Houston Car Accident Lawyer

The Law Offices of Aaron Allison is a small, family-run firm that has been helping car accident victims in Texas since 1978. At Aaron Allison, you’ll receive legal advice from a local attorney who cares about helping people recover everything they have lost in a car accident, and fights for their rights. 

How to Find a Houston Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in a car accident in Texas, there are many ways to find a car accident lawyer. Some of the most popular methods include:

• Asking for a referral. Friends and family may have hired a car accident attorney in the past, and be able to recommend a firm that they have worked with. 
• Check with the state bar. The State Bar of Texas has a searchable directory of attorneys who are licensed to practice in the state. Even if you find a car accident lawyer by other means, it’s always a good idea to look them up with the state bar and verify their license. 
• Search online. Online search is a very convenient way to find a Houston car accident lawyer. You can read their site to find out more about the firm and determine whether it is a good fit for you.  

What to Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer in Houston TX

When choosing an experienced lawyer in Houston for car accidents, here are a few things to look for:

1. Legal specialty. Like doctors, attorneys all go through a very similar education, but typically choose an area of expertise for their practice. Some lawyers specialize in contracts, or property, or criminal law. If you have been the victim of a car accident, look for a car accident or personal injury lawyer who knows the legal issues in your claim. 
2. Experience. A good attorney with real-world courtroom experience will have a proven track record of success. 
3. Location. Every state has different laws and regulations regarding car accidents, car insurance, liability, and more. If you have been in a car accident in Houston, you need a car accident lawyer who understands the law in Texas.
4. Communication. A great car accident lawyer should be able to communicate with you quickly and clearly. They should understand complex legal issues and processes and explain them in a way that makes them clear and understandable, answering all your questions. Your lawyer’s ability to communicate effectively with you is an indicator of how well they will communicate with opposing lawyers, judges, and members of the jury, should your case proceed to trial. 

What to Expect in a Houston Car Accident Lawsuit

If you have been in a car accident in Texas, you are required to immediately notify the nearest police station or sheriff’s office if there has been any injury, even if it seems minor. You must also immediately notify the police if a vehicle has been so damaged that it cannot safely be driven. Most “uninsured motorist” insurance policies will not cover your claim if you did not report the accident to the police at the time. 

After notifying the police, it is always best to contact your car insurance company. Texas law requires all drivers to carry auto insurance, but car insurance may refuse to process claims if too much time has gone by since the accident. Review your policy to determine how quickly your car insurance company expects to be notified. 

It is always important to discuss your case with a qualified Houston car accident lawyer before accepting an insurance settlement. It is extremely difficult to file a car accident lawsuit after accepting a settlement, so you should decide carefully and discuss your situation with an attorney.

If you do need to file a lawsuit to recover from a car accident, police and witness reports gathered at the time of the incident will be critical. You will also need to find a Houston car accident lawyer with experience, because of Texas’ complex liability and negligence laws. To determine liability, Texas uses a “modified comparative fault” standard. In many “at-fault” states, the “comparative fault” standard means that both drivers may share some liability for the accident. 

For example: if your damages added up to $100,000, and the other driver was driving recklessly and caused the accident, but you were speeding, which contributed to the amount of damages, a “comparative fault” finding might hold the other driver responsible for 75 percent of the liability, or $75,000, and hold you responsible for 25 percent. 

The “modified comparative fault” standard in Texas car accidents means that, if you bring a car accident lawsuit to court, and are found to be 51 percent or more liable for the accident, you don’t recover any damages. 

For example: if your damages add up to $100,000, and the other driver was driving recklessly, but you ran a stop sign, the court may determine that you were equally liable for the accident. If the court finds you 51 percent at fault, then you don’t recover $51,000. Instead, you recover nothing at all. 

Because there are legal questions and risks in any car accident in Texas, whether you are settling with insurance or pursuing a lawsuit, it is critical to have an experienced lawyer in Houston for car accidents on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.