Hillcrest Car Accident Lawyer: Get the Skilled Legal Representation You Deserve
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality in the Hillcrest area of Houston, Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were over 12,000 crashes in Houston in 2021 alone, resulting in 240 fatalities and 1,419 suspected serious injuries. In the aftermath of a car accident, having a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. Rodney Jones Law Group, located at 6464 Savoy Drive Suite 800 in Houston, is a leading personal injury law firm with a track record of success in handling car accident cases. With over $100 million in settled cases, their team of attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout Houston and the surrounding areas.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Hillcrest
Car accidents in Hillcrest can happen for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
Distracted Driving: With the proliferation of smartphones and in-vehicle technology, distracted driving has become a major problem on our roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2020.
Speeding: Excessive speed is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes in the United States. In 2020, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities.
Drunk Driving: Despite increased awareness and stricter laws, drunk driving remains a serious issue. In 2020, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 30% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S.
Reckless Driving: Reckless behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights can greatly increase the risk of a crash.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, inadequate signage, and poorly maintained roads can also contribute to accidents.
Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents can take many forms, each with its own unique challenges and legal considerations. Some of the most common types of car accidents include:
Rear-end Collisions: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, often due to following too closely or failing to brake in time.
T-bone Accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, these happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at an intersection.
Head-on Collisions: These are among the most severe types of crashes, occurring when the front ends of two vehicles collide.
Rollover Accidents: These can happen when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof, often due to high speeds, sharp turns, or collisions with other objects.
Multi-vehicle Pileups: These involve three or more vehicles and can be particularly complex from a legal standpoint.
| Type of Accident | Percentage of Total Crashes |
|---|---|
| Rear-end | 29.6% |
| Angle (T-bone) | 22.7% |
| Sideswipe | 11.7% |
| Head-on | 2.4% |
| Other/Unknown | 33.6% |
Source: NHTSA
Truck Accidents
Accidents involving large commercial trucks can be particularly devastating due to the size and weight of these vehicles. In 2020, 4,842 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in the U.S., a 4% increase from 2019. Truck accident cases often have unique aspects, such as the potential liability of trucking companies for the actions of their drivers or for improperly maintained vehicles. Visit Involved in a Truck Accident in Texas? to learn more about these types of cases.
Overloaded Trailer Accidents
Improperly loaded or overloaded trailers can greatly increase the risk of an accident. When a trailer is overloaded, it can cause the vehicle to be less stable, increasing the risk of rollover accidents and making it harder for the driver to control the vehicle. In these cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to include the company responsible for loading the trailer. Check out Involved in an Overloaded Trailer Accident? for more information on these types of accidents.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to life-altering conditions. Some of the most common injuries include:
Whiplash: This is a neck injury caused by the sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, often in rear-end collisions.
Broken Bones: The force of a crash can cause fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and hip.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause damage to internal organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen.
Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact of a car accident can be significant, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
To understand more about the physical impact of a car crash, read What Happens To Your Body in a Car Crash?
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
Report the Accident to Police: If there are injuries, significant property damage, or the accident is blocking traffic, call 911. Otherwise, call the non-emergency police line to report the accident.
Gather Evidence at the Scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the damage to the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Get the contact and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid making any statements about fault or the extent of your injuries.
Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer: An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
While not every car accident requires the involvement of an attorney, there are several situations where it’s in your best interest to have legal representation:
- If you sustained serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment or result in long-term disability
- If liability for the accident is disputed and the other driver is blaming you
- If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement that’s far below what you deserve
- If the accident involves multiple parties, which can make the legal process more complex
- If you’re unsure of your rights or how to proceed with your claim
For more guidance, read When Should You Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
How a Hillcrest Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A skilled Hillcrest car accident lawyer can be your advocate throughout the legal process, working to secure the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the ways an attorney can help:
Investigate Your Accident: Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine who was at fault and gather evidence to support your claim.
Build a Strong Case: Using the evidence gathered, your attorney will build a compelling case to prove the other party’s liability and the extent of your damages.
Handle Insurance Communications: Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you don’t say anything that could harm your claim.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a settlement that covers all of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Take Your Case to Trial: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial and argue your case in front of a judge and jury.
At Rodney Jones Law Group, our team of experienced car accident attorneys is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate representation to every client. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay a fee unless we win your case.
Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to several types of damages:
Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to your medical treatment, such as hospital bills, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical needs resulting from the accident.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for your lost income, including future lost earning potential if you suffer a long-term disability.
Property Damage: You can be compensated for the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Texas
If you’re pursuing a car accident claim in Texas, it’s important to understand the state’s unique laws and regulations:
Statute of Limitations: In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For property damage, the limit is four years.
“Fault” Car Insurance State: Texas is a “fault” car insurance state, which means that the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering the damages.
Modified Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Under this rule, you can recover damages as long as you’re found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements: Texas law requires drivers to carry a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re contacted by the other driver’s insurance company, it’s best to refer them to your attorney. Your lawyer can handle these communications on your behalf to protect your rights and ensure you don’t say anything that could be used against you.
Many car accident lawyers, including those at Rodney Jones Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront costs, and your attorney will only collect a fee if they secure a settlement or verdict in your favor.
The timeline for settling a car accident claim can vary widely depending on the specifics of your case. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the legal issues, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate can all impact the duration of your case.
Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident, as long as your fault is 50% or less. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you argue for the lowest possible allocation of fault.
Even if your accident seems minor, it’s often beneficial to at least consult with a car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you understand your rights, assess the full extent of your damages, and ensure you’re not being taken advantage of by the insurance company.
For more questions and answers, visit our FAQ page.
Conclusion
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you’ve been injured in a crash in the Hillcrest area, the skilled car accident attorneys at Rodney Jones Law Group are here to help. With a proven track record and a commitment to client service, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Remember, the sooner you act, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Contact Rodney Jones Law Group today at 832-377-5529 to schedule your free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we also speak Spanish (Hablamos Español). Let us put our experience to work for you.
Contact Us
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
Here is a Main Points table summarizing the key takeaways from the article:
| Topic | Main Points |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Car accidents are common in Hillcrest, Houston – Having a skilled car accident lawyer is crucial – Rodney Jones Law Group is a leading personal injury firm with over $100 million in settled cases |
| Common Causes of Car Accidents | – Distracted driving – Speeding – Drunk driving – Reckless driving – Poor road conditions |
| Types of Car Accidents | – Rear-end collisions – T-bone accidents – Head-on collisions – Rollover accidents – Multi-vehicle pileups – Truck accidents have unique aspects and potential liability of trucking companies – Overloaded trailer accidents involve risks of vehicle instability and extended liability |
| Common Injuries | – Whiplash – Broken bones – Traumatic brain injuries – Spinal cord injuries – Internal injuries – Psychological trauma |
| Steps to Take After an Accident | 1. Seek medical attention 2. Report accident to police 3. Gather evidence 4. Contact insurance company 5. Consult with a car accident lawyer |
| When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer | – If you sustained serious injuries – If liability is disputed – If insurance company denies or lowballs your claim – If accident involves multiple parties – If you are unsure of your rights |
| How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help | 1. Investigate accident 2. Build a strong case 3. Handle insurance communications 4. Negotiate a fair settlement 5. Take case to trial if needed – Rodney Jones Law Group offers personalized representation |
| Recoverable Damages | – Medical expenses – Lost wages – Property damage – Pain and suffering – Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence |
| Texas Car Accident Laws | – 2 year statute of limitations for personal injury – Texas is a “fault” insurance state – Modified comparative negligence rule applies – Minimum car insurance requirements |
| Conclusion | – Rodney Jones Law Group can help Hillcrest car accident victims – Act quickly for best chance of successful outcome – Free consultations, 24/7 availability, Spanish speaking (Hablamos Español) |
| FAQs | 1. Refer other driver’s insurance to your attorney 2. Many lawyers work on contingency fee basis 3. Settlement timeline varies by case 4. You can recover damages if 50% or less at fault 5. Consulting a lawyer is beneficial even for minor accidents |
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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