Kendleton Car Accident Lawyer: Fighting for Your Rights After a Crash
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Kendleton, Texas, you may be wondering what to do next. Navigating the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical bills, insurance claims, and missed work. That’s where a skilled Kendleton car accident lawyer comes in. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, help you understand your legal options, and fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Car accidents are unfortunately all too common in Kendleton and the surrounding areas of Fort Bend County. In 2020, there were 2,473 crashes in the county, resulting in 30 fatalities and 742 suspected serious injuries, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. When a serious crash turns your life upside down, having a knowledgeable local lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Kendleton
The moments after a car accident are critical. The steps you take (or don’t take) can significantly impact your health, safety, and legal rights. After any crash, be sure to:
Check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Your top priority should be the well-being of yourself, your passengers, and others involved. If anyone is hurt, request emergency medical services right away.
Move vehicles to a safe location if possible. If the crash is minor and the cars are driveable, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic and prevent additional collisions.
Exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, contact information, insurance details, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
Document the accident scene. Take photos and videos of the damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, and the general crash site. This evidence can be incredibly valuable for your claim.
Report the accident to your insurance company. Let them know what happened, but stick to the basic facts. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the crash.
Seek medical attention, even for minor pain. Some car accident injuries may not show symptoms right away. It’s best to get checked out by a doctor to protect your health and create a record of your injuries.
For more details, check out our guide on what to do after a car accident in Texas. Once you’ve taken these initial steps, it’s in your best interest to consult with an experienced Kendleton car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can advise you of your rights, help you avoid costly mistakes, and start building a strong case on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Kendleton
Car crashes can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes seen by Kendleton car accident lawyers include:
Driver error. Distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, fatigued driving, and failing to obey traffic laws are all examples of negligent behavior behind the wheel. Human error contributes to a staggering 94% of motor vehicle collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Road hazards and poor conditions. Potholes, uneven pavement, broken traffic signals, inadequate signage, and construction zones can all increase the risk of accidents, especially if drivers are not cautious.
Vehicle defects and maintenance issues. If critical vehicle components like brakes, tires, steering systems, or engines fail, the manufacturer may be liable for resulting crashes and injuries.
Sun glare while driving. The bright Texas sun can seriously impair drivers’ vision, especially during sunrise and sunset. Accidents caused by sun glare most commonly occur when drivers fail to take proper precautions like reducing their speed, leaving extra space between vehicles, and using their sun visors.
Rideshare accidents. If you’re hurt in a crash involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, either as a passenger, driver, or occupant of another car, you may have multiple legal options. These cases tend to be more complex due to the multiple insurance policies involved. Working with a rideshare accident attorney is essential for getting full and fair compensation.
Texas Car Accident Laws and Insurance Requirements
Texas follows a “fault” car insurance system. This means the driver who caused the accident (and their insurance company) is responsible for paying damages to injured parties. All drivers in Texas are required to carry minimum liability coverage of:
- $30,000 per injured person
- $60,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
However, this is often not enough to fully compensate crash victims, especially in serious accidents. That’s why it’s critical to work with a Kendleton car accident attorney who can identify all potential sources of recovery, like the at-fault driver’s personal assets and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
It’s also important to be aware of legal deadlines for car accident claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas law. If you miss this statute of limitations, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
Texas also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be partly at fault for the accident, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you are more than 50% to blame, you can’t recover anything. Insurance companies often try to shift undue blame onto injured victims to avoid paying claims. A skilled lawyer can help you fight back against these tactics.
Damages You Can Recover in a Kendleton Car Accident Claim
A successful car accident claim can provide vital compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, assistive devices, and future treatment costs
- Lost wages from time missed at work due to your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity, if you can’t return to your pre-accident job or can only work in a limited capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Punitive damages, in rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct
- Wrongful death damages, such as funeral expenses and loss of companionship, if you lost a loved one in a fatal crash. Learn more about wrongful death claims in Texas.
An experienced Kendleton car accident lawyer can thoroughly assess your case to determine the full extent of your losses—including harm that may not be immediately apparent. At Rodney Jones Law Group, we have a proven track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts for car accident victims throughout the Houston area. For example, we obtained a $200,000 settlement for a client who required back surgery after a crash caused by a distracted driver.
How a Kendleton Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Dealing with the insurance companies after a crash can be frustrating, intimidating, and downright adversarial. Remember, insurers are for-profit companies that make their money by denying claims whenever possible and offering lowball settlements to mitigate their losses.
When you work with a knowledgeable Kendleton car accident lawyer, you level the playing field. Your attorney will handle every aspect of your claim and fight relentlessly to get you the best possible outcome by:
- Communicating with the insurance companies on your behalf, so you don’t have to speak with adjusters or risk saying something that could hurt your case
- Gathering crucial evidence to support your claim, like police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert analysis
- Identifying all potential sources of compensation beyond just the at-fault driver’s insurance policy
- Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement that covers all of your damages
- Filing a lawsuit and representing your interests in court, if the insurance company won’t make a reasonable offer
At Rodney Jones Law Group, we have in-depth knowledge of the Kendleton area, including the most dangerous roads and intersections, local traffic patterns, and Fort Bend County courts. We put this insight to work to build the strongest possible case for every client. To learn more, see our overview of what a car accident lawyer does.
What to Look for in a Kendleton Car Accident Lawyer
With so much at stake after a serious crash, your choice of legal representation matters. Here are some key characteristics to look for when hiring a Kendleton car accident attorney:
Relevant experience. Make sure the lawyer you choose has a proven track record of successfully handling car accident claims in the Kendleton area. At Rodney Jones Law Group, we’ve recovered over $100 million for injury victims across the Houston metro area.
Positive client reviews and testimonials. Read reviews on Google, Avvo, and other reputable sites to get a sense of the attorney’s reputation and how they treat their clients. We’re proud to have earned a perfect 5-star rating on Google.
Contingency fee representation. Under this arrangement, you pay no upfront costs to hire a lawyer. The attorney only gets paid if they win money for you, out of a percentage of the settlement or verdict. We handle all car accident cases on contingency, so you can get the legal help you need without added financial stress.
Responsive communication. Your lawyer should return your calls and emails promptly, provide regular updates on your case, and take the time to answer all your questions. We prioritize open and attentive client service.
Confidence and comfort. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how the attorney makes you feel. Are they easy to talk to? Do they seem genuinely concerned about your situation? Do you feel confident in their ability to fight for you? Trust your instincts.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Rodney Jones Law Group, we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs to hire us, and you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you. If we do win your case, our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This allows anyone to afford high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the crash under Texas law. However, your damages will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault. So if you are found to be 20% at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, you would ultimately receive $80,000. A skilled lawyer can help you fight allegations of comparative fault and work to minimize your liability.
It’s best not to accept any settlement offer or sign any documents from the insurance company without first consulting with a Kendleton car accident attorney. Initial offers are almost always much lower than what your case is truly worth. An experienced lawyer can assess the full value of your claim and negotiate for a settlement that fairly compensates you.
The timeline for resolving a car accident claim can vary widely depending on factors like the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate in good faith. Some straightforward cases may settle in a matter of months, while others could take a year or more, especially if a lawsuit becomes necessary. Your attorney can give you a better idea of what to expect based on the specifics of your situation.
Not necessarily. The vast majority of car accident claims are resolved through out-of-court settlements. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, filing a lawsuit and going to trial may be the best way to maximize your financial recovery. At Rodney Jones Law Group, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial and have a strong track record of courtroom success. Most of our clients’ cases settle, but we will not hesitate to take your case to a jury if needed.
For more questions and answers, visit our FAQ page.
Choose Rodney Jones Law Group for Your Kendleton Car Accident Claim
If you’ve been hurt in a crash in Kendleton, the stakes are simply too high to navigate the legal process alone. You need an experienced advocate in your corner who knows how to take on the insurance giants and win. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Rodney Jones Law Group.
As a Black lawyer with decades of experience, Attorney Rodney Jones knows firsthand how challenging it can be to get justice in an often unfair system. He and his team are committed to being a voice for the voiceless and fighting relentlessly for injury victims across the Houston metro area. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in life-changing compensation for our clients, and we’re ready to put our knowledge, resources, and passion to work for you.
After a car accident, time is of the essence. In Texas, you typically have just two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. It’s in your best interest to consult with a skilled Kendleton car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and start building your case.
At Rodney Jones Law Group, we offer free, no-obligation consultations, and we never charge a fee unless we win your case. To learn more about how we can help you after an accident, contact us today at 832-377-5529 or fill out our online form. We’re available 24/7, se habla español.
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Reach out to Rodney Jones Law Group at 832-377-5529 for immediate assistance and a free consultation. For more information on various practice areas and legal services, visit our website at Rodney Jones Law Group. Your path to recovery starts here!
Main Points
| Main Points |
|---|
| 1. Car accidents are common in Kendleton and Fort Bend County, Texas, often causing serious injuries and fatalities. |
| 2. Immediately after a crash, check for injuries, move to safety, document the scene, report to insurance, and seek medical care. |
| 3. Common causes include driver error, road hazards, vehicle defects, sun glare, and rideshare accidents. |
| 4. Texas is a “fault” car insurance state with minimum liability requirements that are often insufficient to cover damages. |
| 5. Accident victims can recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. |
| 6. A Kendleton car accident lawyer can communicate with insurers, gather evidence, identify all sources of compensation, negotiate settlements, and take the case to trial if needed. |
| 7. Look for a lawyer with relevant experience, positive reviews, contingency fee pricing, responsive communication, and who makes you feel confident. |
| 8. Most cases settle out of court, but some may go to trial. The timeline varies but is generally faster with a lawyer. |
| 9. Injured Kendleton residents should act quickly and consult with Rodney Jones Law Group for a free case review. |
Why Clients Trust Us
The Rodney Jones Law Group is a family-based law firm built on trust, dedication and experience. We protect and fight for our clients as if they are a part of our family. This relationship gives them confidence that we will fight our best to win their case.
- 832-377-5529
- 832-37RJLaw
- calls@rjoneslawgroup.com
- www.rjoneslawgroup.com
- 6464 Savoy Drive Suite 800, Houston, TX 77036
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