Get Compensation Following a Car Accident in Houston

A car accident can change your life in an instant. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a severe collision, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, lost wages impact your financial security, and dealing with insurance companies can be a frustrating process. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages.

At Caruthers Law Firm, we specialize in helping car accident victims recover the maximum compensation they deserve. Our experienced Houston car accident attorneys fight aggressively to protect your rights and ensure that you’re not left struggling with expenses that aren’t your fault. This guide will walk you through the steps to take after a car accident, the types of compensation available, and how hiring an attorney can make all the difference in your case.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston

The moments following a car accident are crucial. The actions you take immediately after the crash can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Taking the right steps not only protects your health and well-being but also strengthens your case if you decide to file a claim against the at-fault party. Here is a detailed guide on what you should do after a car accident in Houston.

Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your health should always be the top priority. If you or anyone else involved in the accident has suffered injuries, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical professionals can assess injuries and provide necessary treatment on the scene. Even if your injuries appear minor or you feel fine, it is still important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, and whiplash, may not show symptoms until hours or even days later.

Failing to seek medical care promptly can also hurt your claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the accident. By visiting a doctor right away, you not only protect your health but also create a medical record that links your injuries to the crash, which can be crucial evidence in your case.

Contact the Police and Get a Report

Texas law requires drivers to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Calling the police is important because they will document the accident, interview witnesses, and create an official police report. This report provides an unbiased account of what happened, including information on the parties involved, road conditions, and any potential violations of traffic laws.

The police report is a critical piece of evidence when filing a car accident claim, as it can help establish fault. Without a report, it may be more challenging to prove what happened, especially if the other driver disputes your version of events. If law enforcement officers do not respond to the accident scene, you should still file a report at the nearest police station as soon as possible.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If it is safe to do so, collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be when seeking compensation. Take clear photographs and videos of the following:

• Damage to all vehicles involved in the crash
• Skid marks, debris, and any hazards that may have contributed to the accident
• Traffic signals, road signs, and weather conditions at the time of the crash
• Visible injuries suffered by you or your passengers

Additionally, try to get contact information from witnesses who saw what happened. Witness statements can be valuable in supporting your claim, especially if there is a dispute about fault. You should also exchange information with the other driver, including their name, phone number, insurance details, and license plate number.

If there are nearby security cameras or dashcams, make a note of their locations. These recordings may have captured the accident and can serve as crucial evidence when proving liability.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Most insurance companies require that you report an accident within a reasonable timeframe, even if you were not at fault. Failing to notify your insurer promptly could result in complications with your claim. However, when speaking to your insurance company, be careful about what you say. Avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be misinterpreted as taking responsibility for the crash.

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may try to use your words against you to reduce or deny your claim. They may ask you to provide a recorded statement, but it is best to decline until you have spoken with an attorney. Additionally, be cautious about accepting any early settlement offers from the insurance company. These initial offers are often far lower than what you are entitled to and may not cover all of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Before negotiating with insurance companies, consult an experienced car accident attorney who can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. A lawyer will review your case, assess your damages, and determine the best course of action to maximize your compensation.

At Caruthers Law Firm, we handle all aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence and dealing with insurance companies to negotiating a fair settlement or representing you in court if necessary. Our team has extensive experience handling car accident cases in Houston and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

By hiring an attorney early in the process, you avoid common mistakes that could weaken your claim. An experienced lawyer can help:

• Prove liability and hold the at-fault party accountable
• Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning potential
• Negotiate with insurance adjusters to prevent lowball settlement offers
• File a personal injury lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Many people hesitate to hire a lawyer because they worry about legal fees. However, at Caruthers Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without financial stress.

Additional Steps to Strengthen Your Case

Beyond the immediate steps to take after a car accident, there are other things you can do to protect your rights and strengthen your case.

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan – Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice. Failing to do so can give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries are not serious.
2. Keep Track of All Expenses – Maintain records of medical bills, receipts for prescription medications, and any out-of-pocket costs related to the accident. This will help prove the financial impact of the crash.
3. Document Your Pain and Recovery – Keeping a journal about your injuries, pain levels, and how the accident has affected your daily life can serve as valuable evidence in a personal injury claim.
4. Avoid Posting on Social Media – Anything you post about the accident can be used against you. Even seemingly innocent posts about feeling “fine” or participating in activities could be misinterpreted by insurance adjusters or defense attorneys.
5. Be Wary of Insurance Tactics – Insurance companies may contact you with settlement offers or try to pressure you into signing documents. Do not agree to anything without consulting a lawyer first.

Taking the Right Steps Can Make All the Difference

The period following a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming, but knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. By ensuring your safety, gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, and consulting with a qualified attorney, you set yourself up for the best chance of receiving full and fair compensation.

At Caruthers Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping car accident victims in Houston recover from their injuries and move forward with their lives. If you have been injured in a car accident, do not wait to seek legal assistance. Contact our firm today for a free consultation, and let us help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation Available After a Car Accident

If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

1. Medical Expenses

Car accident injuries often result in significant medical costs. Compensation may include:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospitalization
• Surgeries and medical procedures
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Future medical expenses

2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If your injuries result in long-term disability or prevent you from returning to your previous job, you may also recover damages for loss of earning capacity.

3. Pain and Suffering

Car accidents cause not only physical injuries but also emotional and psychological distress. Compensation for pain and suffering may include:

• Chronic pain
• Emotional distress
• Anxiety and PTSD
• Depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life

4. Property Damage

If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or the replacement cost of your car. Additionally, if you had valuable personal property in the vehicle (such as a laptop or phone) that was damaged, you may be reimbursed for those losses as well.

5. Wrongful Death Compensation

If a loved one was tragically killed in a car accident, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Emotional suffering and loss of companionship

At Caruthers Law Firm, we provide compassionate legal support to families seeking justice for their loved ones.

How Fault Is Determined in a Car Accident Case

Texas follows a comparative fault system, which means that liability is determined based on each driver’s percentage of fault. If you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the victim to reduce payouts. That’s why having an experienced car accident attorney is essential. At Caruthers Law Firm, we gather strong evidence, accident reports, and expert testimony to counter any false claims and ensure you receive the full amount you deserve.

Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney

Many accident victims believe they can handle their claims alone, but dealing with insurance companies is difficult without legal representation. Here’s why hiring a car accident attorney is the best decision you can make:

1. Insurance Companies Try to Pay as Little as Possible

Insurance companies employ tactics to minimize their payouts, such as:

• Offering quick but lowball settlements
• Disputing the severity of injuries
• Delaying claims in hopes that victims will accept less
• Pressuring victims to give recorded statements that may be used against them

Our attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurers and won’t let them take advantage of you.

2. Maximizing Your Compensation

A car accident attorney ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve. We assess all damages, including future medical costs and lost earning potential, to get you the maximum compensation possible.

3. Handling Complex Legal Processes

Personal injury law involves filing legal paperwork, gathering evidence, and meeting strict deadlines. Missing a deadline could jeopardize your case. Our legal team handles all aspects of the claim so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

4. No Upfront Costs – We Work on a Contingency Basis

At Caruthers Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. There are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses—our payment comes as a percentage of your settlement. This ensures that everyone, regardless of financial situation, has access to high-quality legal representation.

How Caruthers Law Firm Can Help You

At Caruthers Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for Houston car accident victims. Our legal team provides:

• Free Consultations to evaluate your case and explain your options.
• Aggressive negotiation to secure the highest settlement possible.
• Strong trial representation if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
• Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique case.
• 24/7 availability to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Our goal is to relieve your stress, handle the legal battle, and get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact Caruthers Law Firm Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, don’t go through the legal process alone. Caruthers Law Firm is here to fight for you, protect your rights, and secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Call us today for a free consultation. Let us review your case, answer your questions, and help you take the first step toward justice. With Caruthers Law Firm on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle everything else.

Caruthers Law Firm
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy,
Suite 400
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
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In the aftermath of an accident that leaves you or a loved one injured, it is crucial to know where to turn for support and justice. The Caruthers Law Firm stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment to the cause of pursuing justice for injury victims. With a track record that speaks volumes about our dedication to excellence and passion for our clients, we have garnered recognition throughout the Houston area as a trusted name in the legal community. When you or a family member suffers an injury due to the negligence of another, the need for an attorney who is not just competent but also recognized for their excellence becomes paramount. The Houston personal injury attorney at The Caruthers Law Firm fits that bill precisely. We have earned accolades and trust from our clients because we don not just handle cases; we champion causes. Our cases frequently involve traumatic, life-altering events, such as the loss of a loved one, and our relentless pursuit of justice ensures our clients receive the compensation necessary to secure their financial future. Our dedicated efforts have successfully secured over $50 million in settlements for our clients, and our commitment to excellence has brought us national recognition, particularly in fields like birth injury law. Whether your life has been upended by a tragic accident or the negligence of another party, you can confide in Caruthers Law Firm to handle your case with the utmost skill, dedication, and compassion in your time of need. Every case we undertake is treated with the gravity and importance it deserves, and we strive to provide the best possible representation to our clients. At Caruthers Law Firm, our attorneys boast an impressive array of knowledge and expertise in various practice areas, including personal injury, criminal defense, wrongful death, and more. We fully acknowledge that each case is unique, and we value the individual concerns and needs of our clients. This understanding leads us to craft tailored legal strategies that address each case is distinctive challenges. When you choose Caruthers Law Firm as your legal representation, you can expect a high degree of professionalism, unwavering integrity, and an unparalleled commitment from the beginning of your case to its conclusion. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates for your rights, dedicated to securing the justice you deserve.

For over three decades, Beverly R. Caruthers has been on an unwavering mission to provide her clients with top-notch, tenacious, and compassionate legal services and representation. Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has not only amassed extensive experience but has also consistently delivered high-quality legal assistance to those who have sought her counsel. Her journey to legal expertise began with academic distinction, having graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Tougaloo College, followed by the acquisition of her Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. With a primary focus on Personal Injury, Criminal Law, and Business Law, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has honed her legal acumen in these pivotal areas. Complementing her knowledge and skills, The Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers is fortified by a collaborative team of seasoned and highly qualified attorneys. Together, they work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for each and every client they serve. In the Caruthers family, the pursuit of legal excellence seems to be a cherished tradition. Briona Caruthers, following in the footsteps of her older brother and colleague, hails from Missouri City, Texas, where she graduated from Elkins High School in 2015. Venturing outside her hometown, she spent four years at Hofstra University in New York, where she diligently earned her Bachelor Degree in Legal Studies in Business in 2019. After her academic journey in New York, she returned to her roots in Houston, Texas. There, she attended the same illustrious institution where her mother, Beverly R. Caruthers, and her brothers, Eddie and Parker Caruthers, had studied—the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. In 2022, Briona graduated Cum Laude from TSU, thereby continuing the family legacy. Beyond her legal pursuits, Briona finds solace in retail therapy and enjoys exploring the world through her travels when she is not in the office, fervently advocating for her clients rights. Parker Caruthers, another member of the Caruthers family, was born and raised in Missouri City, Texas, where he completed his high school education at Clements High School in 2012. His educational journey took him to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in 2017. Parker commitment to legal studies led him to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at TSU, from where he graduated in 2021. During his time in law school, Parker legal prowess shone through as he secured victory in the Helen Dawn Williams Mock Trial competition, all while gaining valuable experience through internships at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Opting to take a different path by not pursuing prosecution, Parker joined Caruthers Law Firm in 2021. Beyond the legal realm, Parker passions extend to sports fandom and his role as a proud dog owner. At the Caruthers Law Firm, we take a refreshingly transparent and candid approach when assessing our potential clients circumstances. We believe in clear, honest, and direct communication, leaving aside the legal jargon to speak in terms that our clients can readily understand. Each client is treated as a unique individual, receiving personalized and attentive care throughout their legal journey with us.

We are immensely grateful to each and every individual who wholeheartedly contributed to the success of "The Christmas Toy Drive and Giveaway" and "The Back to School Giveaway" right here in the vibrant city of Houston. Your support has made a profound difference in the lives of countless local children, and it is a testament to the incredible community spirit that defines our city. At The Caruthers Law Firm, we take great pride in being active sponsors of these important initiatives, which focus on providing crucial resources to Houstons youth. Some of the recipients come from families struggling with limited income, making it challenging for them to provide the necessary school supplies for their children. For others, the prospect of a joyous Christmas was a distant dream due to a lack of toys. In these circumstances, we aimed to make a meaningful and positive impact on these children and their families. It is through the unwavering support and dedication of our local community that we were able to realize this vision. We encourage you to consider joining us in this noble cause and be a part of the change in the lives of Houston families. Your involvement can take various forms, whether through donating items, contributing funds, or taking the initiative to organize a collection drive within your organization, church, club, or local community. Your support will undoubtedly go a long way in touching the lives of those in need, ensuring that every child in our city can look forward to a brighter future. By working together, we not only provide essential items but also instill a sense of hope, compassion, and generosity within our beloved Houston community. Together, we can create a stronger, more caring, and inclusive community, one that continues to uplift and empower those who need it most. Thank you for being a part of this vital mission.