Houston is the fourth most populous city in the nation, with over 2 million residents. Home to NASA and a bustling tourist destination, it spans 665 square miles and is jam-packed with amenities residents and tourists enjoy.
While this bustle is excellent for the economy, it can make driving conditions dangerous. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Houston had over 67,000 accidents in 2023. Many of these crashes were minor and resulted in no injuries. However, roughly a third did result in some level of injury.
When the worst occurs, and an accident results in harm, the best thing victims can do is contact an auto accident attorney to help them file a claim either with their own insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Filing a claim helps car accident victims recover the compensation they need to pay medical bills, recover lost income, and handle other damages resulting from the accident.
Working with a personal injury lawyer in Houston helps to ensure that your claim is handled correctly by an expert who understands local laws and regulations and can fight to get you the best possible compensation package.
Common Causes of Houston Auto Accidents
Car accidents can have several causes, some of which indicate fault on one driver’s behalf, while others are more complex. Some crashes may have multiple complicating factors, which can muddy the waters when determining fault.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you find the cause of your accident and build a claim based on the relevant facts, increasing your chances for compensation.
Common causes of car accidents:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving accidents in Houston accounted for 14% of all accidents in 2023. They are often caused by texting, eating, etc.
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can trigger not only a civil claim but also criminal charges. Drivers involved in a DUI accident should seek the help of a specialized DUI car accident lawyer.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: The other driver may be at fault if they were speeding or driving recklessly. Speeding accidents can be severe and should be handled by a reckless driving attorney in Houston.
- Weather conditions affecting road safety: Extreme weather can have a detrimental effect on road safety. Conditions like rain, fog, hail, etc. can lead to severe accidents.
- Heavy traffic congestion and road construction: Road construction and heavy traffic can provide additional obstacles that make driving more hazardous and drivers more prone to accidents.
- Poorly maintained roads or road hazards: Poorly maintained roads are unsafe. Hazards like potholes, debris, unclear road markings, and poor signage make them more dangerous.
Any of these causes can result in a car accident victim filing a claim against their insurance company. Doing so with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney helps prevent your insurance company from lowballing your claim and gives you a better chance of getting the compensation you need to recover.
Florin|Roebig attorney Chad K. Florin says, “No matter what, never admit fault at the scene. The root cause of the accident may not be immediately obvious. Unfortunately, even if you are shown not to be responsible for the accident later, a verbal admission of fault can be used against you when seeking compensation.”
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Houston car accident injuries can come in every imaginable variety at every level of severity. Always seek medical treatment after an accident. Even if you feel fine in the immediate aftermath, many injuries, like whiplash, do not fully appear until some time has passed.
The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more difficult it can be to tie your injuries to the accident. Seeking treatment allows you to protect your health and gives your claim the best possible chances for compensation.
Common car accident injuries:
- Whiplash and neck injuries.
- Back injuries, including herniated discs.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Soft tissue injuries and cuts.
- Internal injuries and organ damage.
Most personal injury lawyers specialize. Victims should look for a law firm with a long track record of success with car accident claims. The team at Florin|Roebig has traumatic brain injury attorneys, lawyers for back and neck injuries, and whiplash injury lawyers in Houston. They are all experts in their field with decades of combined experience winning compensation for clients like you.
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Should You File A Car Accident Claim?
Car accidents can have devastating consequences physically, financially, and emotionally. Injuries can be severe, generating large medical bills and leading to lost income that can leave victims struggling.
Filing a personal injury claim against your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company is the only way to receive compensation for your losses following a car accident. If you have been injured in a car accident and you believe you are not being dealt with honestly, you may have no choice other than to file a personal injury lawsuit to resolve the dispute and receive fair compensation.
If you are wondering when to hire a car accident attorney, it’s time to schedule a consultation. A Houston auto accident lawyer can guide you through the car accident claims process, assisting with every step, from gathering essential evidence to representing you in court if necessary.
Steps To File A Car Accident Claim
- Schedule a free initial consultation: Speak to an expert about the facts of your claim and learn about your options for compensation.
- Gather evidence: Once you’ve hired a lawyer, they will investigate your claim and gather the necessary evidence for filing. Common evidence includes police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Prepare and file the claim: Your lawyer will prepare the necessary documents and file them with the insurance company or the court.
- Negotiation: Once they have received the claim, the other party will often offer a settlement. The first offer is usually low, and it’s up to your lawyer to negotiate the best possible compensation package they can. Most claims end here with an out-of-court settlement.
- Litigation: If a compromise cannot be reached, your claim will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will decide how much compensation, if any, you are entitled to.
Florin|Roebig attorney Chad K. Florin says, “Insurance companies have massive legal teams working to ensure you get the lowest possible payout. You deserve to have equal firepower on your side. Florin|Roebig has won over $1 billion in case results for our clients, with verdicts over $1 million in the Houston, Texas area.”
Factors That Influence Car Accident Cases
Multiple factors can affect the outcome of your car accident claim. The most important part is determining the amount of fault each party holds. Insurance disputes in Houston are often argued based on the idea that fault can be assigned as a percentage to everyone involved in an accident. This idea is called comparative negligence.
Comparative negligence is one of the most important factors determining fault in Texas car accidents. The comparative negligence rules state that any participant in a car accident can seek compensation only so long as they are no more than 50% responsible for the accident.
They cannot seek compensation if they are 51% responsible or more. Your degree of liability in Houston car accidents also affects the amount of compensation you can recover.
Generally, someone who is 0% responsible for an accident will be able to recover more compensation than someone who is 49% responsible for an accident.
Other factors affecting car accident claims:
- The severity of injuries and medical costs.
- Property damage and insurance coverage disputes.
- The impact of any previous driving records or violations.
- Availability of witnesses or video footage.
Different Types of Damages Won In Auto Accident Lawsuits
Compensation for injuries in Houston auto accident lawsuits can be awarded for various reasons. These damages can take multiple forms depending on the exact circumstances surrounding your claim.
Many victims initially believe that they can only receive compensation for physical injuries, but Texas law recognizes a broader range of harm. Many victims go on to recover compensation for pain and suffering claims in Houston in addition to compensation for more tangible losses.
Types of damages in car accident lawsuits:
- Compensatory damages: Compensatory damages are awarded to victims to compensate them for harm or loss they have suffered due to the accident. This type of damage is divided into two primary categories: economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages: Awarded for tangible harm like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This type of damage also includes compensation for long-term disability and rehabilitation.
- Non-economic damages: Awarded for intangible harm like pain and suffering as well as emotional distress.
- Punitive damages: Punitive damages in Texas are awarded in cases of gross negligence. They are meant to punish the perpetrator and act as a deterrent against future negligence.
Houston, Texas Car Accident Statistics
Houston is a major urban center with more than 2 million residents and a thriving tourist industry that draws visitors year-round. As in most major cities, auto accident rates in Houston are high compared to rural areas in the same state.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the number of car accidents per 100 million vehicle miles more than doubles when comparing statistics for urban and rural populations.
The Texas Department of Transportation also reports that some types of roads are more dangerous than others. The most dangerous roads in Houston are undivided multidirectional roads, with danger increasing based on the number of lanes.
When considering the highway system, the Interstate is the least dangerous, followed by the US Highway, with the state highway system being the most dangerous by far.
Houston car accident statistics:
- The Texas Department of Transportation reported 67,644 Houston traffic collisions in 2023
- Of those, there were 273 fatal car accidents in Houston, with a total of 290 fatalities.
- 1 person was killed every 2 hours 3 minutes in Texas in 2023
- 1 person was injured every 2 minutes 6 seconds in Texas in 2023
- 1 reportable crash occurred every 56 seconds in Texas in 2023
- There was not a single day in all of 2023 when there was no traffic fatality in Texas.
FAQs About Houston Car Accidents
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Houston?
Following a car accident, seek medical treatment immediately, even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe. Next, contact a Texas personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?
The statute of limitations for Texas car accident claims is two years. The discovery rule can extend this time limit but is rarely applied.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Most reputable personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. After a win, they are paid a predetermined compensation amount.
Will I need to go to court for my car accident case?
Not necessarily. Most cases never go to trial and are settled out of court through negotiation.
What should I avoid doing after a car accident?
After a car accident, victims should not leave the scene and should never admit fault. Doing either can cause legal issues and affect compensation.
Contact Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyers Today
When looking for someone to represent you in a car accident lawsuit or insurance claim dispute, don’t just search for a “personal injury attorney near me.” Your choice of lawyer is one of the most critical decisions affecting your ability to recover compensation. Before signing anything, consider all of your options.
Questions to ask yourself before signing a contract with a lawyer:
- How much experience do they have with car accident injury lawsuits?
- Have they had success with cases like mine before?
- Does their law firm specialize in personal injury cases?
- Can they provide me with testimonials and case studies showing a successful track record?
- Do they offer free auto accident attorney consultations?
- Are they paid on contingency, or do they expect payment upfront?
- Are they responsive to questions?
The Houston car accident lawyers at Florin|Roebig have decades of combined experience navigating every type of personal injury lawsuit. Named a Distinguished Law Firm in 2025 by the Best Law Firms® report, they are nationally recognized for their expertise within the field and are adept at handling complex car accident claims.
The Florin|Roebig team has some of the best car accident lawyers in Houston. We have won over $1 billion dollars in results for our clients, including a landmark trial verdict of $42 million for a motor vehicle lawsuit.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident and you need help getting the compensation you need, don’t hesitate to reach out. Florin|Roebig offers all potential clients a free initial case consultation.
We want to help you understand your options and seek justice for the harm you have suffered. Contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your case or schedule a free evaluation.
- Fill out our online form anytime, and we’ll reply promptly.
- Call the phone number for your area 24/7.
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Get The Help You Deserve After A Car Accident
Car accidents can be devastating, inflicting serious physical, mental, and financial harm on those involved. Often victims of car accidents are pressured into accepting fault for an incident and are denied the compensation they need to recover.
Working with an experienced, compassionate personal injury lawyer who understands the laws and regulations governing car accident lawsuits in Houston can mean the difference between fair compensation and ongoing struggle.
The right lawyer can help you understand your options, gather evidence, build your claim, handle filing, and negotiate on your behalf with the other parties involved—whether that is your own insurance company or another party.
Whether you need help negotiating an out-of-court settlement or someone to defend your rights in court, the personal injury experts at Florin|Roebig can help.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident and you feel that you are not being dealt with fairly, don’t give up, and don’t try to fight alone. Let our expert team help you get the justice and compensation you need to recover and thrive.
Location and contact information:
440 Louisiana St. Suite 400
Houston, Texas 77002