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freemanattorney · 7 days

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Here's A Complete Guide to Finding Lawyers in Houston Who Can Help with Truck Accidents and Wrongful Death Cases

At Gary M. Freeman, Injury Trial Attorney, we understand the devastating impact that truck accidents and wrongful deaths can have on individuals and families in Houston. As seasoned trial attorneys specializing in personal injury law, we are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation to those who have been affected by such tragic events. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the nuances of truck accidents and wrongful death cases, offering insights and resources to help you navigate these challenging circumstances.

Understanding Truck Accidents in Houston

Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. In Houston, a bustling metropolitan area with extensive interstate highways and major thoroughfares, truck accidents are unfortunately not uncommon. Factors such as driver fatigue, impaired driving, speeding, improper maintenance, and distracted driving contribute to the prevalence of truck accidents on Houston roads.

The Role of a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Houston, it is crucial to seek legal representation from a skilled Houston truck accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can advocate for your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Gary M. Freeman, Injury Trial Attorney, we have a proven track record of success in handling complex truck accident cases and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, prioritizing your safety and well-being is paramount. Here are some essential steps to take following a truck collision:

Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to document any injuries and receive prompt treatment.

Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the authorities and ensure that a police report is filed. This documentation will be valuable evidence in your case.

Gather Evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses and exchange insurance details with the truck driver.

Avoid Making Statements: Refrain from admitting fault or discussing the details of the accident with the truck driver or insurance representatives. Anything you say can be used against you in future legal proceedings.

Consult with a Lawyer: Schedule a consultation with a qualified Houston truck accident lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options. An attorney can provide personalized guidance based on the specifics of your case.

Seeking Justice in Wrongful Death Cases

Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing is a devastating experience. In Houston, wrongful death claims arise from various circumstances, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and criminal acts. When pursuing a wrongful death claim, it is essential to enlist the services of a compassionate and experienced wrongful death lawyer Houston who can navigate the complexities of the legal system on your behalf.

How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help

At Gary M. Freeman, Injury Trial Attorney, we understand the sensitive nature of wrongful death cases and the profound impact they have on families. Our dedicated legal team provides comprehensive support and representation to surviving family members, seeking justice and compensation for their loss. We handle all aspects of the legal process, allowing families to focus on grieving and healing while we pursue accountability and financial recovery.

Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Claims

In Texas, eligible family members may pursue various types of damages in a wrongful death claim, including:

Medical Expenses: Costs associated with the deceased's medical treatment and care before their passing.

Funeral and Burial Expenses: Expenses related to funeral services, burial or cremation, and memorial arrangements.

Lost Income and Benefits: Compensation for the deceased's lost earning capacity, including future income and benefits.

Loss of Companionship and Consortium: Damages for the emotional suffering, loss of guidance, and support experienced by surviving family members.

Punitive Damages: In cases involving egregious negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to deter similar behavior in the future.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident or has lost their life due to someone else's negligence, the legal team at Gary M. Freeman, Injury Trial Attorney, is here to help. With our extensive experience and unwavering dedication to our clients' interests, we are prepared to fight tirelessly for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you during this challenging time.

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texasattorney · 1 month

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Car Accident Lawyers in Houston - Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law

In the bustling metropolis of Houston, navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but with the guidance of seasoned Car accident lawyers in Houston, justice and compensation become tangible realities.

If you have experienced any injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your losses. With over 40 years of experience, the attorneys at Bailey & Galyen can effectively handle your case to help you receive the compensation you’re due. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us online or call our offices at 844-402-2992.

Houston Car Accidents Statistics

In 2022, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recorded 67,386 traffic accidents in Houston, which is equal to approximately 185 accidents daily or 7.7 accidents per hour. This figure is alarming, especially considering that Houston’s population represents 8% of Texas’s population but accounts for 16% of the state’s car accidents.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Houston

Rear-end collisions— These are one of the most common types of car accidents on Texas roads. A driver following another car fails to stop their vehicle in time and ends up colliding with the back end of the car ahead.

Head-on collisions— In these accidents, vehicles traveling toward each other collide, often because one or both vehicles cross the centerline.

Side-impact collisions— In this type of crash, one vehicle collides with another car moving in a perpendicular direction. It is also known as a T-bone collision.

Single-vehicle crashes— In these types of accidents, the vehicle collides with an object. The driver may crash into an object on the side of the road, hit a hazard in the road, or veer off the road entirely.

Multi-vehicle crashes— These crashes involve collisions between two or more cars, often resulting from factors such as speeding, reckless passing, and distracted or drunk driving.

Hit-and-run accidents— The drivers involved in any type of crash or accident must stop at the site of the accident and wait for the arrival of the police. If a driver flees the accident site without waiting for police, it is referred to as a “hit-and-run” accident.

Rollover accidents— These crashes occur when a driver attempts a sharp turn at a very high speed. Vehicles with a high center of gravity may roll over multiple times when trying to execute a high-speed turn.

Blind-spot accidents— The space along the driver’s side that is not visible in the side mirror is known as the blind spot. When a motorist tries to change lanes and collides with a vehicle in this blind spot, it is known as a blind-spot accident. These accidents usually involve a sideswipe but can sometimes lead to more severe collisions.

Car Accident Law

In Texas, cases involving car accident injuries are filed as personal injury claims and are typically based on the theory of negligence. Establishing negligence requires proving that the defendant acted in a manner that would not be considered reasonable by an ordinary person.

Further, for a successful claim, the injured party must establish that the negligent action of the defendant caused the accident and that the injury directly stemmed from the accident.

Texas law does not explicitly define the activities that qualify as unreasonable behavior. A jury determines whether the defendant met the reasonable standard of care on a case-by-case basis. In doing so, jurors must consider previous rulings on similar cases.

It is crucial to prove that the defendant’s negligence was both the actual and proximate cause of the accident. “Actual cause” means that the accident wouldn’t have occurred if the defendant hadn’t acted negligently.

“Proximate cause” means that the accident and the resulting injuries were a reasonably expected result of the defendant’s unreasonable behavior.

Damages To Claim in a Houston Car Accident

Damages in personal injury claims are classified into two categories: punitive and compensatory.

Punitive damages are intended to punish or sanction the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future. Ordinarily, courts do not grant punitive damages in car accident cases.

They are awarded only where the defendant’s actions demonstrate a reckless disregard for human life or an actual intent to cause the accident.

Compensatory damages are meant to reimburse the injured party for their losses. There are two types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages: These include damages that are easy to calculate and have monetary value. Some examples of economic damages are:

Current and anticipated medical expenses, including physical therapy and other treatment

Wages lost due to the accident

Any loss of earning ability due to the accident

Loss or damage to property (determined based on the loss in value of the property or the cost of replacing an item)

If the car accident results in a person’s death, surviving family members have a right to pursue compensation for funeral expenses and for the loss of the services that the victim likely would have provided around the house.

Non-economic damages: Non-economic damages are based on intangible factors such as feelings, emotions, and anxiety. It can be challenging to ascertain the value of non-economic damages. Some examples of non-economic damages are:

Mental and emotional anguish: The injured party can claim compensation for their mental anguish due to the accident. This can include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Pain and suffering: This includes damages for physical pain and emotional suffering experienced by the victim as a consequence of the accident.

Loss of companionship: This includes the inability to have close physical relationships due to injuries caused by the accident.

Loss of enjoyment of life: An injured person can seek damages for loss of the ability to do things they enjoyed doing before the accident, from simple grooming to hobbies such as playing a musical instrument.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston

There are various causes of car accidents in Houston:

Speeding— Speeding is one of the major causes of car accidents in Houston. At high speeds, drivers can fail to stop in time or take appropriate measures and collide with another vehicle or object.

Driver inattention: Distracted behavior while driving is another cause of frequent car accidents. This involves drivers using their phones while driving, eating, talking to passengers, and looking at things on the roadside.

Unsafe lane change— Accidents can occur when a driver changes without checking for vehicles approaching from behind.

Failure to drive in a single lane— Swerving out of the lane makes it challenging for other drivers to predict your movement, often leading to serious collisions.

Running a stop sign or red light— Drivers running a red light or ignoring traffic signals often collide with vehicles coming from other directions.

Failure to yield right-of-way — When making a turn, a driver must yield the right-of-way to vehicles approaching from behind. Yielding the right-of-way is particularly important when entering and exiting highways and at intersections. Failure to do so may lead to collisions.

Backing out when unsafe— A driver acts negligently when they fail to look properly for cars when backing out of a driveway.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash— Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck during an accident. This motion can lead to herniated and bulging discs in the neck. A whiplash-type injury can also lead to tissue damage, inflammation, and internal bleeding, as the forceful movement can cause the brain to bounce within the skull.

Traumatic brain injuries— Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a sudden blow or penetrating injury to the head. They can range in severity from minor concussions to more severe injuries with long-lasting impairments.

Abrasions and lacerations— Car accidents often involve broken glass that cuts and wounds the body. Minor abrasions typically heal on their own without any medical intervention, but major cuts may require stitches or surgery.

Broken bones— Bones provide structural support to the body, but can’t withstand the traumatic impact of a high-speed crash. Car accidents may lead to bone fractures, ranging from minor hairline fractures to severe fractures to bones in the wrist, arm, leg, or other part of the body.

Joint injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears— The sudden impact or twisting motion caused by a collision can stretch or tear a ligament, leading to sprains and strains.

Burn injuries— A car accident can lead to burn injuries, ranging from first-degree to third-degree. First-degree burns are minor and do not require any specific medical treatment. Second-degree burns are painful and carry a high risk of infection. Third-degree burns are serious and often necessitate skin grafting or other intensive medical care.

Amputation— Car accidents can result in traumatic or surgical amputations. Traumatic amputations involve complete damage to a limb caused by the accident. Surgical amputations involve partial damage to the limb.

Spinal cord injuries and paralysis— Damages to the spinal cord can adversely affect a person’s quality of life. They can result in various degrees of impairment, including partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, or other neurological disorders affecting mobility and bodily functions.

Back injuries— The impact of an accident may stretch or tear back muscles.

Who Pays the Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

Texas is an “at-fault” state, so if you have been injured in a car accident in Texas, you can file a claim, and the at-fault party’s insurance company must pay for your medical bills.

However, if the at-fault party’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your claims, you can seek compensation from your own insurer, provided that you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.

How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Houston?

According to the Texas Statute of Limitations, a car accident claim must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.

Having an experienced attorney in your corner can ensure that your claim is filed within the proper time frame and with all the required documents.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Houston

Seek medical care— Your primary concern following the car accident should be your health. Check for injuries and seek medical care, especially if you suspect neck or back injuries. Even if you feel fit, it is better to get a medical check-up as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Report the accident— Call 911 and inform them about the accident. Inform them of the location of the accident and the injuries sustained, if any. They will send police and medical personnel to assist you.

Seek help from a car accident attorney— Consulting an experienced car accident attorney in Houston is a prudent step following an accident. The attorney will act as an intermediary between you, the insurance companies, and law enforcement authorities, making sure that your rights are safeguarded and that the insurance company does not deny your claim.

File an insurance claim— File a claim with the insurer of the at-fault party to be reimbursed for your medical bills.

Do’s and Don’ts After a Houston Car Accident

Do’s

If you have sustained any injuries in the accident, immediately contact medical personnel and seek their assistance.

Call 911 and inform them about the accident, along with the location.

Exchange information such as names, addresses, and contact information with the parties involved in the accident and any witnesses present at the site.

Take pictures and videos of vehicle damage, injuries sustained, and road conditions. Additionally, take a photo of the direction from which the at-fault vehicle was approaching.

Document details of the accident in writing. This will help refresh your memory later.

Contact an experienced Houston car accident lawyer.

Don’t

Don’t admit any fault to the other driver or to law enforcement or insurance company representatives.

Don’t record any statement with law enforcement agencies.

Don’t sign any document from the insurance companies or law enforcement authorities until you consult your attorney.

Don’t agree to any settlement with the at-fault party or their insurer unless your attorney has helped negotiate it.

Don’t post anything about the accident or your injuries on social media.

Don’t wait to seek the help of a proven Houston car accident lawyer.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help with Your Case

Navigating the legal system requires specialized knowledge and skills, so it’s advisable not to handle your claim by yourself. An experienced Houston car accident lawyer can help you in many ways, including:

Investigating the accident and relevant documents

Gathering evidence to support and strengthen your case

Preparing strategies to maximize your financial recovery

Advocating for your rights in all meetings, negotiations, and hearings

Ensuring the timely filing of your insurance claim along with necessary documentation

With over 40 years of experience, Bailey & Galyen specializes in handling personal injury lawsuits, including claims arising from car accidents.

Our team of adept lawyers is dedicated to helping you obtain compensation for the damages incurred in a car accident in Houston.

How Much Does a Car Accident Claim Cost in Houston?

Houston car accident attorneys typically work on a contingency basis, which means they receive a percentage of the insurance claim or other damages that they secure for you. This percentage ranges from 33%-45%. You also may have to pay certain out-of-pocket expenses, such as filing fees, copying and printing costs, and expenses related to expert witnesses.

A contingency fee contract stipulates the expenses you must bear upfront and those covered after the settlement. Many attorneys cover most costs upfront and later deduct them from your settlement. It’s crucial to carefully review the specifics of your financial agreement with your attorney.

A Summary of What You Need to Know After a Houston Car Accident

If you sustain injuries in a car accident, you are entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These can include lost wages, rehabilitation costs, medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional and mental anguish, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life.

To claim medical expenses from the at-fault party’s insurer, it is necessary to file a claim with their insurance company promptly. If the at-fault party’s insurance coverage is insufficient, or the other party has no insurance, you may be able to seek compensation from your insurer.

To successfully receive full and adequate compensation, it’s essential to enlist the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney in Houston. The attorney will gather the requisite evidence and help you establish the negligence of the at-fault party.

Car accident attorneys in Houston work on a contingency basis, meaning they only charge a percentage of the money that you recover as fees for their legal services.

For legal assistance and guidance, contact the lawyers at Bailey & Galyen by email or call our office at 844-402-2992.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What are the car accident laws in Houston, TX?

In Texas, car accidents cases are governed by traffic laws and the legal principle of negligence. If you can prove negligence on the part of the at-fault party, you may be eligible to claim damages for any injuries sustained in the accident.

2) What to do after a car accident?

After a car accident in Houston, look for injuries and call 911 to inform the authorities about the accident and ensure medical assistance is dispatched. Exchange contact information with all parties involved in the accident and any witnesses. Contact an experienced car accident attorney for assistance in navigating the aftermath more effectively.

3) How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Houston?

Under Texas law, the insurance company has to settle each claim within 35 days of receipt.

4) What are common causes of Houston car accidents?

Some of the major causes of car accidents in Houston are driver inattention, speeding, running red lights, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, and failure to yield the right-of-way.

5) What damages can I claim after a car accident?

In a car accident claim in Houston, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses such as loss of wages, medical bills, and loss of property. Non-economic damages include intangible losses such as pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of personal companionship.

6) How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Houston?

A car accident lawsuit must be filed within 2 years of the date of the accident or from the date you discovered that you had injuries due to the accident.

7) What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in Houston?

If the person at fault has no insurance, you can claim compensation from your own insurer under your uninsured motorist coverage.

8) Can someone sue you for a car accident if you have insurance in Houston?

Yes, you can be sued for a car accident despite having insurance if your coverage is insufficient to cover the expenses of the injured party.

9) What information should I provide to my car accident lawyer?

Inform your car accident attorney about your insurance policy, the nature and extent of your injuries, and any property loss sustained due to the accident. Share all relevant information that could impact your rights, liabilities, and legal status.

#Car accident lawyers in Houston

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