Car accidents can happen suddenly without any warning. They can be catastrophic and cause severe injuries and death. Despite the safety precautions you might take, it’s nearly impossible to prevent an accident from happening when someone else is negligent.
At Lowenberg Law Firm, we know just how much a car wreck can upend your life. It leads to physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial struggles. If you can’t afford your medical treatment and related expenses, you could end up in debt. You deserve the opportunity to hold the at-fault driver liable. You should not be forced to pay out of pocket for the costs you incur if someone else was entirely to blame for your injuries.
Some drivers focus on the task of driving and their surroundings at all times. Others become distracted and swerve into the next lane or don’t notice that traffic has come to a standstill. When that happens, destructive accidents occur that can injure the occupants of any vehicle involved.
Unfortunately, many people fail to operate their cars safely. They make errors, run red lights, speed, and weave in and out of traffic. Careless or negligent behavior puts everyone at risk of harm. When you encounter a dangerous motorist, there isn’t much you can do to avoid a collision.
The Houston car accident attorneys of Lowenberg Law Firm are dedicated to representing car accident victims suffering due to someone else’s wrongdoing. We will help you in the fight for justice and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Our team will work tirelessly to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions. You won’t be alone as we’re building a strong case to achieve a favorable outcome.
Contact Lowenberg Law Firm at (832) 241-6000 today for a free consultation to discuss the accident and learn about your legal options.
Why Hire Lowenberg Law Firm?
With over 20 years of experience, the Houston car accident attorneys of Lowenberg Law Firm know what it takes to get the job done. We have the resources to thoroughly investigate any car crash and obtain the available evidence to prove who was at fault. We know the insurance company will use every possible tactic to deny your claim or provide a low settlement offer. We’re familiar with how they operate, and we will do everything in our power to protect your rights and secure the money you’re owed.
We are members of various prestigious legal organizations and have been recognized for our hard work and case results. We take pride in the reputation we have built and maintained over the last two decades. Our legal team believes in helping people in their time of need and getting them on a path to recovery. We aim to recoup your lost wages, medical costs, and additional losses so you can afford to treat your injuries and put this traumatic experience behind you.
When you hire Lowenberg Law Firm, we will take on the responsibility for your case, so you don’t have to face that burden. We can handle every step from start to finish so you can focus on what matters most – getting your life back on track. We understand how devastating a car accident can be and the long-term consequences it brings.
If you require ongoing treatment, your bills can reach thousands of dollars and cause economic strain. We know that no amount of money can change what happened, but a significant settlement or favorable jury verdict could provide financial relief, so you don’t have to worry about where you’re going to get the money you need to pay for your necessary expenses.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
Car accidents are often violent and shocking to the people involved. It can change the course of your life instantly and cause fear, confusion, and disorientation. It’s no surprise that most people don’t know what to do in the immediate aftermath of a car crash, but understanding the steps you should take could increase your chance of securing the compensation you deserve.
Our Houston car accident attorneys are familiar with accident investigations and what injured drivers and passengers should do if they find themselves in the unfortunate position of dealing with a car accident. First, you should seek medical treatment. If you or someone else calls 911, you can request an ambulance to transport you to the hospital. If you’re well enough to drive, you can drive yourself there or see your family doctor.
It’s critical that you don’t wait long before your initial appointment. Even if your injury seems minor, you need to see a physician for a full evaluation of your condition. Medical records serve as useful evidence in car accident cases, and a gap in treatment could result in a denied insurance claim or much less compensation than you need.
If your doctor recommends a treatment plan, follow it. Attend all necessary appointments regularly to treat your injury, and don’t stop treatment until your doctors release you from their care. While you’re recovering, you should also hire a lawyer to handle the legal aspects of your case.
At Lowenberg Law Firm, we have experience handling the most complex insurance claims and lawsuits for our clients. Whether your case is big or small, we will put forth the same amount of effort and care to reach your desired results. We can investigate the crash, locate witnesses, secure relevant evidence, and aggressively seek the maximum compensation possible. If the insurance company refuses to settle, we have the skills and resources to move forward with a lawsuit.
While we’re preparing your case, be sure to maintain records of everything related to the accident. You shouldn’t throw away any documents you receive. Surgical reports, imaging test results, prescriptions, physical therapy notes, and doctor bills should remain in a folder so we can use them if necessary. Although we can request all the evidence we need from your medical providers, the documentation you’ve gathered could uncover a treatment date or another doctor visit you forgot about. We can review everything you have to determine whether we have a complete and accurate timeline for the treatment of your injuries.
If you find yourself faced with the long and tedious process of seeking compensation after a car accident, you must avoid specific scenarios. Sometimes, what you don’t do is more important than what you do. Some of these actions are common among accident victims and could negatively impact the outcome of a case. Be sure to avoid making these mistakes, so you don’t ruin your chance of holding the negligent driver liable for their misconduct.
- Don’t sign anything. You should forward any forms you receive from the insurance company to your Houston car accident attorney. The language on some of the paperwork can be confusing. Insurance companies seem to make it that way, so claimants don’t understand what they’re signing. If you don’t let us review the forms you receive before you sign, you could unknowingly sign away your rights to the maximum available insurance coverage.
- Don’t talk to the insurance adjuster. Even if the adjuster appears to be friendly and on your side, they’re not. They represent the interests of the insurance company they work for and will do whatever it takes to avoid a large payout. They want to find a reason to deny your claim or offer a low settlement to save money. If you speak with them about the accident and provide specific details, they could use your words against you to shift blame from their policyholder to you.
- Don’t post anything online. If you have social media accounts, keep them private. Even better, avoid posting anything on them altogether. Most people don’t know that defense attorneys and insurance companies will look at public accounts for evidence they can use against accident victims. If they find incriminating photos discounting the severity of your injury, they have what they need to prove their case.
- Don’t skip doctor’s appointments. You might think it’s harmless to miss a doctor’s appointment here and there, but it could potentially hurt your case. Insurance companies look at gaps in treatment as evidence that the injury doesn’t exist or isn’t that severe. If you’re not attending regularly scheduled appointments, it appears that you don’t require much medical attention. The insurance company could decide you don’t need a significant settlement because your expenses aren’t that high.
Whether you suffered minimal injuries or debilitating physical and mental trauma, you should take action immediately following a car crash. The sooner you begin building your case, the better position you will be in when it comes time to negotiate a settlement.
What Does an Accident Investigation Look Like?
Lowenberg Law Firm knows how to investigate accident scenes and find every little detail that can work in your favor. While you’re attending your doctor’s appointments, we will launch an investigation into the collision to determine who was at fault and collect evidence. We need to prove that someone else was responsible for your injuries and that you required ongoing treatment to heal. We will also need to show the losses you suffered so we know the amount of money to demand from the negligent driver and their insurance company.
Depending on the specific circumstances, we might need some of the evidence below:
- Police reports
- Copies of all available car insurance policies
- Pictures and evidence from the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Repair estimates on all vehicles damaged in the collision
- Copies of your hospital bills, medical records, and other records
- Lost wage reports from the time you couldn’t work
- At-fault driver’s chemical test results, cell phone records, and other valuable documents
The Houston car accident attorneys of Lowenberg Law Firm know the importance of maximizing the value of your case. If we don’t have substantial evidence, it could result in a denied claim, dismissed lawsuit, or compensation that doesn’t cover your total costs. We will use all the resources at our disposal to track down every document associated with the accident to improve the likelihood of securing the money you deserve so you’re not left with bills to pay yourself.
Most Common Types of Car Accidents
Multiple scenarios can occur that lead to car crashes. You could encounter a reckless driver weaving in and out of traffic or a distracted motorist texting on their cell phone. Either way, when you’re near someone behaving carelessly, you could end up on a collision course with their vehicle.
The most common types of car accidents include:
- Hit and run accident
- T-bone collisions
- Rollover crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Intersection accidents
- Single-car accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Rear-end collisions
- Parking lot accidents
- Construction zone accidents
At Lowenberg Law Firm, we know how to handle the complex nature of any type of car accident case. You probably sustained injuries in one of these collisions and have expenses that you need to recoup. Consult our legal team immediately so we can review the facts of your case and begin our work.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
You can become involved in a collision with another vehicle at any time of day and on any roadway. Different factors can contribute to an accident, and sometimes there isn’t just one cause. Multiple factors could be at play that led to a wreck. Maybe another driver was speeding along the highway and hit a pothole that sent their car careening into yours. Or, a drunk motorist lost consciousness after entering a one-way street in the wrong direction.
The most common causes of car accidents are:
- Tailgating – When there isn’t enough space between two vehicles, the driver behind likely can’t stop in time to avoid crashing into the back of the car in front of them. Paying attention to the necessary stopping distance is always important. For example, a driver traveling at 50 miles per hour needs at least 174 feet to come to a complete stop.
- Failure to yield – Drivers must yield the right of way to others in certain situations. At an intersection with a stoplight, motorists with a red light must stop and let people with a green light proceed.
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s physical and mental function. It’s harder to operate a car safely and react appropriately to hazards.
- Distracted driving – Driver distractions include anything that redirects a motorist’s attention, hands, or eyes to a task other than driving. It’s dangerous and prevents people from noticing what’s happening around them. In 2019, 3,142 people died in distracted driving accidents.
- Speeding – Whether someone’s driving too fast for road or weather conditions or exceeding the speed limit, they lack total control over their vehicle. It’s more difficult to stop or maneuver to avoid a collision at high speeds.
- Defective vehicles – Cars contain various systems and parts that work together to keep them running. If something malfunctions or there’s a defective part, it could cause the vehicle to break down or function improperly and the driver to lose control.
- Poor road conditions – Although governmental entities are typically responsible for maintaining roadways, motorists must remain cautious around potholes, sharp bends, and other hazardous areas. Speeding, veering into another lane, or behaving recklessly in poor road conditions can lead to a crash.
If one of these or another factor led to your injuries in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact Lowenberg Law Firm for assistance.
Common Injuries Associated with Car Accidents
Victims of car crashes can suffer serious injuries that have lasting consequences. Even if your physical scars heal, you could develop anxiety or a phobia of driving that you must cope with for the rest of your life. Some people can’t return to their jobs and lose the income they need to pay their medical bills. Others become disabled and require ongoing medical care or household assistance.
The injury you sustained could be just minor scrapes and bruises or life-threatening and debilitating. The most common caused by car accidents are:
- Lacerations
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Concussion, traumatic brain injury, or another type of head injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Psychological or emotional distress
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding and damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Chronic pain
- Paralysis
- Back injuries
- Burns
- Disability
- Loss of limb or amputation injury
If someone else was at fault for your injuries, they should be forced to suffer the financial consequences of their actions. You should not be forced to pay for your medical bills, property damage, and other expenses if another person were entirely to blame for the accident.
Compensation Available for Your Losses
Most people suffer various losses after a car wreck. They don’t just suffer physical harm but can also economic and emotional damage. Some people face massive debt while paying for associated costs and can’t afford the necessary treatment to recover. Texas follows a fault system, meaning the at-fault driver should compensate for your losses.
You could file a claim with their car insurance company. All motorists must show they are able to financially cover any accident they cause, and most do this by buying and maintaining insurance with minimum liability limits for bodily injury and property damage. When you file a claim with the liability carrier, you might be able to pursue compensation for the total losses you suffered, such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Mental anguish
- Loss of household services
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
It’s important to understand that just because the at-fault driver has a certain amount of coverage on their policy, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will receive it in a settlement. It depends on multiple factors, such as the severity of your injury and the total cost of necessary medical treatment. However, Lowenberg Law Firm aims to recover the maximum possible compensation to cover all losses from the car accident.
If you discover that the negligent driver doesn’t have liability coverage or high enough limits to compensate for your past and future losses, you might be able to secure a settlement from your car insurance company. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) is another insurance all drivers must be offered, and they must sign a document refusing this coverage if they turn it down.
If you purchased UM, depending on the coverage listed on your policy, you could seek compensation for some of the losses you suffered in the crash. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage. Some might even compensate for your pain and suffering.
Filing a Lawsuit in Texas After a Car Accident
Filing an insurance claim isn’t your only option for seeking compensation for your losses. You might be able to sue the at-fault driver. There’s a strict timeframe for initiating a lawsuit against another party in court. It’s called a statute of limitations. Texas follows a two-year statute of limitations. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit if you want to recover a monetary award.
There’s only one exception to this rule that could potentially extend the statute, so you have more time to pursue your case. If you were under a legal disability at the time of the crash, you could pause the clock on the two-year timeframe. A legal disability includes such conditions as being of unsound mind or under 18 years old. If your legal disability arises after the two-year statute already started to run, you would not be able to delay the deadline.
The losses you can recover in an insurance claim are also available in a lawsuit. Additionally, you might be entitled to exemplary damages. An award of this type doesn’t compensate you for your losses. Instead, it punishes the at-fault party for their actions and deters similar future misconduct. A jury will only provide this financial award if clear and convincing evidence shows that the defendant acted with malice, gross negligence, or fraud.
It’s best if you refrain from admitting any fault after a car crash. Even if you believe your actions might have contributed, don’t admit it to anyone. A jury could use proportionate responsibility to diminish your losses by the percentage of fault you share for the accident.
For example, if you were 20 percent to blame for your injuries and suffered $100,000 in losses, you could only receive up to $80,000 in compensation. Under normal circumstances where the other driver is 100 percent at fault, you could recover the total $100,000. This statute can also prohibit you from financial recovery altogether if you were more than 50 percent responsible for the crash.
Lowenberg Law Firm Legal Fees and Costs
The Houston car accident attorneys of Lowenberg Law Firm understand the financial strain you’re under due to the medical expenses and other costs resulting from the crash. We don’t want to add to your burden, which is why we take cases on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront fees or costs when you hire us. We don’t take our legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. If we lose your case, you will never owe us money for our services.
We also offer an initial consultation for free. You can meet with us to discuss the details of the accident and learn about the available legal options. We will provide the guidance you need to make an informed decision about the next steps to take. There’s no obligation to hire us if you want to consult other law firms or are not ready to pursue legal action.
Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Lowenberg Law Firm understands the days, weeks, and months following an accident can be confusing and overwhelming. You face an uphill battle, and we aim to make the next steps as clear and easy as possible for you. We have answered some common questions clients ask us so you can prepare for what’s to come.
It depends on the facts of the case. Some injured victims can settle with the insurance company in just a couple of months, while others spend years in litigation. We can’t guarantee a timeframe but might provide an estimate based on specific contributing factors. We always work diligently on claims and lawsuits to try to keep the process moving along while avoiding unnecessary delays.
When you’re preparing to meet with us for the first time, there are documents and records you could bring for us to review. That can help us determine whether we can take your case. Examples include:
- Police reports
- Bank statements and receipts for out of pocket expenses
- Physician’s bills
- Medical records
- Pictures of your damaged car and a repair estimate
- Detailed notes of treatment dates, medical provider names and contact information, and related documentation
- Insurance company details
- Driver’s license and health insurance cards
- Names of witnesses and their phone numbers
If you don’t have much to bring with you, no need to worry. We can request all the evidence we need to build your case and seek compensation. However, it is helpful if you can provide us with as much information as possible, so we understand the extent of your injuries and how the accident happened.
Immediately after the crash. If you can go to the hospital on the same day, that would be best. Medical treatment is one of the most important factors to show your injuries resulted from the accident and that you should be compensated for treating them. Waiting several weeks before your initial appointment will likely indicate that your injury doesn’t exist or isn’t that serious. The insurance company could decide to deny your claim if there isn’t sufficient evidence of an injury.
Contact Us
The Houston car accident attorneys of Lowenberg Law Firm know how critical it is to receive the full and fair compensation available. Someone else’s negligence led to your injuries, and they should face the consequences of their actions. We will provide the personalized attention and services you need to endure this legal battle and get on the road to recovery.
We are ready to fight for your rights and be your advocate during this devastating time in your life. Our team believes in helping accident victims and holding people accountable for causing harm to others. You will not be alone during your case. We will be with you every step of the way until the very end.
If you sustained injuries in a car accident due to another person’s carelessness or recklessness, call Lowenberg Law Firm at (832) 241-6000 for a free consultation with one of our dedicated and skilled Houston car accident attorneys.