Recently Injured in a Car Accident in Houston, TX?
All it takes is one poor decision from another driver behaving recklessly or negligently. In a matter of seconds, your life can change because another driver made a mistake and caused a crash leaving you with injuries. As Houston car accident lawyers, we’ve worked with many people who simply want their lives to be how they were before that one awful moment.
Our goal at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is to help you get your life back on track. Call our car accident attorneys now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 today for a free and confidential consultation.
Many car accidents are the result of negligence – in other words, car accident victims suffer because of someone else’s avoidable mistakes. When a careless driver causes your accident, he or she is also liable for paying the expenses you and your family have incurred after their negligence.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, the Houston auto accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can help. We know the legal process. We promise to thoroughly investigate your accident, collect evidence, and hold the negligent party accountable. Importantly, we offer all our firm’s resources to help you on your journey back to your normal life.
Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law: A Proven Track Record of Success in Houston
Since 1985, Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law has been a trusted advocate for injured individuals across Houston and the surrounding areas. Known for our integrity, determination, and deep knowledge of Texas personal injury law, we have a solid reputation for delivering results when it matters most. Our long-standing success is rooted in a combination of legal expertise, personalized attention, and a relentless commitment to justice.
We have recovered more than $1 Billion dollars in compensation for clients injured in car accidents, workplace incidents, defective product cases, and more. Our results reflect meaningful outcomes that have helped clients rebuild their lives after devastating injuries. Whether it’s securing funds for medical treatment, lost wages, or pain and suffering, our team has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation.
Our Sole Focus Is on Serving Accident Victims
What truly sets the firm apart is our dedication to client service. Numerous former clients appreciate our efforts at being responsive, compassionate, and tenacious. Clients who leave reviews frequently mention our professionalism, ease of communication, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their case was in capable hands. We take pride in walking clients through every step of the legal process – explaining options clearly, answering questions promptly, and fighting tirelessly on their behalf.
In addition to individual case successes, our reputation in the legal community and among insurers often translates into faster and better settlements. Insurance companies recognize that when we represent a client, the case will be handled with thorough preparation and a willingness to go to trial if necessary. Our leverage often results in more favorable negotiations.
From the moment clients contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we treat them with respect and compassion. You deserve justice, and we demand it!
Our Houston Car Accident Lawyers Are More Than Just Attorneys
From rush hours on I-10 to game-day bottlenecks around NRG Stadium or the Toyota Center and Daikin Park, driving in and around Houston involves dealing with distracted drivers, oversized vehicles, changing traffic patterns, and bumper-to-bumper congestion. Too frequently, though, these frustrating “inconveniences” can pivot to life-threatening events in the blink of an eye.
The Houston car accident attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law know the dangers drivers like you face every day and the painful consequences you and your family must deal with weeks and months after a wreck. We work hard to help you get the full and fair compensation you need to pay your medical bills and support your family’s finances.
Our lawyers for truck accidents and car accidents are more than just legal representatives. We treat our clients like we’d treat our friends and family members, and we use all our resources to get them the care and compensation they need to get their lives back to normal.
Steps Our Houston Car Crash Attorneys Take for Our Clients
Here’s what our Houston car accident lawyers will do to pursue justice for you.
- Investigate your car accident thoroughly, often in conjunction with law enforcement.
- Thoroughly assess all your damages, including current and future medical bills, all forms of lost income, damaged property, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
- Demand damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Negotiate aggressively – and in good faith – for maximum compensation.
- If negotiation isn’t possible, we fight to win full and fair compensation for your injuries in court.
In a big, bustling city like Houston, a single person can experience several car accidents in their lifetime. Even when an accident was clearly the other driver’s fault, it can lead to a massive amount of hassle in dealing with the negligent party, their insurance company, or sometimes even your own insurance company.
If you’re like many other people, you may not know what you should do after an accident or how best to deal with what happened. You might not know how to tell whether the insurance company is trying to get away with paying you less than your case is worth.
We will help you learn more about your legal options, address your concerns about whether the insurance company is giving you a lowball offer, and answer any other pressing questions you have. We will provide advice about your options and give you an estimate of what your car accident case may be worth.
Benefits of Hiring Our Experienced Lawyers After a Car Accident in Houston
Hiring our car accident lawyers after an injury accident in Houston can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Experienced legal representation not only helps you navigate the complex insurance process but also ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
We Have Extensive Legal Knowledge
One of the key benefits of hiring our lawyers is our knowledge of personal injury law and insurance regulations. Car accident claims involve a web of legal rules, insurance policy jargon, deadlines, and liability determinations. Our skilled attorneys know how to interpret and apply these rules effectively. We can anticipate and counter the tactics insurance companies’ lawyers use.
We Know How to Negotiate
Our lawyers provide negotiation power. Insurance companies respect the work of legal professionals who have a history of filing lawsuits and taking cases to court. Simply having a lawyer on your side often results in more serious settlement negotiations and better offers. Our lawyers know how to calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical costs, lost earning potential, and emotional distress.
We’ll Investigate Your Accident
Our attorneys gather and preserve key evidence that strengthens your case. This includes obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, collecting medical records, and sometimes hiring accident reconstruction experts. Victims who try to represent themselves may overlook important details or lack the resources to properly support their claims.
We Communicate With the Insurer for You
Our lawyers handle all communication with the insurance company, freeing you to focus on your recovery. We respond to calls, submit documentation, and protect you from saying anything that could be used against you. You’ll avoid common pitfalls like giving recorded statements while still under the influence of pain medication or signing waivers that limit your rights.
We’ll Meet All Legal Deadlines
Hiring our lawyers ensures your case meets all legal deadlines, such as Texas’s 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. (*Always speak directly to an attorney for the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.). Missing even a single deadline could bar you from pursuing compensation.
We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
Most personal injury attorneys – including our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law – work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows accident victims to get high-quality legal help without worrying about upfront costs.
We Offer Peace of Mind
Working with a law firm like Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law offers peace of mind. With decades of experience and more than $1 Billion dollars recovered for our clients, our team brings confidence, professionalism, and compassion to every case. When you hire a lawyer after an accident, you level the playing field – and that can make all the difference in your mental health during your recovery.
We Protect Your Rights After a Crash
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston that wasn’t your fault, you deserve a legal team that will fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to recover. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we have a proven track record of success in handling car accident cases. We commit to providing personalized, compassionate representation to every client.
Terry Bryant Has a Track Record of Success
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a former judge. He knows what it takes to get results. He treats your injury claim with the seriousness and attention it deserves.
Houston Car Accident Statistics
Understanding the scope of car accidents in Houston is crucial for recognizing the importance of legal representation. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2023 Houston experienced:
- 67,644 total car accidents
- 274 fatal crashes, resulting in 290 fatalities
- 1,612 crashed with serious injuries suspected
These numbers highlight the frequent and often severe nature of car accidents in the Houston area, underscoring the need for experienced legal counsel to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Car Accident Lawsuits
Here are some questions our clients frequently ask us.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Houston?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally 2 years from the date of the accident. However, always consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your rights remain protected, and to obtain all of the deadlines that apply to your potential claims.
What damages can I recover in a car accident lawsuit?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious.
Do I need a lawyer to file a car accident lawsuit?
While it’s not required, having an experienced attorney can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome. Legal representatives can navigate the complexities of the legal system and advocate on your behalf.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
Evidence like police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, and accident reconstruction all play a role in determining fault. If the party who caused the accident behaved negligently, meaning the party could have avoided causing the crash by taking different actions while behind the wheel, this shows fault.
Can I still file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas allows for comparative fault, meaning you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long will it take to resolve my car accident case?
Many cases are resolved within a few months to a year, depending on the complexity of the case. Factors such as the severity of injuries and whether the case goes to trial can influence the timeline. Some cases can take several years to resolve.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, you may file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. An attorney can help you explore all available options.
Will my case go to trial?
Most car accident cases are settled out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys may recommend filing suit and proceeding with litigation (possibly all the way through trial) to seek the compensation you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Our Houston personal injury lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without upfront costs.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Call 911, gather evidence, seek medical attention, and contact a qualified attorney to protect your rights. Prompt action can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
We have years of experience helping injured people get the justice they deserve and answering the questions they have. Put our team to work on your case.
Damages You Might Be Owed in Car Accident Cases
Several types of damages are possible in car accident injury cases, including the following.
- Medical costs – These include both the medical costs that have already been paid or incurred in treatment and any expected future medical costs that have to do with your injury. Insurance companies often try to argue that the treatment you received was not necessary (or at least that part of it was not necessary), so medical costs can be a major point of contention in court cases.
- Lost wages – This covers lost productivity and time you were forced to take off work because of your injuries. In cases of more serious injuries, a lost wages payment can cover the total amount of expected lost productivity for the remainder of your lifetime. Confirmation of lost wages usually comes in the form of a letter signed by your employer with an estimate of the wages the accident prevented you from earning.
- Property damage – In a car accident, the most common type of property damage is to your vehicle. Property damage can cover the cost of repairs to or replacement of your vehicle if it was totaled. (Reimbursement should occur at the market rate for your vehicle at the time of the accident). It is often difficult for victims to convince the negligent party’s insurance company to cover property damages. Typically, we focus only on your bodily injury claim.
- Pain and suffering – This is meant to cover physical pain and mental anguish. A payment for severe pain and suffering may significantly exceed the value of other types of damages. One of the ways to argue for pain and suffering damages is to show the extent of painkillers a medical professional has recommended or prescribed as a result of an accident. Mental health professionals can testify to your struggles with PTSD, nightmares, or an inability to feel comfortable riding in a car.
- Disfigurement – If you were disfigured in an accident, you may receive additional damages to compensate you. Damages for disfigurement go above and beyond the medical costs involved in an accident. They’re meant to compensate for the burdens that come with disfigurement.
- Physical impairment – These damages are meant to cover the problems associated with a reduced physical capability after an accident. This is in addition to any loss of wages from an accident.
- Punitive damages – Punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent party in the case of extreme or egregious negligence. This type of award is rare but possible in extreme cases. For example, punitive damages may occur in a case where an entity (such as a trucking company) caused an accident because of a systemic failure to live up to safety requirements.
We Fight for Your Maximum Award
One of the most important parts of filing a car accident claim is determining fair compensation for the many hardships you’re facing. We work closely with clients to create an estimate for the most accurate financial award in a legal claim. We will review your case to determine the financial losses you have from your crash. That typically includes medical bills, lost income, and property damage.
We also know that fair compensation must include any “non-economic” damages you are facing. Though these damages aren’t as easily calculated in a claim, we use our experience, precedents in other cases, and many other factors to determine how much to demand in pain and suffering from the non-financial consequences of a car accident.
Settlement Versus Trial – What to Expect in Your Case
Every case is unique, and there is no way of knowing exactly how your case will unfold. In general, there are two possible paths for a successful car accident claim.
- Negotiation – If the other side is willing to cooperate, then your attorney and the legal representative of the other party will negotiate a potential settlement. If an agreement is reached, then the terms of the settlement will determine the amount of money you receive and the deadline for receiving payment.
- Court case – If no settlement is possible because the other side is uncooperative or unwilling to offer a payment amount you find acceptable, then the dispute can go to trial. Both sides will make their case in front of a judge and, typically, a jury. In a jury trial, the jury will often decide whether the defendant is at fault for your injuries and, if so, how much they owe you.
When you work with Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, you can be sure we will only recommend accepting an insurance company offer if it’s fair and meets your needs. If you aren’t happy with a settlement offer, you do not have to accept it.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. We know that this results in the best settlement offers, and it also ensures that we are ready for any potential outcome. Our team believes thorough preparation is always the best approach.
Compensation for Wrongful Death Caused By a Car Accident
In the state of Texas, families of those who have been killed in a car or vehicle accident can bring a wrongful death case (and, sometimes, a survival action) against the negligent party. This can help the family of the decedent receive closure and financial stability they may have lost as a result of an accident.
Wrongful death car accident cases are similar to personal injury cases, except that the family of the decedent brings the case instead of the injured person. The specific types of damages available to the family of the decedent are a little bit different from those that exist in a normal personal injury case. However, a wrongful death case must still prove the same four things that any other personal injury case has to prove.
- That the defendant owed a duty of care to the decedent.
- That the defendant failed to provide a duty of care to the decedent.
- That the defendant’s failure to provide a duty of care caused the accident.
- That the decedent’s injuries from that accident were fatal.
Wrongful death is always a tragedy, but in cases where the decedent was the main provider for a family, it can be especially grievous. Not only does the family lose a loved one, but they are also forced into a situation where they suddenly have to worry about how they are going to make financial ends meet.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Car accidents can come in many different forms, and any driver on the road has the potential to cause a crash. Crashes don’t even have to be the result of driver error – poor maintenance, equipment failures, and poorly maintained roads can all contribute to an accident.
In a busy city like Houston, the roads can become some of the most dangerous places around. Almost any situation could result in a car accident. Any driver, no matter how cautious, has the potential to be the victim of a car crash.
No matter what type of accident led to your injuries, make sure to get in touch with the car accident lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law as soon as you can after the crash. If you have suffered serious injuries, you may need the help of our trusted attorneys to get what you deserve. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accident Injuries?
Almost any type of injury can happen in a car accident. When 2 or more 1-ton steel boxes hit each other, each of them going at high speeds, anything can happen to the people riding inside. Serious injuries happen every day on Houston’s roads. Even the safest driver could be hurt in an accident.
Although almost any type of injury could happen in a motor vehicle accident, some injuries are more common than others, including:
If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical care as soon as possible. Your health is the most important thing you have, and early intervention from a doctor can help you recover faster. Even if you believe you’ve received only minor injuries, it’s still a good idea to see a medical professional for an examination right after the accident or the next day. Some serious injuries have minor symptoms at first before quickly causing your health to deteriorate. The only way to be certain about your health is to receive an exam as soon as possible after the crash.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a Houston car accident, you should always consider your legal options. Our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can give you advice during a free and confidential consultation. After discussing your case with us, you are under no obligation to hire us.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston
What you do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can have a major effect on the outcome of any personal injury case that may result from the crash.
- If you or any of your passengers have been seriously injured, call 911 and get medical care immediately. Follow the advice of first responders if they suggest riding in an ambulance to the hospital. This is no time to “tough out” your injuries.
- Take down important information, including contact information of the other driver and any witnesses on the scene.
- Photograph your vehicle, the other vehicle, the other driver’s insurance information, as well as any damage the vehicles may have from the crash.
- Contact the police and make your statement regarding the crash. If you have not been seriously injured in the crash, feel free to leave the scene of the car accident once you’ve made your statement.
- Contact your insurance company and let them know about the car accident. You should do this regardless of whether the accident was your fault or the other driver’s fault.
- If you or any passenger shows signs of a minor injury, seek medical care.
- Get your car accident report. To obtain a report, visit the Texas Department of Transportation website. You’ll have to enter some basic information about the crash and pay for a copy of the crash report.
- Talk to our car accident attorneys before you talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Their adjusters are trained to twist your words and get you to say things that will later be used against you.
After a car crash with injuries and after you seek medical attention, make your next call to Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law. Our experienced Houston car accident lawyers want to get you the compensation you deserve.
When Do You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
At what point after your crash should you call our car accident attorneys? Some people can wait too long to talk to a car accident lawyer, which could mean that the statute of limitations passes, leaving them unable to seek compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, call our motor vehicle accident lawyers as soon as you possibly can. The more serious your injuries, the more likely it is that you’ll need our team to make sure you get what you need to cover the medical costs. Insurance companies rarely offer enough to cover these injuries unless you have the backing of our legal representatives.
Insurers often try to get away with paying much less than your claim is actually worth, hoping that you won’t realize how much you’re leaving on the table. If you suspect the insurance company is giving you a ridiculously low offer, it’s time to contact our lawyers.
Even if you ultimately decide not to take legal action to try to recover damages for your injuries, it never hurts to consult our professional legal team to learn about your options. If you suspect you may have a case for a car accident injury claim, we’re ready to discuss what the legal system can do for you.
The Challenges of Dealing With Insurance Companies for Car Accident Victims
For many car accident victims in Houston, the aftermath of a crash can be just as overwhelming as the accident itself – especially when dealing with insurance companies. What should be a straightforward process often becomes a frustrating and drawn-out experience, filled with red tape and tactics that serve the insurance company’s best interests, not yours.
Delayed Claims and Low Offers
Many accident victims experience lowball settlement offers. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and one way they protect their bottom line is by offering far less than what a claim is actually worth. Without legal knowledge or experience, victims often accept these initial offers, unaware they are entitled to more compensation.
Another big challenge victims face is delayed or denied claims. Insurance adjusters may use a variety of reasons to delay payment or deny valid claims entirely, such as disputing liability, questioning the severity of injuries, or demanding excessive documentation. Insurers know these delays can leave victims struggling to pay medical bills, car repairs, and make up for lost wages, and the insurer hopes the victim will give up and accept a lowball offer.
Always Remember – The Insurer Is Not on Your Side
Another challenge is miscommunication or intentional misinformation from insurers who pretend to be sympathetic and helpful to you when they’re really only concerned about the profit margins of the insurance company.
Adjusters might claim that you don’t need a lawyer, that the policy doesn’t cover certain treatments, or that you must give a recorded statement. These statements can be misleading and sometimes even untrue. Victims may unknowingly say something that jeopardizes their claims. They might sign documents that limit their ability to pursue full compensation later.
Dealing with insurance companies also requires a great deal of time and emotional energy. Between making calls, submitting paperwork, and trying to understand policy language, it can feel like a second job – which is incredibly frustrating when you’re trying to heal from injuries.
Insurance Companies May Try to Bully You
Lastly, insurance companies often question the severity of your injuries. They may argue that injuries were pre-existing, unrelated to the accident, or not severe enough to warrant certain treatments. Without legal support, victims are often unable to provide the strong medical evidence or expert testimony needed to counter these arguments.
In short, while insurance is designed to offer support after an accident, victims often find themselves fighting for fair treatment. It’s essential to understand your rights and consider seeking legal representation.
Tips for Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident in Houston, knowing how to deal with insurance companies is critical to protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation. Here are some practical tips to guide you through the process.
- Report the accident promptly: Notify your insurance company about the crash as soon as possible. Provide basic facts – when, where, and what happened – but avoid speculating or admitting fault.
- Be cautious with recorded statements: Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement. You are not legally required to provide one, and what you say can be used against you. It’s best to consult our attorneys before agreeing to any recorded discussions.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of the accident, including photographs of the scene, contact information for witnesses, and copies of medical bills, repair estimates, and communications with the insurer.
- Do not accept the first offer: Initial settlement offers are often low and may not cover the full extent of your damages. Never agree to a settlement without understanding the long-term impact of your injuries.
- Avoid social media: Insurers may monitor your online activity for anything that contradicts your injury claims. Refrain from posting about the accident or your recovery. Assume that everything you post may end up in the wrong hands and may be used against you.
- Understand your coverage: Know what your insurance policy includes, particularly coverage for medical payments and uninsured motorists.
- Consult with our lawyers early: Consulting with our car accident attorneys right away can provide valuable insight into your rights and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Taking the right steps after an injury accident can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Being wary when dealing with insurance companies is vital to protecting your financial and legal interests.
Contact Our Experienced Houston Car Accident Lawyers Today
Terry Bryant and his hand-picked team know how to help car crash victims. We also fight tirelessly for the compensation our clients deserve. We promise to provide you with aggressive legal representation and help you find the care you need to rebuild your life after a serious car accident. Our goal is for you to get better after your car accident while we remove as much stress as possible from the fight for your full award amount. We focus on making you and your family whole again.
You owe us nothing unless you win at trial or accept a negotiated settlement. Don’t forget – your initial consultation is free and confidential. Contact our Houston car accident attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law for a no-obligation case evaluation. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000, or you can also fill out our online form to speak with our car accident lawyers here in Houston, Texas.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]