Most people in Houston, Texas have cars, and they’re the primary way people get around. But think about that for a second, most people get inside large, heavy, metal objects and move around in them at extremely fast speeds. That seems like a recipe for disaster.
Unfortunately, it often is — primarily when people don’t operate them well, such as when they drive too fast, when they drive distracted or when they drive while intoxicated. And when big metal objects going very fast collide, the people inside them can get hurt and get hurt very badly.
Auto Accident Attorneys in Houston, Texas
If someone in a motor vehicle or a commercial truck has hurt you, an experienced and passionate advocate can make all the difference.
Joe has worked alongside a large insurance company for over ten years giving him the insight and knowledge to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Texas Is a No-fault State
The most important thing to note about Texas law if you have been involved in an accident is that Texas is what we call a “no-fault” car insurance state. If you have been injured in a car accident, your car insurance must have coverage, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Only in some instances, when injuries are severe enough, and the fault belongs to another driver, can you step outside the no-fault system and hold the other driver liable for your damages.
Under Texas Statutes, only car accidents that result in a permanent injury or significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement will allow a potential plaintiff to take a claim outside of the no-fault system. This is known as the “serious injury” threshold.
Texas Statute Of Limitations After A Car Accident
A “statute of limitations” is a law that sets a deadline for filing certain kinds of lawsuits. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage related to traffic accidents is two years.
Injured people involved in traffic accidents need to follow a different procedure if the accident involved a government employee or government property. For instance, if you were injured when a city bus hit your car, you’ll probably need to file a “notice of claim” with the government agency in charge of public transit, and you’ll need to do it quickly to preserve your rights.
Texas Comparative Fault Rules
In Texas, your options for settlements after a traffic accident depend in part on who was the “at fault” party. Meaning, who was the cause of the accident.
If your case goes to court, a judge or jury may decide that both you and another driver were to a certain extent “at fault” for the crash.
If this happens, how does it affect your ability to receive damages?
Texas is a Modified Comparative Negligence Law State. Meaning that when the at-fault party is considered to be at fault for the accident, they will not be able to recover any damages.
If you are 51% or more at fault for the accident, you will not receive any compensation.
Common Types of Car Accidents
There are many causes of accidents. Some of the most common are distracted drivers, intoxicated drivers, and defective roadways. There are many different ways an accident can happen.
Common types of car accidents include:
- Multi-Vehicle accidents
- Side impact accidents (T-Bone)
- Rear impact collisions
- High-Speed collisions
- Low-Speed collisions
- Vehicle rollover
- Roof crush
- Hit and run collisions
Different Types of Car Accident Scenarios
There are many different types of people and vehicles you could get in an accident with, not all of which are cars.
Just a few:
- Boating accidents
- Jet ski accidents
- ATV accidents
- UTV accidents
- 18 Wheeler accidents
- Motorcycle collisions
- Pedestrian accidents (with you as the victim)
- Bus collisions
- Aviation accidents
- Bicycle collisions
- Rental vehicle accidents
- School bus collisions
There are also different issues to be concerned about, like uninsured or underinsured drivers or personal injury protection.
No matter the circumstances of your accident, we would be honored and proud to fight for justice on your behalf.
Call Our Attorneys Today!
An insurance company may have offered you a settlement. Remember, the insurance company is looking out for itself.
You can have someone looking out for you. Joe I. Zaid & Associates will fight for your rights. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if you do.
Call us at (346) 756-9243 or send an online message to set up a free consultation.