Experienced Texas Car Accident Lawyers Fighting for Your Rights

Experienced Texas Car Accident Lawyers Fighting for Your Rights

Why Choose Harper Law Firm for Your Texas Car Accident Case?

True Litigation Experience, Not Settlement Mills

Many personal injury firms advertise heavily but quickly settle cases to move on to the next one. At Harper Law Firm, we take a different approach. We’re trial lawyers who aren’t afraid to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get you fair compensation. Insurance companies know this about us, which often leads to better settlement offers without the need for trial.

Statewide Texas Representation

While we’re based in San Antonio, we represent car accident victims throughout Texas. Whether your accident happened in Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, or any smaller Texas community, we have the resources and experience to handle your case effectively.

No Fees Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.

Personalized Attention

Unlike large firms that treat clients like case numbers, we provide personal attention to every client. You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys, not case managers or paralegals making important decisions about your case.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Texas

Intersection Accidents

Texas intersections, particularly in busy cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, are common sites for serious car accidents. These accidents often involve:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Left-turn accidents
• T-bone or side-impact collisions

Intersection accidents frequently result in severe injuries due to the force of impact when vehicles collide at perpendicular angles.

Highway and Interstate Accidents

Texas has some of the busiest highways in the nation, including I-35, I-45, I-10, and I-20. High-speed accidents on these roadways often result in:

• Multi-vehicle pile-ups
• Rear-end collisions
• Lane-change accidents
• Accidents involving commercial vehicles

The higher speeds involved in highway accidents typically lead to more severe injuries and more complex legal cases.

Parking Lot and Low-Speed Accidents

Even seemingly minor accidents in parking lots or at low speeds can result in significant injuries, particularly:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Concussions
• Aggravation of pre-existing conditions

Don’t let insurance companies dismiss your injuries as “minor” just because the accident happened at low speed.

Weather-Related Accidents

Texas weather can be unpredictable, with sudden storms, flooding, and extreme heat affecting driving conditions. Common weather-related accidents include:

• Hydroplaning on wet roads
• Accidents due to sudden storms
• Heat-related tire blowouts
• Poor visibility accidents

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Texas

Distracted Driving

With the proliferation of smartphones and other electronic devices, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents in Texas. This includes:

• Texting while driving
• Talking on the phone
• Using navigation systems
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting radio or climate controls

Texas law prohibits texting while driving, and violations can be used as evidence of negligence in your car accident case.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Texas drivers are known for their need for speed, but excessive speed is a major factor in serious car accidents. Speeding-related accidents often involve:

• Failure to maintain control of the vehicle
• Inability to stop in time to avoid collisions
• More severe injuries due to increased force of impact
• Reduced reaction time

Impaired Driving

Despite strict DWI laws in Texas, drunk and drugged driving continues to cause thousands of accidents annually. Impaired drivers may:

• Have slower reaction times
• Make poor decisions
• Have impaired vision and coordination
• Fall asleep at the wheel

Fatigued Driving

Driver fatigue is particularly common among:

• Commercial drivers
• Shift workers
• Long-distance travelers
• Young drivers

Fatigued drivers may nod off at the wheel or have significantly reduced reaction times, making them as dangerous as drunk drivers.

Types of Injuries Common in Texas Car Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, which can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Even “mild” TBIs can have long-lasting effects on:

• Memory and concentration
• Mood and behavior
• Sleep patterns
• Work performance

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in:

• Partial or complete paralysis
• Loss of sensation
• Chronic pain
• Need for long-term medical care

These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and can permanently change a person’s quality of life.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of a car accident can cause:

• Simple fractures that heal relatively quickly
• Compound fractures requiring surgery
• Multiple fractures
• Fractures that don’t heal properly

Soft Tissue Injuries

While often dismissed as “minor,” soft tissue injuries can cause:

• Chronic pain
• Limited range of motion
• Need for ongoing physical therapy
• Inability to return to previous activities

Internal Injuries

Car accidents can cause internal bleeding and organ damage that may not be immediately apparent. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Texas Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

Texas Fault-Based Insurance System

Unlike some states that have no-fault insurance laws, Texas follows a fault-based system. This means:

• The at-fault driver is responsible for damages
• You can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance
• You can sue the at-fault driver directly if insurance is insufficient
• Comparative fault rules apply if you’re partially at-fault

Texas Comparative Negligence Law

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means:

• If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages

This makes it crucial to have experienced legal representation to minimize any fault assigned to you.

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions:

• Discovery rule may apply if injuries aren’t immediately apparent
• Different deadlines may apply for property damage claims
• Government entities may have shorter notice requirements

Don’t wait to contact an attorney, as evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade over time.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

These minimums are often inadequate for serious accidents, which is why uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is crucial.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas

Immediate Steps at the Scene

1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights
2. Call 911: Report the accident to police and request medical attention if needed
3. Document Everything: Take photos of vehicles, the scene, and any injuries
4. Exchange Information: Get names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers
5. Identify Witnesses: Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident
6. Don’t Admit Fault: Be polite but avoid discussing who was at fault

Seeking Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries and concussions, may not show symptoms for hours or days. Having immediate medical documentation also strengthens your legal case.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Remember that insurance companies, even your own, are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. When speaking with insurance adjusters:

• Stick to the facts
• Don’t speculate about fault or injuries
• Don’t accept quick settlement offers
• Consider having an attorney handle communications

Preserving Evidence

Important evidence in car accident cases includes:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Photos and videos
• Witness statements
• Vehicle maintenance records
• Cell phone records (for distracted driving cases)

Types of Compensation Available in Texas Car Accident Cases

Economic Damages

These are quantifiable financial losses including:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work for recovery
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn income in the future
• Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, prescription costs

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for subjective losses such as:

• Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma from the accident
• Disfigurement: Permanent scarring or physical changes
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships with family members

Punitive Damages

In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, Texas law allows for punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. These might apply in cases involving:

• Drunk driving
• Extreme speeding or reckless driving
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Texting while driving with prior citations

Why Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Profit Motive

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Every dollar they pay out in claims reduces their profits. They employ teams of adjusters, lawyers, and investigators whose job is to minimize claim payouts.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

• Quick Settlement Offers: Offering immediate settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries
• Recorded Statements: Trying to get you to say something that could hurt your case
• Claim Delays: Hoping you’ll get frustrated and accept a lower settlement
• Disputed Liability: Arguing that you were at fault or that their insured wasn’t negligent
• Medical Bill Challenges: Questioning the necessity or reasonableness of your medical treatment

How Harper Law Firm Levels the Playing Field

Our experience dealing with insurance companies allows us to:

• Properly value your claim based on all current and future damages
• Handle all communications with insurance adjusters
• Gather evidence to prove liability and damages
• Negotiate from a position of strength
• Take your case to trial if necessary

The Harper Law Firm Difference in Car Accident Cases

Thorough Case Investigation

We don’t rely solely on police reports. Our investigation may include:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Medical experts to explain your injuries
• Economic experts to calculate future losses
• Surveillance of the accident scene
• Subpoenaing cell phone records or other evidence

Comprehensive Medical Documentation

We work with your doctors to ensure your medical records properly document:

• The extent of your injuries
• The connection between your injuries and the accident
• Your prognosis and need for future medical care
• Any permanent impairments or disabilities

Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation

While many firms settle cases quickly, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation includes:

• Detailed demand packages to insurance companies
• Depositions of witnesses and parties
• Expert witness preparation
• Trial-ready case presentation

This approach often leads to better settlement offers because insurance companies know we’re prepared to take the case to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Car Accidents

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?

Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. However, it’s important to contact an attorney much sooner to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to recover compensation through:

• Your uninsured motorist coverage
• Your collision coverage for vehicle damage
• A lawsuit against the uninsured driver’s assets

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, under Texas comparative negligence law, you can recover compensation as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How much is my car accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors including:

• The severity of your injuries
• Your medical expenses and future treatment needs
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• The strength of the liability case against the other driver

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Rarely. First offers are typically much lower than the true value of your case. Insurance companies hope you’ll accept quickly before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages.

What if my car accident involved a government vehicle?

Claims against government entities have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines. It’s crucial to contact an attorney immediately if your accident involved a city, county, state, or federal vehicle.

Serving Car Accident Victims Throughout Texas

Harper Law Firm represents car accident victims in communities across Texas, including:

• San Antonio and surrounding areas: Our home base with deep community connections
• Houston: Texas’s largest city with some of the state’s most dangerous roadways
• Dallas-Fort Worth: The nation’s fourth-largest metropolitan area
• Austin: The state capital with rapidly growing traffic congestion
• El Paso: Major border city with unique cross-border accident issues
• Corpus Christi: Coastal city with tourism-related traffic accidents
• Lubbock: Hub for West Texas with significant commercial vehicle traffic
• Amarillo: Major stop on I-40 with high truck accident rates

No matter where in Texas your accident occurred, we have the resources and experience to handle your case effectively.

Types of Vehicles Involved in Texas Car Accidents

Passenger Vehicle Accidents

Most car accidents involve standard passenger vehicles including:

• Sedans and coupes
• SUVs and crossovers
• Pickup trucks
• Minivans

Even accidents involving similar-sized vehicles can result in serious injuries, particularly when high speeds or multiple vehicles are involved.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in more severe injuries due to size and weight differences. These may include:

• Delivery trucks
• Box trucks
• Tow trucks
• Utility vehicles
• Company cars and fleet vehicles

Commercial vehicle accidents may involve additional insurance coverage and corporate liability.

Rideshare Accidents

With the growth of Uber and Lyft, rideshare accidents have become increasingly common. These cases can be complex due to:

• Different insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status
• Corporate liability issues
• Questions about driver screening and vehicle maintenance

Contact Harper Law Firm for Your Texas Car Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Texas, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Harper Law Firm has the experience, resources, and commitment to fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer:

• Free consultations to evaluate your case
• No fees unless we win your case
• Statewide representation throughout Texas
• Personal attention from experienced attorneys
• True litigation experience when insurance companies won’t offer fair settlements

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. Contact Harper Law Firm today to learn how we can help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

Call us today for your free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.