Dedicated car accident representation grounded in plaintiff-side trial experience.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Houston, an attorney can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance company. Car accident cases in Texas involve specific legal deadlines, insurance procedures, and negligence rules that affect both who pays and how much you can recover.
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers represents car accident victims on the plaintiff side throughout Texas. Our attorneys bring more than two decades of combined trial experience to personal injury litigation and handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. If you need a Houston, TX car accident lawyer, contact our firm for a free consultation.
Car Accident Lawyer Houston, TX
A car accident lawyer represents individuals who have been injured in collisions caused by another driver’s negligence, recklessness, or impairment. While car accident claims may appear more straightforward than commercial vehicle or industrial injury cases, the insurance process is adversarial from the moment the claim is reported. The at-fault driver’s insurer is working to minimize what it pays, and the tactics adjusters use to accomplish that are consistent and well-documented.
Houston recorded over 66,000 traffic crashes in 2024, resulting in 1,592 serious injuries and 301 fatalities, a record high for the city. Harris County as a whole recorded 579 traffic deaths that year, more than any other county in Texas and nearly 15 percent of all statewide fatalities. Speeding and distracted driving are the two dominant contributing factors, and neither has shown meaningful improvement in recent years. Those numbers make Houston one of the most dangerous cities in the country for motor vehicle collisions, and they represent thousands of injury claims filed against insurance companies each year.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Houston
Car accidents take many forms, and the type of collision affects both the injuries sustained and how liability is established. Some crashes involve two vehicles at an intersection. Others involve chain-reaction pileups on Houston’s congested freeways. The legal analysis differs based on speed, road conditions, driver behavior, and whether the at-fault driver was operating under the influence, distracted, or in violation of a traffic law.
At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we handle car accident cases including the following:
- Rear-end collisions. The trailing driver is presumed at fault in most rear-end crashes, though the presumption can be rebutted in certain circumstances. Whiplash, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries are common outcomes, particularly in higher-speed rear impacts.
- T-bone collisions. Side-impact crashes at intersections often result from red-light violations, failure to yield, or left-turn errors. The side panels of a vehicle offer less structural protection than the front or rear, and occupants on the impact side absorb a disproportionate share of the collision force.
- Head-on collisions. When two vehicles collide front-to-front, the combined speeds multiply the impact force. Head-on crashes produce some of the most severe injuries in car accident litigation, including chest trauma, burn injuries from post-collision fires, spinal cord damage, and fatalities.
- Truck accidents. Crashes between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks involve a weight disparity that overwhelms the car’s protective structure. These cases often involve federal motor carrier regulations and multiple corporate defendants.
- Motorcycle accidents. Riders struck by negligent car drivers sustain disproportionately severe injuries due to the absence of structural protection. Car drivers who fail to check blind spots, yield at intersections, or respect lane boundaries are the cause of most car-versus-motorcycle collisions.
- Hit-and-run accidents. When the at-fault driver flees the scene, identifying the responsible party becomes a priority. Uninsured motorist coverage on the victim’s own policy may provide a path to recovery if the driver is not located.
- Multi-vehicle pileups. Chain-reaction crashes on Houston freeways involve multiple vehicles, including commercial buses and trucks, and multiple potentially liable parties. Sorting out fault among three, four, or more drivers requires detailed investigation and accident reconstruction.
- Distracted driving accidents. Texting, phone use, and other distractions contributed to over 10,000 crashes in Harris County in 2023. Cell phone records and event data recorders can establish that the at-fault driver was distracted at the time of impact.
- DUI and impaired driving accidents. Drunk and drug-impaired drivers caused 4,665 crashes in Harris County in 2023, resulting in 223 fatalities. Criminal charges against the impaired driver do not automatically resolve the civil claim, but the criminal investigation can produce evidence useful in the injury case.
- Wrongful death. When a car accident kills a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, Texas law allows the surviving spouse, children, and parents to pursue wrongful death claims against the negligent party.
Why Choose Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers as My Car Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX?
A Trial Record That Changes How Insurers Negotiate
Insurance companies track which firms take cases to trial and which do not. A firm that settles every case has less leverage at the negotiating table than one with a documented history of courtroom results. That distinction matters in car accident cases where the insurer believes it can offer less than the claim is worth and get away with it.
Matt Greenberg has served as lead trial counsel in cases that produced record-setting verdicts and settlements. He holds a J.D. from Baylor Law School, is licensed in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and the National Trial Lawyers.
Mike Streich graduated cum laude from the UH Law Center and spent nearly a decade defending corporations and insurance companies in catastrophic injury and death cases. He knows how insurers evaluate car accident claims internally because he used to do that work himself. He has been named a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers in multiple years.
Together, our attorneys have recovered over $375 million for injured clients, including a $4.5 million car accident recovery, a $4.1 million auto accident wrongful death settlement, and multiple additional motor vehicle recoveries. As your personal injury lawyer in Houston, our firm handles every car accident case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we obtain a recovery.
What Is Important to Understand About a Car Accident Case?
Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Car Accident Cases
The damages in a car accident case are tied to the severity of the injuries and the financial losses that follow. Texas law allows the injured party to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver.
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses, from emergency care through projected future treatment
- Lost wages during recovery and diminished future earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses for transportation, prescription medication, and assistive devices
Non-economic damages cover:
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Disfigurement, including scarring from lacerations and surgical procedures
- Loss of enjoyment of daily activities
- Loss of consortium for spouses
Texas comparative negligence reduces your recovery by your share of fault. If a jury finds that you were 20 percent at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20 percent. If your fault exceeds 50 percent, you recover nothing. Insurance adjusters understand this rule and use it aggressively, often assigning a higher percentage of fault to the injured party than the evidence supports in order to reduce the payout.
What Are Important Aspects of a Car Accident Case?
Several issues affect the outcome of nearly every car accident claim, regardless of how the crash occurred.
- Medical documentation determines the value of the case. Complete records of treatment, diagnosis, and prognosis establish the severity of your injuries. Gaps in treatment, missed appointments, and delayed care give the adjuster grounds to argue that the injuries are less serious than claimed.
- The police report is not the final word on fault. Officers at the scene make preliminary assessments based on limited information. The liability determination in a civil claim is based on the full body of evidence, including witness testimony, camera footage, vehicle damage analysis, and accident reconstruction. In some cases, a defective vehicle component contributed to the crash, adding the manufacturer as a potential defendant.
- Insurance adjusters contact you quickly for a reason. Early phone calls, recorded statements, and fast settlement offers are standard tactics. The goal is to lock you into a statement or an agreement before the full extent of your injuries is known. An attorney can handle these communications on your behalf.
- Not all car accident injuries are immediately obvious. Whiplash, herniated discs, concussions, and internal injuries may not produce severe symptoms for days or weeks. Medical evaluation after any crash, even one that seems minor, protects both your health and your legal position.
What Is the Car Accident Case Timeline?
Every case moves at its own pace, but Houston car accident claims generally follow this progression.
- The attorney collects the police report, photographs, witness statements, and any available camera footage. This investigation begins immediately.
- Medical treatment continues until the injured person reaches maximum medical improvement. For serious injuries such as spinal damage or traumatic brain injuries, this phase can extend a year or longer.
- The firm assembles a demand package and enters negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, suit is filed. Discovery, depositions, and motion practice follow.
- Car accident cases in Harris County generally take six months to two years from filing to resolution. Cases with disputed liability or catastrophic injuries may take longer.
What Should You Bring to Your Car Accident Consultation?
Organizing your documentation before the consultation helps the attorneys evaluate your claim more efficiently. You may not have all of these items at this stage. Bring whatever documentation is available:
- The police report or crash report
- Medical records and bills from treatment so far
- Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
- Insurance information for both parties, including policy numbers and claim numbers
- Correspondence from the other driver’s insurance company
- Pay stubs or tax records documenting your income before the accident
During the consultation, we review the facts, explain how Texas law applies, and provide a direct assessment of the claim. There is no charge for this meeting.
What Are Important Texas Legal Resources for Car Accident Cases?
Texas law provides the legal framework for car accident claims. The following resources help injured individuals and their families understand the statutes that apply.
- The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident under Chapter 16 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
- Texas negligence law follows a proportionate responsibility framework. The injured person’s recovery is reduced by their share of fault, and recovery is barred if the plaintiff bears more than 50 percent of the responsibility.
- Texas does not cap economic damages in most personal injury cases. Non-economic damage caps apply in certain limited categories.
- The Texas Legislature website provides access to the full text of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
- Our firm monitors Texas legal changes that may affect car accident claims and comparative fault rules.
Reach Out to Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Consultation
If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident in Houston, TX, our attorneys are available for a free and confidential case review. We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Contact us to schedule a consultation at a time that works for you.
Car Accident Statistics in Houston
Houston is one of the most dangerous cities in the country for motor vehicle collisions. According to TxDOT crash data, the city recorded over 66,000 traffic crashes in 2024, resulting in 1,592 serious injuries and 301 fatalities. That fatality count set a record for the city and represented a 15 percent increase over 2023.
Harris County recorded 579 traffic deaths in 2024, more than any other county in Texas and nearly 15 percent of all statewide fatalities. According to NHTSA data, Texas recorded 4,150 motor vehicle fatalities statewide that year, with a reportable crash occurring approximately every 57 seconds. Speeding contributed to approximately 24,000 crashes in Houston in 2023. Distracted driving contributed to over 10,000. Alcohol-related crashes in Harris County numbered 4,665 in 2023, producing 223 fatalities and 345 serious injuries.
How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims
Understanding how the insurance process works from the insurer’s perspective removes some of the uncertainty that follows a car accident. The steps below describe how most claims are handled and where the opportunities for undervaluation arise.
1. Initial contact and recorded statement. The at-fault driver’s adjuster will contact you quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours. The adjuster will ask for a recorded statement about the accident and your injuries. This call is not a neutral fact-finding exercise. The adjuster is looking for statements that can be used to assign you partial fault or minimize the severity of your injuries.
2. Medical records review. The insurer will request access to your medical records. Adjusters look for pre-existing conditions, gaps in treatment, and anything that suggests the injuries may have existed before the accident or are not as severe as claimed.
3. Independent medical examination. In higher-value claims, the insurer may request that you see a doctor of their choosing. The term “independent” is misleading. These physicians are retained by the insurance company, and their evaluations frequently conclude that the injuries are less serious than the treating physician documented.
4. Liability assessment and fault allocation. The insurer assigns a percentage of fault to each party. Texas comparative negligence allows the insurer to reduce the payout by the percentage of fault it attributes to you. Adjusters routinely overstate the claimant’s fault to justify a lower offer.
5. Valuation and initial offer. The insurer calculates what it believes the claim is worth. This internal valuation is almost always lower than the claim’s actual value. The first offer is designed to test whether the claimant will accept a quick resolution rather than pursue the full amount.
6. Negotiation. Your attorney responds to the initial offer with a counter-demand supported by medical evidence, economic loss documentation, and applicable case factors. Multiple rounds of negotiation may follow.
7. Litigation trigger. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation after negotiation, the firm files suit. Many car accident cases settle after suit is filed but before trial, once the insurer understands that the firm is prepared to go to court.
8. Resolution. The case resolves through a negotiated settlement, mediation, or jury verdict. Having an attorney with trial preparation experience affects every stage of this process, from the insurer’s initial evaluation through the final resolution.
Houston Car Accident Lawyer FAQs
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?
Two years from the date of the accident for most personal injury claims. Missing this deadline eliminates your right to pursue compensation. Property damage claims have a separate deadline. Consulting an attorney early protects your ability to file within the applicable period.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Almost never. First offers are calculated to close the file, not to compensate you fairly. Once you accept, you waive the right to pursue additional compensation, even if your condition worsens. Have an attorney evaluate the offer before you respond.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy may provide compensation. Texas does not require uninsured motorist coverage, but many policies include it. Your attorney can review your policy to determine what coverage is available.
What should I do at the scene of a car accident?
Call 911 and seek medical attention. Move to a safe location if you are able. Take photographs of all vehicles, the road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries. Collect the other driver’s insurance and contact information. Get names and phone numbers from witnesses. Do not admit fault or apologize.
Do I need a lawyer for a car accident case?
You are not required to hire one. But insurance companies employ trained adjusters and defense attorneys whose job is to minimize payouts. Handling the claim yourself, particularly when the injuries are significant, puts you at a disadvantage in negotiations and eliminates your ability to credibly threaten litigation.
How much is my car accident case worth?
It depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the liability evidence, and the insurance coverage available. Cases involving permanent disability, disfigurement, or lengthy rehabilitation carry higher values than cases involving soft tissue injuries that resolve within weeks.
What evidence is most important in a car accident case?
The police report, medical records, photographs of the scene and vehicles, witness statements, and any available camera footage. Cell phone records can establish distracted driving. Event data recorders in newer vehicles capture speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before the crash.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas comparative negligence allows recovery as long as your fault does not exceed 50 percent. Your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. How that percentage is determined depends on the evidence, and your attorney’s presentation of that evidence matters.
What if my injuries did not appear until days after the accident?
Delayed symptoms are common with whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries. The fact that symptoms appeared later does not prevent you from filing a claim. Medical documentation linking the delayed symptoms to the accident is the key to establishing the connection.
Will my case go to trial?
Most car accident cases settle before trial. But the willingness and ability to try the case affects the settlement value. If the insurer knows the firm will take the case to court, the settlement offer tends to reflect a more realistic assessment of the claim’s value.
Local Information for Houston Car Accident Cases
Most Dangerous Roads for Car Accidents in Houston
Car accident risk in Houston concentrates along high-speed corridors and at congested intersections throughout the metropolitan area.
- Interstate 45 is the deadliest road in Harris County. Both the Gulf Freeway segment south of downtown and the North Freeway segment north of the city carry the highest fatality counts in the region.
- Loop 610 sees frequent multi-vehicle collisions at its interchanges with I-10, I-45, US-290, and US-59. The volume of merging and exiting traffic at these junctions creates persistent crash risk.
- US-59/IH-69 (Southwest Freeway) carries a high fatality rate during peak commute hours, particularly through the Galleria area and the approach to downtown.
- Highway 290 (Northwest Freeway) records significant crash volumes near the Loop 610 interchange and through the Jersey Village corridor.
- Westheimer Road runs through one of the most heavily trafficked commercial corridors in the city. Intersection density, frequent turns, and pedestrian activity contribute to the crash rate on this road.
What Are Important Local Resources for Houston Car Accident Cases?
Individuals involved in car accidents in Houston may need to contact the following agencies and facilities. These are listed for reference purposes only.
- Houston Police Department for accident reports and non-emergency inquiries: (713) 884-3131
- Memorial Hermann, a Level I trauma center for critical injuries: (713) 704-4000
- Harris Health System (Ben Taub Hospital), a Level I trauma center serving Harris County: (713) 873-2000
- Texas Department of Transportation for crash reports and safety data
Listing these resources does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers.
About Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers is a Houston-based injury law firm focused on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across Texas. Matt Greenberg is licensed in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona and is active in the National Trial Lawyers and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Mike Streich previously represented insurance companies and corporate defendants in motor vehicle injury and death cases, giving him firsthand perspective on how the defense side evaluates and responds to car accident claims. He is a member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association.
What Our Clients Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Matt and Mike did an amazing job on my case. Very easy to communicate with and very professional. Would not hesitate to use or recommend to others.”
Joe Cooper
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Contact Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
Car accident cases involve insurance negotiations, medical evidence, and legal deadlines that affect the value of your claim. At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we provide free consultations for Houston car accident cases. Our contingency fee structure means no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us to schedule your free case review with a Houston, TX car accident attorney.
