the vehicles after the crash, any tire marks or debris on the road, personal injuries, etc. The more information, the better.
Call your insurance company. When the police report is complete and everyone is safe, call your auto insurance company to file a claim. Do not admit fault and be careful with your words (e.g., Do not say “I ran into someone.” Instead, say, “I was involved in an accident with someone.”).
Get medical care. Even if medical personnel arrive on the scene and don’t think you need emergency transportation to an ER, you should still go to the ER or your doctor’s office as soon as possible after the accident. You might feel normal after the accident, but many people have soft tissue injuries, whiplash, or even a concussion from hitting their head. Only a doctor can diagnose these conditions.
Call a trusted car accident lawyer in Houston. Our skilled attorneys can help you organize your information, file any necessary paperwork, and walk you through your rights as a victim.

KEY QUESTIONS AFTER A HOUSTON CAR ACCIDENT

In the days and weeks after an accident you’ll probably have a lot of questions. Even if you took all the right steps after the accident—exchanging information with the other party, calling 911, and getting a police report—you may still feel unsure about what to do next and what to expect. Here are some questions to think about if you’re deciding whether to call a Houston car wreck lawyer.

A temporary red emergency stop sign placed on the road in front of the scene of a car accident.

Was your vehicle damaged?

If your car was seriously damaged or totaled, you could experience a significant disruption to your life. You rely on your vehicle to get to work, meet family obligations, and get around. If someone else caused the crash, you shouldn’t have to pay for repairs or to replace your car. Insurance companies often don’t pay the true cost of replacing a car—instead they compensate you for the depreciated value of your vehicle. Our Houston car accident attorneys may be able to get you more.

Was anyone injured or killed?

If you or a loved one suffered injury in the accident or if your loved one didn’t survive, it’s important to speak to a Houston car wreck lawyer as soon as possible to learn what recourse you might have. You may be entitled to significant compensation for injuries and damages.

Do you have medical expenses?

Medical costs associated with car accidents are a gray area, since health insurance companies often expect the other driver’s auto insurance company to pay. If you paid out of pocket for medical bills because your health insurance company refused to pay, you have the right to recover payment for these costs. Call our law firm to learn more.

What are my legal rights and responsibilities after an accident?

All drivers involved in an accident that results in property damage or injuries are required by Texas law to stop, stay at the scene, and exchange information. Don’t admit fault to the other driver, to witnesses, or to law enforcement. Our car accident law firm can guide you on how to determine liability for your situation. If you weren’t negligent, you have the right to file an insurance claim against the other driver.

How much can I expect to get in a settlement?

If the other driver is found negligent and you sustained injuries, the amount of your settlement will depend on several factors, including how severe your injuries are, the total cost of your medical bills, how much income you’ve lost, whether you have lasting or permanent impairments, disabilities, or disfigurements, and your pain and suffering. Our auto collision attorneys will fight for you to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

WHY HIRE AN EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER?

After a car accident you have enough things to worry about—medical bills, loss of income, and painful injuries, to name a few. Your instinct might be to try to deal with the insurance company on your own. But it can be an exhausting process. We’ve seen too many people accept settlements that are too low because the insurance companies wore them down or because they didn’t know they could get more. Accepting too little can leave you in a difficult financial position, with less money than you actually need to cover your losses. We’ll help you:

Determine who is liable for your injuries
Prepare and file your claim
Gather and present supporting evidence
Negotiate with insurance adjusters
Calculate the value of your claim
Fight for a fair settlement

Remember, insurance companies are in the business of protecting their bottom lines—not making sure you become whole again after an accident. They want to close your claim and move on. Our experienced auto collision attorneys will fight on your behalf to make sure you get the most compensation for your injuries and losses. We have the experience, energy, and resources to help you. Call us at (832) 844-6700 to set up your free consultation today.

HOW TO DEAL WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES AFTER AN ACCIDENT

Insurance companies are in the business to make money. They want to pay out as little as possible and close your claim quickly.

Make sure they don’t undercut you by going in prepared. At a minimum you need to understand your insurance policy and coverage details. Take the time to understand things like what bodily injury coverage is and who it covers, whether you have coverages on your policy that protect you—like comprehensive and collision—and whether you’re protected in case an uninsured or underinsured person injures you or causes damage to your property. Make sure you know the approximate Kelley Blue Book value of your car, and keep all medical bills related to your accident.

If you decide to negotiate with the insurance company on your own, here are some tips:

Never accept their first payout offer. This is the minimum they’re willing to give you, and if you can prove you deserve more, you may get it.
Don’t underestimate the value of your claim. Add up the cost your car repairs, lost wages, medical treatment expenses resulting from the accident, etc.
Choose your words carefully and never admit fault. Don’t say things like “He came out of nowhere” or “I only looked down for a second.”
Don’t accept any deal that doesn’t seem fair or that you know will not cover your expenses and losses.

The best way to ensure you get the best settlement is to hire an experienced attorney. The Houston car accident lawyers at our firm know when insurance companies are trying to take advantage of people to get a claim off their books. We’ll fight for your rights to get you the best settlement.

JOHNSON GARCIA LLP CAN HELP YOU OBTAIN COMPENSATION

If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one because of another driver’s negligence, the lawyers at Johnson Garcia LLP can help you get compensation for:

Medical Expenses

Lost Wages

Permanent Disability/Disfigurement

Pain and Suffering

Reduced Quality of Life

Mental Anguish

If you decide to bring a lawsuit against the other driver, the burden of proof lies with you, according to Texas law. That’s why you need a skilled attorney to represent you. Our Houston car accident lawyers will gather information and testimony to strengthen your case in court, including:

Medical records documenting injuries, treatments, and outcomes
Medical bills related to the accident
Doctor testimony about diagnosis, cause of injuries, and prognosis (outcome)
Lost wages from employers
Testimony from friends and family on the impact of the accident on loved ones

If you’re the immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) of someone who passed away in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to know you can bring a lawsuit immediately for wrongful death. No amount of money can bring your loved one back, but it can help bring a sense of justice and provide a more secure future for survivors. Call us at (832) 844-6700 to set up your free consultation today.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU AFTER AN ACCIDENT

At Johnson Garcia LLP, we know it can be a confusing and emotional time after an accident. Your whole life might have been turned upside down. Not being able to work or struggling to pay mounting medical bills can be incredibly difficult and stressful.

Building a good case requires professional experience and care. Whether you’re fighting for medical coverage from the insurance company or are in a dispute with another party involved in the crash, you can trust us to:

Provide a free initial consultation to discuss your case
Gather and organize all relevant information to build an accurate picture of what happened and create a strong case
Reference relevant laws and legal precedents as necessary
Walk you through the legal process, including explaining your legal rights and obligations, as well as filing necessary paperwork
Seek the full amount of coverage up to insurance policy limits
Help you understand the process of seeking disability for injuries that keep you from working

ARE THERE ANY UPFRONT COSTS FOR HIRING AN ATTORNEY?

Most people think an attorney is unaffordable, so they never even make that first call to a law firm. Insurance companies know this and may undercut you when it comes time to pay out. What many people don’t know is that some attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they get paid nothing if they don’t win your case. And if they do win, they receive a portion of the settlement (typically 33-40%). Nothing comes out of your pocket.

This is precisely how Johnson Garcia LLC operates. We work on a contingency basis, and there are no up-front costs to hire one of our Houston car accident attorneys. If we don’t win your case, you pay nothing. Why do we do this? Because we’re confident that if we take on your case, we’ll win. Call us at (832) 844-6700 to set up your free consultation today.

COMMON CAUSES AND TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS

Houston’s roads and freeways are notoriously dangerous. Reckless or distracted drivers, heavy traffic, and changing weather conditions are a few reasons why. It’s not uncommon for drivers to be side-swiped by someone making a careless lane change, T-boned by someone running a red light at an intersection, or rear-ended by a negligent driver who fails to stop. Here are a few examples of hazards and situations that can lead to a serious car accident:

Snow, rain, ice, fog, and other inclement weather. These conditions can make it difficult to see and create slippery road conditions that make it hard to control the vehicle.
Negligent or distracted driving. A distracted driver might hit someone after they drift out of their lane, fail to stop, or change lanes without looking.
Intoxication from drugs or alcohol. Those under the influence often drive recklessly and struggle to maintain control of their vehicle, which can lead to an accident.
Road hazards like downed trees, animals, or road damage. These and other unexpected issues can cause drivers to suddenly swerve or stop, increasing the risk of an accident.
Intentional reckless driving. Thrill seekers or people who are upset or experiencing road rage may drive recklessly on purpose; some may even want to intentionally cause harm to other drivers.

Regardless of the weather or other hazards, all drivers have a duty to drive defensively and take precautions while driving, like maintaining enough space between their car and the car in front of them. If your vehicle was damaged or you were injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to compensation for your damages and injuries.

CAR ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Houston’s roads, freeways, and highways are some of the most dangerous in the nation. The metro area has some of the busiest roads and heaviest traffic of any state.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2018:

249,241 individuals were injured in motor vehicle accidents (including cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.).
There were 12,161 serious auto injury crashes, with 14,908 people sustaining a serious injury (multiple people may have been injured in some crashes).
3,639 people died in car crashes (up from 3,727 in 2017).
One person was killed every 2 hours and 25 minutes in a fatal crash.
Fatalities in traffic crashes were highest (55%) in rural areas.
November 11th was the deadliest day, with 25 people killed in traffic crashes. October was the deadliest month, with 332 people killed.
Sadly, there was not a single vehicle-related fatality-free day in Texas in 2018.

These statistics highlight the serious problem of vehicle-related injuries and deaths in Texas. Unfortunately, too few people get the compensation they deserve after an accident. Johnson Garcia LLP is proud to represent everyday people. Our mission is helping clients get back on their feet.

COMMON INJURIES SUSTAINED BY ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Many accidents result in injuries that are minor and can be treated easily. In more severe crashes, however, injuries can be quite serious and even life-threatening. Common injuries that can occur as a result of a car accident can include:

Concussions (potentially with permanent brain damage)
Whiplash
Cuts, abrasions, and bruises
Crushed, broken, or fractured limbs
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Spinal damage (often leading to chronic back pain)
Skull and facial fractures

Sadly, too many car accidents lead to not only severe injuries but fatalities. If you have suffered severe injuries or have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident due to someone else’s negligence, the attorneys at Johnson Garcia LLC can help

HURT IN A CAR ACCIDENT? CONTACT JOHNSON GARCIA LLP

When you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may not have the physical ability, mental energy, or relevant knowledge to handle all aspects of the situation on your own. If you’re struggling to get coverage for medical bills and other expenses or find yourself engaged in a dispute about employer disability, an experienced car accident lawyer in Houston can provide the knowledge and support you need.

At Johnson Garcia LLP, we work hard to get you the outcome you deserve as the victim of a serious car accident. With years of collective experience handling personal injury cases and resolving insurance and business disputes, we can help you get the money you need and guide you through the often-stressful process of filing a suit.

We don’t ask clients who can’t afford it to pay anything upfront. Your initial consultation is completely free, and if we don’t recover damages for you, we don’t get paid—it’s just that simple. To learn more about what we can do for you or set up an appointment to discuss your case with one of our personal injury lawyers, call Johnson Garcia LLP today at
832-844-6700, or fill out our contact form online.

Frequently Asked Questions

*Our FAQs are intended solely for informational purposes and should not be relied or construed upon as legal advice. Each case presents different facts that must be evaluated independently under law.

I’ve been in an accident. When should I hire a lawyer?

After a serious accident, you should hire someone to fight for you immediately. At Johnson Garcia LLP, we know from years of experience that the other side will often immediately begin preparing to fight against you. This means they will look for ways to pay you less than what you deserve. Don’t let them treat you or your loved ones unfairly. At Johnson Garcia, we know what you’re facing and will make sure you have the upper hand.

The insurance company for the other driver called and wants a statement from me about what happened. Should I speak with them?

No. The insurance company for the other driver is not on your side. We recommend that you call the lawyers at Johnson Garcia for help responding to information requests. We know the ways the other side may be trying to hurt your case and will make sure you have someone in your corner from the start.

I was asked to sign a document by the other driver’s insurance company. Should I sign it?

No. When claims are resolved, the other side will often require that you sign a release. However, signing a release before you have been made whole can impact your ability to recover. Speak with a lawyer at Johnson Garcia LLP before you sign anything.

What is “pain and suffering”?

In general, “pain and suffering” refers to non-monetary damages associated with a serious personal injury—things like physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering is often the largest portion of an award for a car accident case. Unlike the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle, it can be difficult to quantify pain and suffering. That’s why it’s important to hire a seasoned attorney who can help determine how much you should receive.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

You may still be able to recover some compensation even if you were partly responsible for the crash. But it will be reduced by the percentage you were at fault. For example, if you are determined to have been 30% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by this much. Do not admit fault to the other party, their insurance company, the police, or any witnesses. Call the attorneys at Johnson Garcia LLP as soon as possible after an accident.

The insurance company for the other driver keeps asking me for a statement. Should I provide it?

No. Insurance adjusters often try to pressure an injured person into giving a statement after an accident, but you are not required to provide it. Don’t try to negotiate with the other driver’s adjuster. Contact a qualified car accident attorney to help.

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