Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers in Houston
Being involved in a car accident or suffering a personal injury in Houston can leave you with more questions than answers. Texas law sets specific rules for how claims are filed, how fault is determined, and how long you have to act. This page walks through the questions residents ask most often after an accident — from immediate steps to how a claim generally moves forward — so you have a clearer picture before deciding what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety comes first. Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, and call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if needed. Texas requires a police report for accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, and take photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Once you're safe, contact your insurance company to start the claims process, and keep copies of the police report, medical records, and any repair estimates for your records.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury, under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Missing this deadline typically means losing the right to file a lawsuit entirely, no matter how strong the case may be. Some situations can shift the timeline, such as claims involving a minor, a claim against a government entity, or cases where the injury wasn't discovered right away. Insurance companies are aware of these deadlines and may delay negotiations hoping the window closes. Because deadlines and exceptions vary by circumstance, it's best to speak with an attorney soon after an accident to protect your right to compensation.
The value of a personal injury case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, total medical expenses, lost wages, and any long-term or future treatment needs. Property damage, out-of-pocket costs, and the overall impact the injury has had on your daily life and ability to work are also considered. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, may factor in as well. Texas also follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident. Because every case involves a different combination of these factors, an individual evaluation by an attorney is the only way to get a realistic estimate of potential compensation.
If the other driver doesn't have insurance, you're not necessarily left without options. Many Texas drivers carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage as part of their own auto policy, which can help pay for medical bills, lost income, and other losses caused by an uninsured driver. Personal injury protection or medical payments coverage, if you have it, may also help cover initial medical costs regardless of fault. In some cases, it may be possible to pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver, though collecting on a judgment can be difficult if they have limited assets. Reviewing your own policy is an important first step, and an attorney can help identify every avenue available in your situation.