Houston Car Accident Lawyer

If any property damage or injuries occur in a crash, Texas law requires every driver involved to stop and remain at the scene. Then, they must render any necessary aid and exchange information.

After the collision, each driver’s rights and responsibilities depend on who is liable for the accident. If you are the car accident victim, you have the right to file an insurance claim against the negligent driver. In the event liability is shared, both parties have the option to pursue a claim, although it may be limited.

Drivers who cause a crash can contact their own insurance provider. The prover is responsible for reimbursing victims for their losses. Often, multiple people bear some level of fault.

If you work with a car accident attorney Houston drivers trust, you have someone to help you understand your rights and options. Our law firm is ready to determine liability in your case and pursue a settlement whenever possible.

When someone else’s negligence causes a motor vehicle collision, victims have the potential to pursue compensation for damages. Oftentimes, they wonder how much to expect from a settlement. Unfortunately, there’s no universal answer to this question.

This is because numerous factors go into the calculation of the settlement. These factors are the “damages” of your claim. With a car accident attorney, Houston victims have someone to maximize their settlement by pursuing every avenue for damages.

Potential Damages in a Car Accident Settlement

After a car accident, the ultimate settlement reflects your legal damages. For minor accidents, these are minimal. However, in more severe accidents, these can total hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When you work with a personal injury attorney, you have someone to help you calculate your damages. More importantly, you have someone to act in your best interest. This is crucial because, on the other side of your claim, the insurance company makes an estimate of its own.

Unfortunately, the insurance company is not on your side - despite what the advertisements might claim. Instead, they want to protect the profits of the company and minimize your settlement.

Available Damages

With a car accident attorney, Houston drivers have someone to maximize their settlement. This includes calculating numerous damages. Here are a few examples of legal damages from a car wreck.

• Medical bills, from your immediate treatment to continued treatment such as physical therapy
• Lost income from any time you missed work
• Reduced earning capacity if your injury limits your ability to work in the future
• Property damage, including your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the incident
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death if the accident causes you to lose a loved one
• Punitive damages, which judges use to penalize particularly reckless drivers

The goal of your settlement is to provide complete financial compensation for the legal damages you incur from an accident. Ideally, you have everything you need to feel whole again.
Oftentimes, victims believe that they only have the right to claim their medical expenses. When partnering with an experienced car accident attorney, Houston drivers have someone to help them understand the full potential. Your auto accident settlement should cover the full losses you incurred.

Often, this includes non-economic factors that are difficult to put into a dollar amount. That’s why our auto accident attorneys help you calculate emotional distress or pain and suffering.

The Severity of the Accident Impacts the Settlement

In your auto accident claim, the amount of compensation you recover depends on the severity of your accident and the severity of your injuries. When a minor accident causes little to no damage, it results in a relatively minor settlement.

On the other hand, a fatal collision results in a much higher settlement. Here are a few common elements of more severe accidents that lead to larger settlements.

• A victim does nothing to cause the accident
• High-speed collisions
• Reckless, negligent driving by the liable party
• Extremely painful injuries
• Life-altering injuries, such as those that debilitate the victim

Among these elements, they are common to certain types of car wrecks.

• Head-on collisions
• Rear-end car accidents
• T-bone collisions

However, it’s important to remember that no two accidents are the same. Moreover, any type of car wreck has the potential to result in a large settlement amount. This is true even when none of these factors are present.

Injuries & Car Accident Settlements

Typically, the value of your claim ties in with the severity of your injuries. For example, a disabling injury or life-threatening injury results in higher medical expenses and a bigger impact on your future. Therefore, it results in a much higher settlement value.

Alternatively, minor injuries result in lower bills and less impact on your future. However, it’s important to understand that there’s no universal answer here. Even seemingly minor injuries have the chance of changing someone’s life.

To uncover the truth of your claim, work with a car accident attorney Houston trusts. That said, here are examples of injuries that tend to result in higher settlements.

• Chronic pain
• Severe whiplash or soft tissue damage
• Nerve damage
• Disfigurement
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Severe concussions
• Dismemberment
• Any injury with a high level of impairment

In order to maximize your claim, partner with a car accident attorney Houston drivers depend on. When insurance companies want to protect their profits, they offer victims a lowball settlement and hope the person doesn’t know any better. With an auto accident attorney on your side, you have someone to represent your best interests.

When a victim has legal representation, the insurance company is far more likely to make a fair settlement offer to avoid extensive negotiations or court. With the right car accident attorney, Houston victims have an advocate to protect their rights.

Accidents don't always have to happen, and the last thing you want is to have to call a car accident attorney. Houston is known for its fair share of vehicular accidents, but you can avoid many of them by employing good defensive driving skills. 

That means paying attention not only to how you drive but also to how others drive around you. It also means adjusting your speed, your turns, and other driving maneuvers when foul weather or poor road conditions are evident. Below are some of the top causes of car accidents.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol

Here's a sobering statistic: According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), every year more than 300 people on average in the Houston area are killed in DWI crashes. That's more than in any other region in the country. 

The number includes not only those who down a few beers or cocktails before getting behind the wheel but also those who use other recreational or prescription drugs. If you've been injured in a car accident as a result of a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol, call the car accident attorney Houston drivers most trust--Herbert Trial Law.

Driving Aggressively

There's a reason driving schools teach defensive driving. Going on the offense by speeding, constantly changing lanes to move ahead faster, and tailgating not only puts one at greater risk of an auto accident but also aggravates other drivers. Moreover, this sometimes leads to road rage. 

A good defensive driver pays attention to how others share the road and avoids engaging with aggressive drivers. Fortunately, if such drivers create the need for a car accident attorney, Houston defensive drivers know they can count on Herbert Trial Law to provide them with top-notch representation.

Deteriorated Road Conditions Due to Foul Weather or Poor Maintenance

You may be an excellent driver, but if the road you are traveling is slick with black ice or abounding with jarring potholes, chances are you'll encounter trouble. Slowing down in inclement weather and keeping an eye on the road ahead may help you avoid a problem.

Inexperienced Drivers

There's a reason why parents wring their hands when their teenage sons and daughters first get behind the wheel. Nationally, motor vehicle crashes are the second greatest cause of death for teens. 

Additionally, the number of accidents teens cause is in significant disproportion to the overall driving population. No one wants to cause an accident, but when an inexperienced driver creates the need for an experienced car accident attorney, Houston parents turn to Herbert Trial Law to provide the best advice.

Driver Fatigue

You don't have to actually fall asleep at the wheel to cause a fatigue-related accident. When drivers are fatigued, they aren't as alert at the wheel and can make serious mistakes.

Unfortunately, some people think that fatigue only comes from driving hours and hours on the road without taking a break. And certainly, that's a major cause of fatigue. 

However, drivers also become fatigued by boredom, overly warm temperatures in their vehicles, the position of the driver's seat, or even hypnosis caused by dashboard lights when driving at night. If you find yourself yawning or struggling to keep your eyes open, becoming bored or restless, or having difficulty concentrating, pull over and take a break. 

If you've fallen victim to a fatigued driver that did not heed such advice, you'll need a car accident attorney Houston drivers can trust--Herbert Trial Law.

Improper Turns

Have you ever not noticed a "No Turn on Red" sign and made an illegal right turn? How about a left turn after the traffic light above you has already changed to red? There are many kinds of improper turns, but the one thing they have in common is that they can lead to car accidents. 

Sometimes serious ones. If a careless driver has caused you to be injured in a T-bone, head-on, or other serious collision, there are benefits to working with a car accident attorney. Houston victims of such accidents may not understand the full implications of their losses and a good attorney will help ensure they are fully compensated.

And Finally....Design Defects

While most car and truck accidents are operator-related, sometimes the design of a vehicle can also be responsible. Thanks to diligent government oversight and a heavy fine system from the NHTSA, most car manufacturers will initiate their own recalls when a safety-related issue comes to light.

However, it isn't always the case. When a design defect is wholly or partially the cause of an accident and there is need for a knowledgeable car accident attorney, Houston drivers can always count on Herbert Trial Law to take on big business for them.

The amount of compensation you receive from a car accident claim depends on a range of factors. 

• The severity of your injuries
• Level of damage to the vehicle and other property
• Lost wages
• Medical bills 
• Other variables 

Every case is unique, so there’s no way to predict the value without details. However, when you work with a car accident lawyer Houston trusts, you set yourself up for success. Your Houston auto accident attorney calculates the damages to determine the settlement level you deserve. 

So, there’s not really an “average” car accident settlement in Texas. The payments range anywhere from $15,000 to upwards of $2 million. It all depends on the circumstances of the car wreck. 

While some online calculators claim to offer settlement values, they are rarely accurate. This is because they don’t take maximums into account as well as other important factors. 

If you want to know more about the potential value of your claim, your best bet is to consult an experienced Houston car accident lawyer. As a specialist, your attorney has the experience needed to evaluate the situation and give an estimate. 

Calculating Damages from Car Crashes

When an insurance company sends you a quick settlement offer, it’s never what you really deserve. Typically, the goal is for them to preserve profit and hope that you don’t think about fighting for more. In truth, these initial offers don’t factor in the full extent of damages. 

If you retain a car accident lawyer Houston drivers depend on, you have an advocate who knows how to calculate damages properly. Moreover, they consider prior, current, and potential losses. 

Damages vary with cases but often include the following. 

• Ambulance expenses
• Doctor appointments 
• Hospitalization 
• Diagnostic testing 
• Medical bills
• Lost income 
• Repairs to your vehicle
• Replacements of lost property 
• Diminished earning capacity 
• Emotional anguish
• Pain and suffering 
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium

When you work with a car accident lawyer Houston can depend on, you have someone to investigate your accident and calculate a truly fair settlement. 

Maximize Your Settlement with an Advocate on Your Side

A Houston car accident lawyer is a valuable asset in negotiations. Our legal team ensures you receive the compensation you deserve. Without a legal team, victims rarely attain the level of compensation they could with representation. 

Often, insurance companies take advantage of victims without representation. Their interests do not align with yours. The goal of the company is to protect the bottom line. 

Generally speaking, the majority of car accident claims result in settlements. However, an experienced car accident lawyer Houston victims trust is a sign that you are ready to fight. When negotiations fail, our team is ready to fight in court and take your case to trial. 

Book a Consultation with Herbert Trial Law

At Herbert Trial Law, we understand the tactics used by Texas auto insurance providers. While they strive to minimize financial risk, we pursue your best interests. As your advocates, we investigate your claim and build a case. 

After a car wreck, we handle all communication on your behalf. This gives you the space you need to focus on your recovery. Put our team to work for you. 

Schedule a case evaluation with Kyle Herbert, a car accident lawyer Houston drivers rely on, today.

The most common car accident injuries include the following. 

• Head injuries 
• Brain injuries
• Spine, neck, and back injuries 
• Chest and abdominal injuries 
• Knee and leg injuries 
• PTSD and psychological injuries 

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know the extent of your injuries after an accident. This is because people don’t always exhibit symptoms immediately. Moreover, the severity of injuries depends on a range of factors. 

As an experienced car accident lawyer Houston depends on, we see a broad range of injuries. These are some of the common factors that influence the severity. 

• The area of impact on the vehicle 
• Seat belt use 
• The speed of the vehicles at the time of the collision
• Vehicle size and type
• Whether the airbags deploy

Typically, car wreck injuries are either penetrating injuries or impact injuries. A penetrating injury occurs when an object enters the body, such as shattered glass. Conversely, an impact injury results from a blunt impact on the body. 

Regardless, either type of injury has the potential to impact a victim for life, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally. Below, we cover some common injuries. 

If you sustained an injury due to another’s negligence, our Houston car accident lawyer is here to help. When you work with a car accident lawyer Houston victims trust, you have an advocate ready to fight for you. 

Head and Brain Injuries

These injuries result from trauma to the head. Often, they occur because the victim’s head collides with a window, steering wheel, or dashboard during the accident. 

TBI, or traumatic brain injury, occurs when an accident (or another traumatic occurrence) disrupts the function of the brain. They range from mild to severe symptoms. 

Mild TBI tends to result in relatively minor concussions. However, severe TBIs result in long-term cognitive impairment that may be permanent. 

Additionally, car wrecks may result in damage to the head and skull. 

• Broken facial bones
• Facial alterations
• Bruises 
• Skull fractures 

Unfortunately, these injuries have the potential to result in permanent or long-term deformities. If you work with an experienced car accident attorney Houston drivers trust, you have someone to help you. Your attorney fights for the compensation needed for you to recover. 

Call our firm now to schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer Houston trusts. 

Back and Neck Injuries

When it comes to the back and neck, one of the most common injuries is whiplash. This is a soft tissue injury that results from the head quickly moving back and forth. Often, this occurs in rear-end collisions. 

Severe whiplash has the potential to cause a cervical spine fracture. While mild whiplash tends to disappear in a relatively short amount of time, other injuries can cause long-lasting damage. 

No matter the severity, contact a car accident lawyer Houston drivers rely on to represent you. 

Abdominal Injuries

In mild collisions, you may experience bruises or contusions on the chest. However, more severe wrecks can cause broken ribs or damage to internal organs. Additionally, impact with the steering wheel or seatbelt is a common cause of chest bruising. 

Knee and Leg Injuries

In some accidents, your knees and legs might collide with the metal of the vehicle or the dashboard. These injuries include the following. 

• Broken bones
• Bruise
• Scrapes
• Sprains

PTSD and Psychological/Emotional Injuries

After a traumatic event, it’s possible to experience PTSD or emotional damage. Additionally, it’s common for physical limitations that result from an accident to cause anxiety and depression in victims. These may require short or long-term treatment. 

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know when you sustain an injury in a car wreck. This is especially true when it comes to brain injuries. As a Houston car accident lawyer, we recommend working with a physician to fully evaluate your condition, even in minor accidents. 

When you partner with a car accident lawyer Houston victims trust, you have an advocate on your side. At Herbert Law Firm, we fight on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery. 

Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with our team. 

Never underestimate the costs of a car accident, even when it seems quite minor. Whether it’s a low-speed collision or a fender bender, there’s a lot of potential for damage. Our Houston car accident lawyers have seen it all, and we know how expensive minor accidents can be. 

Even in a minor collision, a victim can sustain injuries. However, you may not realize right away that you have an injury. Over time, an injury can become worse, eventually impacting your ability to work and participate in hobbies. 

Similarly, the damage to your vehicle may be more extensive than you realize. Small repairs can add up, putting you in a tough financial situation. 

When someone else’s negligence causes an accident, you need a car accident attorney Houston drivers trust. Your attorney helps you hold the liable accountable for their actions. Even with a minor accident, it makes sense to consult an attorney. 

At Herbert Law Firm, our attorneys ensure that you have full documentation of your injuries. Moreover, we conduct a thorough investigation of your accident in order to maximize your compensation. 

If an accident costs you anything or your injuries worsen, our legal team is ready to fight for the damages you deserve. Remember, there’s no harm in a free consultation with our Houston car accident attorneys. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover damages on your behalf. 

“Pain and suffering” refers to the emotional and mental anguish you experience due to the trauma of the car accident. In Texas, you can recover damages for the pain and suffering you endure. However, it’s a good idea to partner with a car accident lawyer Houston victims depend upon. 

While some damages are easy to calculate, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage, that’s not the case for all damages. These tangible costs have a direct value that you can reference from receipts, invoices, and more. Unfortunately, other injuries are not so clear. 

For example, the emotional anguish, anxiety, embarrassment, or PTSD you experience is difficult to put a value on. As Houston car accident lawyers, we cannot see or teach someone’s pain and suffering. Still, when you work with an experienced car accident attorney Houston drivers trust, you have someone to help you understand the value of your claim. 

Because these injuries are personal and intimate, it’s difficult to ascribe value to them. That does not make them less real, though. Moreover, you are entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you feel after a collision. 

Calculating Pain & Suffering

How do we calculate something so intangible? Typically, these non-economic damages are calculated after we determine your economic damages. 

The insurance company will likely take the total economic damages and apply a multiplier to it. The more severe your case, the higher the multiplier is. 

For instance, if your economic damages total $100,000, and you have severe pain and suffering, your multiplier might be 4.5. This would value your pain and suffering at $450,000. So, your total compensation would be $550,000.

When a case goes to trial, the jury calculates the damages for pain and suffering. With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why you need the help of a car accident lawyer Houston trusts. Schedule a consultation with our firm today.