Car Accident Injury Attorneys Houston

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The Carabin Shaw Law Firm has helped injured Texans for over 33 years, fighting for justice – holding the negligent party or parties responsible for the pain and suffering they have inflicted upon the innocent victims of accidents. Don’t forget you have a time limit of 2 years to file your claim with our law office.

People are hurt and killed in auto accidents every day across Houston and Texas.

Car accidents can place a sudden and overwhelming financial and emotional burden on you and your family. In an instant, someone’s stupid mistake can turn your whole world upside down.

CALL SHAW When You Were Injured In A Car Accident – No Upfront Costs – 800-862-1260

Texas is an at-fault State. That means that if you were hurt in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you are entitled to compensation for things like:

• All Medical Costs – Expenses and Bills

• Property Damage

• Pain and Suffering – Chronic Pain

• Mental Anguish

• Missed Work/Lost Income

• Loss of Earning Capacity

• And More

The Types of Injuries most victims will experience from a car accident:

• Brocken Bones

• Head Injuries – Brain Trauma

• Spinal Injuries

• Lacerations

• Whiplash

• Internal Organ Damage

• Internal Bleeding

• and other Physical Impairments that may require long-term Physical Therapy

Our accident attorneys in Harris County can and will turn the tables, negotiating hard to get you financial compensation via a settlement process. If the insurer fails to act in good faith and won’t make a reasonable and fair offer, our skilled attorneys are ready to take your case to the appropriate court. One way or another, we will hold the negligent party responsible.

You can receive economic and non-economic compensation for your accident claim. In some cases, punitive damages may be appropriate.

Economic Damages – Compensatory Damages  are Tangible and Cover Any Financial Losses:

• Car Repairs or Replacement and Additional Damages
• Property Damages of Any Kind
• Medical Expenses – Medical Costs – Hospital Bills – Doctors Visits – Physical Therapy – Cost of Medical Equipment
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses Related to the Accident Injuries
• Lost Wages or Bonuses

Non-Economic Damages are Compensation for Pain and Suffering and the Recovery Process

• Chronic Conditions Resulting from the Injuries
• Pain And Suffering
• Mental Anguish
• Loss of Consortium – Loss of Companionship – Loss of Quality of Life
• PTSD
• Impaired Bodily Functions
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life
• Psychological Trauma

Punitive Damages

Texas also has special laws in place; if the driver who caused the accident acted particularly recklessly, the victim can be awarded punitive damages. These are also called “punishment damages, “intended to discourage reckless behavior.

For you to recover damages after a car accident injury, we must prove:

The driver(s) owed you a duty of care

The driver(s) neglected that duty (i.e., were negligent)

That neglect of duty directly caused the accident

Injured in an auto accident in Houston? Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 for immediate, 24/7 assistance. Our Houston auto accident lawyers are here to help you get a fair settlement.

Everyday Acts of Negligence in Houston Car Accidents

Our auto accident attorneys must prove in the claims process that the other driver was responsible to recover compensation after a Texas car accident. You and your legal team must demonstrate that the other driver’s negligence caused your injury.

Drivers owe each other a duty of care to follow the rules of the road and prioritize the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. Every day, acts of negligence, which are a breach of this duty, include:

• Speeding

• Tailgating

• Texting and Driving

• Distracted Driving

• Running Stop Signs

• Ignoring Traffic Signals

• and Failure to Yield

Sometimes, drivers are more than just negligent. Reckless actions go beyond simple carelessness and include things like:

• Drunk Driving

• Aggressive Driving

• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

• Street Racing

• Road Rage

• Extreme Speeding

Proving negligence falls to the injured party and can be difficult for him or her without access to the proper resources. Because of this, if you are hurt in a car accident, it’s a good idea to talk to our experienced attorneys about your case.

Get expert legal advice for your injuries from our Houston car accident lawyers. Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to talk to our experienced accident attorney about your case for free.

The most dangerous roads and intersections in Houston are:

Based on data provided by the Texas Department of Transportation and reported in the Houston Chronicle, the following roads in Houston see some of the highest numbers of crashes in the entire city:

• Airline Drive
• Antoine Drive
• Beechnut Road
• Cullen Boulevard
• Hillcroft Avenue
• Westheimer Road

However, Houston drivers may encounter risks on roadways as well as at intersections.

Accidents tend to happen at the following intersections in particular:

• Sam Houston Parkway and Westheimer Road
• Main Street and Sam Houston Parkway
• Main Street and South Loop
• JFK and Aldine Bender

CALL SHAW When You Were Injured In A Car Accident at  800-862-1260.

Houston Car Accident Statistics

Accidents are increasingly common in Houston. Here’s a summary of the accident data from the TxDOT for 2023:

There were 67,644 total crashes.

274 Fatal car accidents

290 Fatalities

1,360 suspected serious crashes resulting in 1,612 serious injuries

5,451 suspected minor crashes resulting in 7,558 minor injuries

14,450 possible injury crashes

22,367 possible injuries

42,639 non-injury crashes

127,660 non-injuries

3,470 crashes of unknown severity

22,526 unknown injuries

Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers

Drunk drivers are killing and injuring Texans across the State every day. Every 30 minutes, someone in this country dies from a drunk-driving accident. Over 13,000 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2023.

In our opinion, drunk drivers should be punished harshly for killing and hurting innocent crash victims.

Because drunk driving is more than simply negligent, victims of drunk driving accidents can claim actual and punitive damages. In addition, bars and nightclubs can also bear liability for a drunk-driving accident, though it does not diminish the liability that the driver holds.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers know the laws governing legal responsibility. They can help you identify who might be responsible for your injuries, including people or businesses you may not have considered.

Accidents Caused by Defective Vehicles

Roughly 2% or 120,000 accidents per year are caused by defective vehicles.

When a defective vehicle part causes an accident, neither driver involved in the Houston car accident is typically to blame. In such cases, a car manufacturer or a supplier can be held responsible for injuries caused by a defect in the automobile under the law of product liability.

A product liability suit is a lawsuit brought against a company for selling a defective product that caused physical injury to a consumer or user. Suppose a product manufacturer creates a defective product in designing, manufacturing, or labeling. In that case, the manufacturer is liable for any injuries the product causes, regardless of whether the manufacturer was negligent. (this seems unnecessary)

Accidents Caused by Highway Defects

According to the TxDOT, 152,146 accidents in Texas were caused by roadway conditions in 2023.

Sometimes, defects in the road or signage can cause an accident that involves one or more vehicles.

Common highway defects that cause serious accidents in Houston include:

Improper/Unsafe Designs

Lack of Maintenance (e.g., cracks, potholes, etc.)

Construction Hazards (e.g., debris, improperly placed cones, etc.)

Defective Signs

Lack of Proper Lighting

Poorly Placed Trees

Poorly Placed Utility Poles

The road construction company or even the State can be held responsible. Special rules apply to claims and lawsuits brought against governmental entities.

Good legal advice is critical to winning highway defect claims. Call Shaw and speak with one of our experienced car accident attorneys at 800-862-1260 for immediate assistance from our legal team to see if we can get you maximum compensation.

Road Rage Incidents:

Road rage caused 1,676 accidents in Texas in 2023, with 5 of them being fatal.

Road rage is defined as “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or an assault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway.” It can be exhibited in many ways, including:

Yelling

Threatening

Aggressive Driving: Tailgating

Brake-Checking

Intentionally Cutting People Off

Making Unsafe Lane Changes

Texas Law Enforcement Agencies are renewing efforts to identify and penalize aggressive drivers who speed, tailgate, and engage in other dangerous driving practices.

According to the NHTSA, more than 60 percent of drivers consider unsafe driving by others, including speeding, a major personal threat to themselves and their families.

A driver may also be found liable for an accident due to his or her intentional or reckless conduct or for his or her failure to act in accordance with a reasonable driver under the same circumstances. A reckless driver operates his vehicle with “willful and wanton disregard” for the rights and well-being of others.

Types of Accidents

Accidents with commercial vehicles include delivery trucks, city buses, 18-wheelers, and garbage trucks. If your car was hit by a commercial vehicle operator, our truck accident lawyers will assist in your case.  We will not only prove driver negligence but also hold the trucking company and its insurers liable.

Harris County statistics for 2023:

6,113 commercial vehicle accidents in total

38 fatal crashes resulting in 40 fatalities

121 serious crashes resulting in 149 serious injuries

526 suspected minor crashes

786 suspected minor injuries

945 possible injury crashes

1,487 possible injuries

4,393 non-injury crashes

15,701 non-injures

90 unknown injury crashes

1,111 unknown injuries

What to Do After a Houston Auto Accident.

What you do after an accident can directly affect your ability to file a claim.

If you were hurt in a Texas motor vehicle accident, here’s what to do to protect your claim:

If you are not seriously injured, stay calm and take specific steps to ensure your and others’ safety.

Check for Injuries: Evaluate yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, immediately call 9-1-1 and request EMS. If you can’t do so, ask a bystander to do it. Provide the dispatcher with the location of the accident and describe the situation thoroughly so they know what to expect.

Move to a Safe Location: If you can move your vehicles to a nearby parking lot or shoulder, do so. Turn on your hazard lights, flares, or warning triangles to warn other drivers if you cannot move your car.

Assess the Situation: If you can, determine the extent of damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved. Check for potential hazards, such as leaking fluids, damaged power lines, or fires. If these hazards exist, keep a safe distance and warn others.

Collect and Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s licenses, and insurance information. Take note of the vehicles’ make, model, and license plate numbers. Be polite and cooperative, but avoid admitting fault or assigning blame.

Gather Evidence from the Crash Scene: Take photos and/or videos of the accident scene. This includes damage to the vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and vehicle positions. Look for witnesses and get their contact information if their Statements are needed later.

Call the Police: If damage to either vehicle exceeds $1,000 or anyone is injured, you must report the accident to the police. The Ppolice will issue an accident report. It’s always a good idea to have a police report after an accident, and it is usually required to file an insurance claim. Cooperate with the responding officer and provide accurate information.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: You must do this quickly, as any delay could impact your claim. Provide them with the accident details, including the other driver’s information and the police report, if applicable. Follow their instructions for filing a claim.

Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, get evaluated by a medical professional after your accident. Some injuries don’t show themselves immediately but are life-threatening if not quickly treated. Only a medical professional can assess your condition. Keep all medical records related to the accident. After everyone is safe, the accident is properly reported, and you have sought medical attention, it’s time to deal with the accident’s aftermath.

Follow-up with the Insurance Company: If applicable, work closely with your insurance adjuster to process your claim, including vehicle repairs and medical expenses. Call Shaw: If the accident involved serious injuries, traumatic brain injuries, soft tissue injuries, fatalities, disputed liability, or complex legal issues, it is advisable to consult the experienced accident lawyers at our law firm.

We specialize in personal injury lawsuits. Several of our attorneys are board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. 

Track Expenses: This is important: Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, vehicle repair receipts, rental car costs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.

Vehicle Repair: Arrange for your vehicle to be repaired by an insurance-approved repair shop or a trusted mechanic.

Stay Informed: Stay informed about the progress of your insurance claim and any applicable legal proceedings.

Consider Counseling as Part of the Recovery Process: Some accident victims may experience emotional trauma or post-traumatic stress after an accident. Don’t hesitate to seek counseling or support if you struggle to cope with the emotional aftermath. Remember that every accident is unique, and your steps may vary based on the circumstances. Prioritizing safety, gathering information, and seeking professional guidance when necessary are crucial in handling a car accident effectively and responsibly.

Injured in a Texas Vehicle Accident? Call Shaw at 800-862-1260.

The Accident Wasn’t My Fault!

Texas is an at-fault State. The person who caused the accident is responsible for covering the cost.

Drivers are required to carry liability insurance coverage, with minimums determined by the State. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover the damages to the other party (you) up to the policy limits.

Suppose the other driver is determined to be at fault. In that case, their insurance is responsible for paying for your damages, including vehicle repairs and medical expenses, within the limits of their policy.

The investigation into your accident can vary and may involve the police accident report, witness statements, photographic evidence, and other factors.

Insurance adjusters and, if necessary, the court will evaluate the evidence to establish who was negligent or at fault for the accident. But establishing fault can get complicated.

Insurance companies aren’t exactly known for wanting to pay out claims. Victims of car accidents are often left struggling with disputed liability; the insurance adjuster might suggest that claimants are lying about their injuries, using unnecessary delay strategies, or using other common tactics designed to diminish the value of their claims.

Fortunately, victims of traffic accident injuries in Texas have the right to secure legal representation from auto accident attorneys to help them with their accident claims to get an accident settlement.

You don’t have to fight alone. Call the motor vehicle accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw at 800-862-1260 for a powerful ally in the fight for justice and to hold the negligent driver responsible.

Injured in a Texas Vehicle Accident? Call Shaw!

If you were injured in a traffic accident in Houston, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Call Shaw Injury Lawyers today to receive fair compensation.

For over 33 years, Carabin Shaw has provided legal services to those injured in accidents across Texas. We’re a trusted name in Houston because we put our clients first.

If you received severe injuries / catastrophic injuries in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:

Ambulance Costs

ER Bills

Medical Treatment

Surgeries

Pain and Suffering

Missed Work

Loss of Earning Capacity

Trauma/PTSD

Property Damage

Wrongful Death

And More

We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.

Call Shaw’s personal injury lawyers in Houston at 800-862-1260 today to schedule your free consultation to get you a fair settlement in your legal claim. There are no fees or obligations, just expert legal advice. We look forward to serving you.

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Recently, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA-FARS) reported on The Most Dangerous Highways in the US. Out of the 50 most dangerous roads in the United States, three of Houston’s roadways are in the ranks. These roads include:

I-10: Ranked as the 5th most dangerous road in the U.S.

US-59: Ranked as the 23rd most dangerous road in the U.S.

US-290: Ranked as the 35th most dangerous road in the U.S.