Every year, thousands of drivers and passengers are injured on Houston’s crowded highways and busy surface streets. The city’s size and constant growth make it one of the most congested areas in the country, with collisions happening daily on major routes such as I-10, I-45, the 610 Loop, and Beltway 8. These accidents often leave victims facing physical pain, financial loss, and insurance complications that require more than routine paperwork to resolve.
With over 35 years of combined experience, Johnson Garcia helps injured Houstonians pursue justice and compensation after serious motor vehicle crashes. Our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring that you are positioned for a strong outcome whether your claim settles or proceeds before a jury. We know Houston’s roadways, local courts, and insurance companies, and we use that knowledge to help you secure fair results that support your recovery and future.
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ToggleBefore exploring how accident claims work, it is important to understand what sets our firm apart from other personal injury practices in Houston. Each part of our experience and approach contributes to the level of service and advocacy our clients receive.
Our attorneys began their careers representing some of the largest corporations and insurance carriers in Texas. That background provides insider understanding of how insurance defense operates, including how adjusters evaluate claims and how defense lawyers prepare for litigation. We now use that knowledge to represent individuals and families injured in serious accidents. Because we anticipate the opposition’s strategies, we build each case with evidence and expert support designed to counter their arguments from the start.
Our team has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout Texas. Each result reflects the same core approach: thorough investigation, meticulous preparation, and persistence through every stage of the case. We emphasize that past outcomes do not guarantee future results, but our record demonstrates that skill and determination consistently achieve meaningful compensation for clients who have suffered life-changing injuries.
We know accidents do not happen on a schedule, which is why we are available at all hours to answer questions and provide reassurance. Our bilingual staff ensures that both English- and Spanish-speaking clients receive clear communication about their cases. From the first consultation to final resolution, we focus on keeping you informed, confident, and supported while you recover.
Houston’s complex network of highways, frontage roads, and tollways plays a major role in both the number and severity of local car accidents. Understanding these geographic factors helps explain how collisions occur and what evidence matters most in proving fault.
The I-10 corridor, one of the widest highways in the country, combines heavy commuter traffic with commercial trucking. Sudden lane changes, congestion, and frequent construction contribute to multi-vehicle crashes and high-speed impacts. When these collisions occur, we work with reconstruction experts to analyze footage, traffic patterns, and impact points to determine how the wreck unfolded and who is responsible.
Encircling the city, the 610 Loop and Beltway 8 carry hundreds of thousands of vehicles each day. Stop-and-go congestion, merging traffic, and distracted driving often lead to rear-end crashes and sideswipe collisions. Our attorneys routinely handle these claims, identifying every available insurance policy and ensuring that clients receive full consideration for their injuries and property damage.
These high-volume routes connect major residential and business districts throughout Harris County. Collisions often result from aggressive driving, unsafe lane changes, and failure to maintain safe following distances. We frequently gather data from event recorders and nearby traffic cameras to reconstruct these accidents and establish a clear picture of fault.
Crashes within city neighborhoods bring different challenges. Tight intersections, parallel parking lanes, and pedestrian crossings increase the likelihood of dooring incidents and turning collisions. In these environments, our firm often obtains surveillance footage from nearby stores or apartment buildings to demonstrate what happened and protect our clients from unfair blame.
After an accident, many people feel uncertain about the next steps. Once everyone is safe and the scene is clear, the focus should shift toward documentation, evidence preservation, and medical evaluation. These steps play a critical role in establishing the foundation for your claim.
An official police report is one of the most important records in a Houston car accident case. The Houston Police Department or another responding agency completes the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report, known as the CR-3. It includes key details such as driver statements, witness information, and the officer’s diagram of the collision. Our team reviews these reports through the TxDOT Crash Records Information System to identify any inaccuracies and to supplement the record with additional evidence when necessary.
Vehicles involved in crashes within city limits are usually transported to authorized storage lots managed by the Houston Police Department or Harris County. Retrieving a vehicle promptly helps prevent unnecessary storage fees and allows time for early evidence collection. We coordinate with tow yards and adjusters to photograph vehicle damage, document conditions, and preserve electronic components such as airbag modules and data recorders.
Even when injuries seem minor, evaluation by a medical professional is critical. Houston’s emergency departments and trauma centers routinely treat car accident victims who later discover internal injuries or worsening symptoms. Timely medical documentation creates the foundation for any injury claim and helps demonstrate the connection between the accident and your treatment. We assist clients in accessing care through trusted providers, including specialists who accept letters of protection so that you can continue receiving care while your claim is pending.
Texas negligence law determines how fault and compensation are divided after a car accident. Knowing these rules helps injured people understand their rights and the strategies we use to protect their recovery.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. You may recover damages as long as you are found 50 percent or less responsible for the accident. If your share of fault reaches 51 percent, you are barred from recovery. Insurance companies often use this rule to limit payouts by overstating a claimant’s responsibility. Our attorneys address these efforts through evidence-based analysis, expert reports, and clear presentation of facts showing how the other driver caused or contributed to the crash.
State law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline typically eliminates the right to pursue compensation. We track every filing requirement, ensuring that notices, preservation letters, and pleadings are submitted on time. Acting early also allows us to interview witnesses and secure digital records before they are lost.
Liability in a car accident case often depends on combining several pieces of proof. Common sources include scene photographs, skid-mark analysis, EDR data showing speed and braking, and witness testimony. Our investigators gather and organize these materials quickly so that negotiations with insurers are based on verified facts, not assumptions. When insurers resist, we prepare to present this evidence in court, backed by expert interpretation and visual reconstructions that show exactly how the collision occurred.
Johnson Garcia has helped Texans recover over 200 million after serious accidents—let us fight for you next.
Houston’s transportation infrastructure provides valuable digital evidence when handled correctly. Much of this data is time-sensitive, which makes fast legal intervention essential.
The city’s public transportation network includes hundreds of cameras that record activity near intersections and along major corridors. METRO footage can reveal signal timing, driver distraction, or improper turns that contributed to a crash. Our team submits prompt requests to preserve this footage before automatic deletion cycles remove it from storage, ensuring that valuable evidence remains available for your case.
Businesses along routes such as the Galleria corridor, I-10 frontage roads, and busy retail centers often have exterior cameras capturing passing traffic. These recordings can show the precise sequence of events leading up to an impact. We identify these sources quickly, contact owners, and issue preservation requests to keep the footage from being erased. This step often becomes a turning point in proving fault.
Modern vehicles record key data such as speed, braking force, and airbag deployment times. Retrieving this information requires technical expertise and strict handling to prevent loss. Our firm issues spoliation notices immediately to preserve black box data before the vehicle is repaired or salvaged. Once retrieved, we work with engineers to interpret the information and match it with physical evidence from the scene.
When multiple drivers dispute liability, we work with reconstruction professionals who recreate the crash using measurements, photographs, and EDR readings. Their analysis clarifies how the collision unfolded and helps explain key details to mediators or jurors. By using Houston-specific road geometry and traffic models, we can demonstrate fault accurately and convincingly.
After a collision, many people expect an insurance company to treat them fairly. Unfortunately, insurers often focus on protecting their profits rather than helping injured claimants. Our firm understands the strategies adjusters use to limit compensation and how to counter them through preparation, evidence, and litigation readiness.
Soon after a crash, an adjuster may ask for a recorded statement. While these conversations might seem harmless, they are often used to gather information that can later be taken out of context. Insurers look for comments that minimize injury severity or shift blame. We advise clients to avoid making detailed statements until they have legal representation. By allowing our team to handle communications, you ensure that all correspondence protects your rights rather than weakening your claim.
Low initial settlement offers are another common tactic. These early offers typically appear before medical treatment is complete or before the full impact of the injury is known. We evaluate each offer against actual medical costs, lost wages, and long-term effects to determine whether it reflects fair value. When an insurer refuses to negotiate in good faith, we prepare the case for litigation and pursue accountability in court.
Understanding available insurance coverage is essential to recovering full compensation. Houston’s large commuter population means many accidents involve underinsured or uninsured drivers. Texas law allows victims to make claims under their own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policies when another driver lacks sufficient coverage. We analyze policy declarations, endorsements, and exclusions to locate every potential source of recovery.
Policy limits often become a central issue in serious injury cases. When damages exceed available coverage, our firm pursues additional defendants where appropriate—such as negligent employers, vehicle owners, or third-party contractors. We also hold insurers accountable for failing to disclose limits or for refusing to settle within reasonable parameters, which may constitute bad-faith conduct.
A well-prepared demand package establishes the foundation for negotiation. We present detailed summaries of medical treatment, diagnostic imaging, wage loss, and pain-and-suffering documentation, supported by photographs and expert opinions. This approach forces insurers to evaluate the claim on its merits rather than assumptions.
If negotiations stall, we initiate formal litigation. Once a case is filed, insurers recognize that our team is prepared to try the case before a jury if necessary. This readiness frequently results in stronger settlement offers and faster resolution. By remaining assertive and organized throughout the process, we keep the claim moving forward toward a fair result.
Houston’s economy depends on continuous vehicle movement. Rideshare drivers, delivery fleets, and industrial traffic around the Port of Houston create unique accident patterns that require specialized legal strategies. Our firm has handled claims across these industries and understands the liability structures that apply to each.
Rideshare collisions often involve multiple insurance layers depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting one. Determining which policy applies requires careful investigation of trip logs, driver statements, and telematics data. We help clients navigate this system, pursuing coverage from the rideshare company’s commercial policy when applicable and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Many Houston accidents involve company-owned vehicles operated by employees. When a worker causes a crash while performing job duties, the employer may share responsibility under Texas law. Our attorneys analyze fleet maintenance records, driver training materials, and safety policies to establish negligence at both the individual and corporate levels. These cases can involve complex discovery, but they often lead to higher compensation because of commercial insurance coverage and corporate accountability.
Refinery workers and port contractors often face extreme schedules and fatigue risks during shift changes. Long hours and heavy vehicle traffic in industrial corridors near the Port of Houston increase the likelihood of serious collisions. Our firm has extensive experience investigating crashes in these zones, including accidents involving heavy trucks, contractor vehicles, and third-party logistics carriers. We coordinate with safety experts familiar with refinery and port operations to demonstrate how violations of shift, speed, or maintenance protocols led to the collision.
The rise of delivery services has added new hazards to Houston’s already congested roadways. Delivery drivers face constant time pressure, leading to speeding and distracted driving. When these collisions occur, determining whether the driver is an employee or independent contractor affects how compensation is pursued. We investigate business contracts, insurance certificates, and vehicle ownership to identify every liable party.
Medical costs after a car accident can escalate quickly. Understanding how to manage those bills and coordinate care is essential to protecting your recovery. Our firm helps clients access treatment while ensuring that their financial interests remain secure.
A letter of protection allows you to receive medical treatment without paying upfront. The provider agrees to wait for payment until your case is resolved. We work directly with physicians, imaging centers, and specialists to ensure that care continues uninterrupted. These relationships give clients access to quality medical services even when insurance coverage is delayed or disputed.
Hospitals that treat accident victims may file liens against any future settlement. While these liens must meet specific requirements under Texas law, they can reduce the amount of compensation received if not properly handled. We review every lien for accuracy and negotiate directly with hospitals to ensure that charges are limited to reasonable amounts supported by medical necessity.
When a case concludes, medical providers and lienholders are paid from the settlement funds. Our attorneys negotiate reductions on these balances whenever possible, increasing the net recovery our clients receive. This process often involves verifying billing codes, identifying duplicate charges, and confirming insurance adjustments.
Managing ongoing medical care after a car accident can feel overwhelming. We monitor treatment progress and communicate with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and imaging centers to make sure medical documentation remains complete. This coordination strengthens your case and provides a clear timeline of injuries and recovery for use in settlement or trial.
For most Houstonians, vehicles are essential for work and family life. When a car is damaged or totaled, resolving property claims becomes just as important as addressing personal injuries.
Insurers often direct claimants to preferred repair shops, but you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. We recommend obtaining multiple estimates and verifying that OEM parts are used whenever possible. Using high-quality components ensures safety and helps maintain vehicle value.
Even after professional repairs, a vehicle involved in a collision often loses resale value. Texas law allows you to claim this diminished value from the at-fault party’s insurer. We document market data, appraisals, and expert opinions to calculate this loss accurately. Including diminished value in your overall settlement ensures that all aspects of damage are compensated.
If repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the vehicle’s pre-accident value, insurers may declare it a total loss. We verify these calculations and contest undervaluations that underestimate the worth of your car. By presenting verified appraisals and maintenance history, we protect you from receiving less than fair replacement value.
While your car is under repair or pending replacement, you may be entitled to rental or transportation benefits under your policy. We help clients coordinate these resources and recover reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs. When delays occur because of disputed liability, we address the issue directly with the responsible insurer to minimize disruption.
Once settlement negotiations stall, a lawsuit may become necessary to obtain fair compensation. Understanding how cases progress through Harris County courts helps set realistic expectations and keeps you informed during every stage.
Harris County maintains several district courts that handle personal injury litigation. After filing, cases are assigned to a specific court with its own scheduling order. We manage every filing, discovery request, and pretrial motion to keep your case moving efficiently. Because our attorneys regularly appear in these courts, we understand local procedures and judicial preferences that can influence strategy.
Mediation often occurs after initial discovery but before trial. This process allows both sides to present arguments and attempt resolution with the help of a neutral mediator. Our attorneys prepare comprehensive mediation briefs that include liability evidence, medical summaries, and expert reports. Even when cases settle at this stage, we ensure that all terms are documented clearly and that liens or outstanding balances are properly resolved.
If mediation does not result in settlement, the case proceeds to trial. Houston juries tend to focus heavily on evidence credibility and consistency between testimony and documentation. We prepare clients thoroughly for depositions and courtroom appearances so that every presentation is clear and confident. Verdicts in Harris County vary depending on injury severity and liability strength, but our commitment to trial readiness ensures that insurers recognize the risk of underpaying valid claims.
Houston’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and many of our clients come from Spanish-speaking households. Effective communication builds trust and helps clients understand the process from start to finish.
From the first call, clients can speak directly with bilingual staff members who explain every step in plain language. Our attorneys ensure that Spanish-speaking clients receive the same clarity and responsiveness that define our entire practice.
Accident records, medical files, and legal pleadings often contain technical language that can be confusing. We arrange accurate translation so that every client understands what each document means and how it affects their case. Clear communication allows you to make informed decisions about settlement and trial options.
When depositions, mediations, or court hearings occur, certified interpreters are available to assist. These professionals ensure accuracy and help clients participate fully in every proceeding. Our goal is to remove language barriers so that every client’s story is presented clearly and respectfully.
A serious car accident can upend your life in moments, but the recovery process does not have to be faced alone. With more than three decades of combined experience, our attorneys know how to navigate complex insurance claims and courtroom litigation across Houston and throughout Texas. We prepare every case for trial from day one so that insurers understand we are ready to fight for full compensation.
Our firm handles all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay us unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Whether the case involves a major highway collision or a neighborhood crash, we have the resources and determination to pursue justice for you.
We encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore the best next steps. Our team is ready to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and begin rebuilding your life. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but our commitment to each client’s success remains unwavering.
Understanding what to do after a crash and how the legal process works can make a major difference in your recovery. The following answers address common questions from drivers and passengers who have been injured in Houston car accidents.
A Houston car accident lawyer handles every part of your claim so you can focus on healing. We investigate the crash, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and—if necessary—file a lawsuit and present your case in court. Our goal is to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and future medical needs.
We handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. This structure allows you to pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs. Our firm also advances case expenses as needed so you can focus entirely on recovery.
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after receiving medical attention. Early legal representation helps preserve crucial evidence and ensures that insurance companies cannot take advantage of delays or incomplete documentation. The sooner our team is involved, the stronger your case will be.
After making sure everyone is safe and receiving necessary medical care, begin documenting the incident. Collect driver information, take photographs of the vehicles and surroundings, and request a copy of the police report once it becomes available. Contacting our firm promptly allows us to begin securing evidence before it disappears.
Texas generally gives injured people two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation altogether. We recommend contacting a lawyer quickly to ensure that all paperwork, notice letters, and filings are completed within the required time frame.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, damages can also include future medical care, reduced earning capacity, or permanent disability. We evaluate every aspect of your losses to make sure your claim reflects the true impact of the crash.
While it is possible to negotiate directly with an insurer, doing so often results in lower settlements. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts and may pressure you to accept an offer before the full extent of your injuries is known. Working with our experienced team ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If the at-fault driver lacks coverage, you may still recover through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy. Our attorneys review your insurance documents and explore every potential source of compensation. We also pursue additional defendants if other negligent parties contributed to the crash.
Fault is determined by reviewing evidence such as police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, and video footage. Texas uses a comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation if you are less than 51 percent responsible. We build a comprehensive case that clearly establishes how the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
Useful evidence includes photographs of the scene, traffic-camera footage, black box data, and medical records linking your injuries to the crash. We also gather statements from witnesses, experts, and law enforcement officers. The more documentation we secure, the stronger your case becomes during settlement or trial.
Most car accident cases settle before trial once both sides understand the evidence and potential verdict range. However, we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury to maintain leverage during negotiations. If an insurer refuses to make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to present your case in court.
The timeline depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, insurance cooperation, and court scheduling. Many cases settle within several months, while complex or high-value claims may take longer. Throughout the process, we keep you updated and work to move your case forward efficiently.
Under Texas law, you can recover damages as long as you are 50 percent or less at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Our attorneys focus on gathering evidence that accurately reflects each party’s role and prevents unfair blame.
Insurers often use recorded statements, delays, or requests for unnecessary documentation to reduce payouts. They may question medical treatment or argue that preexisting conditions caused your injuries. We handle all communication with insurers to protect your interests and ensure that every submission strengthens your case.
Yes, you can still pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or by identifying the responsible driver through police investigation and witness evidence. Our firm works closely with law enforcement and insurance carriers to keep claims active while the investigation proceeds. Even if the driver is never found, you may have options under your own policy.
Drivers who cause crashes through intoxication or distraction can be held financially accountable for the harm they cause. In these cases, additional damages such as punitive compensation may apply to punish reckless behavior. We gather toxicology reports, cell phone records, and eyewitness accounts to prove negligence and maximize recovery.
While you can file a claim without a report, having one significantly strengthens your case. The police report provides an unbiased summary of the incident, including diagrams, driver information, and citations. Our team ensures that the report is obtained, reviewed, and corrected if necessary before negotiations begin.
Common injuries include fractures, whiplash, head trauma, spinal damage, and soft tissue injuries. Some symptoms may not appear immediately, which is why medical evaluation is important even after seemingly minor collisions. Proper diagnosis supports both your health and the documentation needed for your claim.
Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, and available insurance coverage. Minor injuries may resolve for several thousand dollars, while catastrophic cases can result in much larger recoveries. We evaluate each case individually to determine a realistic value supported by evidence.
Our attorneys strengthen your claim by gathering complete evidence, managing medical documentation, and negotiating aggressively with insurers. We prepare every case for trial to ensure that insurers understand the risk of underpayment. By combining litigation experience with personal attention, we help clients pursue the full compensation they deserve.
START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS JUSTICE
START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS JUSTICE