At the end of the day all car accidents come down to fault and liability. Who caused your accident, who is at-fault, who is going to be held responsible for paying the debt the accident has caused. Working with an experienced car accident attorney in your case can help you to protect yourself and hold any at-fault drivers responsible for your accident. If you are at-fault for the accident, your insurance coverage will determine how the property damage and other costs will be paid in your case.
The issue of fault and legal liability in most injury-related insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits comes down to establishing who was negligent.
In a car accident case, one obvious way that a driver can be negligent is to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs while driving. (More: Is a drunk driver automatically at fault for a car accident?)
Taking certain prescription medication before driving can also amount to negligence. We’re probably all familiar with drug commercials instructing us not to take certain medications while operating heavy machinery. Well, a car is heavy machinery. If, hypothetically, you get into a car accident while taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications, you may find yourself accused of negligence.
But a more common form of driver negligence is basic inattention to the road. Taking one’s eyes off the road, even for a second, can be negligent. There are innumerable ways in which a driver can be inattentive, including:
- distracted driving (texting/phone use)
- looking at something or someone by the side of the road
- looking at a map or reading something
- getting something out of the glove compartment
- adjusting your seat
- getting something out of your pocket
- reaching into the back seat
- eating or drinking (even non-alcoholic beverages) while driving
- putting on makeup, and
- shaving (yes, that’s been known to happen while driving).
Lawyers have used every one of these examples (and many more) to prove negligence in a car accident case. If you’re able to show that the driver who hit you was engaged in any of the above-listed activities at the time, that’s evidence that will improve your chances of a good car accident settlement.
Conversely, if the other driver can show that you were doing any of the things in the bulleted list above, you can expect to be held liable for the crash. That means your car insurance company will be paying on the claim, and you’ll likely be paying more for car insurance.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions like these can certainly cause (or play a role in causing) car accidents:
- potholes or sinkholes in the road
- cracks or breaks in the road
- unlevel lanes in the road (often caused when one lane has just been repaved, but the other lane hasn’t)
- a road/highway undergoing construction/repair
- poor or confusing street signage
- narrow roads
- construction debris in the road
- lack of sufficient shoulder on the road, and
- bad instructions from a flagperson.
If you get into a car accident that might have been caused by poor road conditions, you could still have a claim against another driver, but you might also be entitled to take legal action against the governmental agency or entity in charge of maintaining the road. Learn more about liability for car accidents caused by poor road conditions.
Defective or Poorly-Maintained Vehicles
If your vehicle was manufactured with a defect, and you’re injured in an accident that was caused by that defect, you might have a valid product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer. But defects in vehicles include not just problems with the way the car came off the production line, but also problems that develop over the life of the vehicle.
For example, if your brakes are wearing out, but you choose not to replace them, you are knowingly driving a defective (or at least negligently-maintained) vehicle, and you will probably be found liable if you cause an accident in which that mechanical problem played a part.
Common problems with cars that are likely to cause an accident include issues with the steering, acceleration, braking, tires, or lights. If your car is showing signs of any of these problems, get it checked out as soon as possible. If a mechanic tells you that your car needs to be repaired, get it fixed. If you can’t afford to repair the vehicle, don’t drive it. And conversely, if you get hit by another driver who was knowingly driving a car whose condition posed a safety risk on the road, you could be well set up to receive a fair settlement.
If you’re thinking about taking legal action over injuries sustained in a car accident, your best first step might be to discuss your situation (and your options) with a car accident lawyer.
Spanish Speaking Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas
Spanish-speaking individuals can have a more difficult time seeking justice in their personal injury cases due to language barriers. This causes them to not take action against those who have left them with financial devastation and physical trauma. At the Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers, our team refuses to let a language barrier affect your right to justice and compensation. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident and is in need of Spanish-speaking legal advice, our team is here for you.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, Texas
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident and suffered an injury, experienced loss of income, or are unable to work due to a car accident, you can benefit from the services of a Houston car accident expert in your personal injury case. Whether you missed work due to an injury or due to not having access to a vehicle, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers can help you!
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.
