Our team of Houston car accident lawyers have some of the largest recoveries in Texas. Schedule Your No Obligation, Free Consultation Today with our Award Winning Houston personal injury lawyers in Texas.
Our team of Houston car accident lawyers have some of the largest recoveries in Texas. Schedule Your No Obligation, Free Consultation Today with our Award Winning Houston personal injury lawyers in Texas.
Why Choose Krist to Be Your Houston Car Accident Attorney
Scott Krist isn’t just another Houston car accident lawyer – he’s a nationally recognized attorney with a proven record of record-setting results. In fact, he secured the largest personal injury recovery in Texas in 2011 and the largest commercial trucking verdict in Texas in 2014.
With Krist Law Firm, you gain:
We get trial-ready. Our legal team builds every case ready for trial, not just quick settlements
The moments and days following a serious car accident are a critical period that can define your recovery—both physically and financially. While you focus on healing from your car accident injuries, which can range from broken bones to severe traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, the legal clock is already ticking.
The specific type of injury you have will shape the evidence we need to collect. In Harris County, building a powerful case starts immediately. Our role as your personal injury law firm is to act swiftly to gather evidence, including crucial witness statements before details are forgotten.
During this vulnerable time, you may be contacted by insurance adjusters who seem friendly and eager to help. However, a common tactic is to request a recorded statement. What you say in this conversation can be used to limit your claim. They may also present a quick, lowball settlement offer that pressures you to settle before you even know the full extent of your medical needs. This is particularly true in complex cases involving a commercial vehicle, where multiple layers of insurance and corporate policies are at play.
Before you speak to any adjuster or provide any details, it is essential to understand your legal options. Seeking legal advice before you make any statements is the most important step you can take to protect your rights. We offer a free case evaluation to provide this essential guidance.
In this free case review, we will listen to your story, explain the common pitfalls, and advise you on how to proceed. We can also help you navigate the complexities of your own insurance policy. For injury victims, this initial consultation provides a clear path forward. Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Call our phone number now to get the strategic advice you need.
At The Krist Law Firm, P.C., we know that not all car crashes are the same. From parking lot accidents to highway accidents and rural road collisions, when you you need fair compensation for medical treatment and emotional distress, it is important to work with an attorney who knows how to handle your type of crash.
Why? When you or a loved one are dealing with the consequences of being injured in an accident, you want a skilled and experienced attorney to fight the insurance company’s team of lawyers.
Our legal team has seen and done it all. By being prepared for everything, our clients usually see faster results for higher amounts. We know how to fight to get you full compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering lost wages and more.
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32+ Years of Record-Setting Results – No Fee Unless We Win
“I really get very close to my clients. I fight for them like I would one of my friends” – Scott Krist
Whatever your specific circumstances or injuries, at The Krist Law Firm, P.C., our Houston car accident lawyers have extensive experience investigating a wide variety of car accident types, including:
The car accident process begins when someone’s negligence leads to a collision involving your vehicle.
Phase 2: Medical Care
After an accident, you need to see a doctor.
You need to be fully examined to ensure all of your injuries are diagnosed and treated.You may have been taken to the emergency room at Memorial Heights Emergency Center or Houston Methodist Hospital right after the crash.
Or, you may have remained at the scene. If so, you should see a physician as soon as possible. Even if you think you are fine, see a doctor. There may be symptoms that you don’t notice right away due to shock or adrenaline.
Phase 3: The Police Report and Notification
Crashes that causes property damage, bodily injuries, or fatalities need to be reported to the police. If you were able to remain at the crash site, then you would have given the police your statement.
The next step is to obtain a copy of the crash report.
However, if you were taken to the ER right away, then they may come to the hospital for your statement. If you have not provided a statement yet, you may contact a lawyer first. Once you are able to, you should notify your insurer of the accident and your injuries. This is an important part of filing a claim for compensation.
Phase 4: Vehicle Repairs
A motor vehicle accident can cause your vehicle damage that needs to repair or more serious damage that would cost more to repair than to replace the vehicle.
At The Krist law Firm, P.C., we know how important your car is. You and your family need it to get around every day.
We will help you get your vehicle repaired or replaced as soon as possible. If you need a rental car during this time, we will add this expense into your losses and fight for you to be compensated for it.
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Phase 5: Phone Calls, Paperwork, Requests for Information
Many car accident victims are shocked by how much paperwork and how many phone calls they are expected to deal with. However, you do not have to handle these aspects of an insurance claim yourself.
When you hire us to represent you, we take over direct communication with the insurer. We will handle all of the paperwork, phone calls, questions, and requests for information or documentation.
Phase 6: Settlement Offer or Denied Claim
After the insurer investigates and analyzes your claim, they must either deny your claim in writing or make a first settlement offer.
If the insurer denies your claim, it must provide an explanation in writing.
We will carefully review this explanation and discuss with you the option to appeal or move forward with a personal injury lawsuit. If the insurer makes a settlement offer, we will review whether it is a fair amount or not.
Phase 7: Settlement Negotiations
We will enter into negotiations by demanding that you receive the maximum compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. You may be nervous about negotiations. What if they backfire?
Our car accident attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. are highly experienced in dealing with insurers and negotiations. We know what we are doing. Let us fight hard for you to receive as much compensation as possible.
Phase 8: Settle or Go to Trial
Negotiations will either lead to a final resolution or breakdown. If settlement negotiations with the insurer breakdown and we cannot resolve your case out of court, then we will prepare for trial.
We are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid of going up against an insurer in court.
We will prepare to present a strong case before a judge and jury, and we will be aggressive in pursuing a verdict in your favor.
During this time, you will not pay us. We do not ask for hourly fees. You will only pay us if we win you a settlement or court ruling.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
32+ Years of Record-Setting Results – No Fee Unless We Win
“I really get very close to my clients. I fight for them like I would one of my friends” – Scott Krist
An insurer or court will determine fault by analyzing which driver acted negligently or recklessly, resulting in the accident. Fault may be supported or proven by the other driving violating a Texas traffic law or local traffic ordinance.
Who Pays for the Medical Bills After a Houston Car Accident?
The At-Fault Driver Should Pay for Your Car Accident Medical Bills
In Texas, the at-fault driver should pay for your car accident medical bills, replacements for physical losses, and car repair costs.
This does not always go smoothly, however, because you have to first prove fault and then work with insurance to get a fair settlement. Insurance agents focus on preserving their interests first and will do everything they can to limit what they must pay.
It can take a long time to get a payout from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Sometimes, even after weeks or months of pursuing a settlement, the insurance will refuse to acknowledge the claim, and the only option is to pursue legal action. If that happens, working with an experienced car accident lawyer can help apply appropriate pressure and encourage a faster and fairer settlement.
Texas insurance laws require every driver to carry a bodily injury liability insurance policy. According to the Texas Auto Insurance Guide, the required minimum amount of liability insurance is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in medical expenses. If the at-fault motorist is not covered with appropriate auto insurance, you can either seek payment from your uninsured motorist policy (if you have one) or file a personal injury claim and seek damages through a personal injury lawsuit with the help of a Houston car accident attorney.
What if the other driver isn’t insured or is underinsured?
If the at-fault driver is not insured, was a hit-and-run driver, or lacks enough insurance to cover your losses, you may have a few options.
If you purchased uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, then your own policy may help you.
Or, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver. If the judge or jury rules in your favor, the driver will be personally liable for compensating you. Learn more how our Houston uninsured motorist lawyers can help you.
Should I seek medical attention even if I’m not visibly injured?
Yes. You should also see a physician after an accident. You may be suffering from injuries that you cannot see, such as a concussion. Or, you may be suffering from injuries that will not present symptoms for days or weeks, such as whiplash, after the crash.
By seeing a doctor, your injuries may be discovered as soon as possible and create medical records that will help build your car accident claim.
What Happens at the ER after a car wreck?
When you go to the ER after a car accident, hospitals usually “triage” car accident victims to see which patients have insurance and which ones don’t.
If you don’t have insurance, expect to get the bare minimum care. That’s because ERs don’t believe they will get paid in full if you don’t have insurance. It’s not uncommon for uninsured patients to be released from the ER with serious injuries left untreated. If you feel that you did not receive adequate care, it is vital to seek further care to ensure that you don’t have a life-threatening injury.
Here’s where it gets worse: In Texas, hospitals often file liens against uninsured patients who have had car accidents. This allows them to take money out of any personal injury settlement you receive for your car accident. They should be paid for their care, but ERs often increase care prices simply because you were uninsured. They have been known to charge double what they would charge insurance – or more.
What kind of financial compensation can I recover?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, physical pain, mental anguish, disability, physical limitation, and loss of consortium.
Do I need a car accident attorney to file a claim?
Technically, you do not need a car accident lawyer to pursue an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you may not know the proper procedures surrounding these processes. An experienced car accident lawyer will know what to do and will make sure your claim avoids common mistakes.
What if I am unable to work due to my injuries?
If you cannot work because of your injuries, whether this may last for weeks, months or forever, call a personal injury attorney right away. When you cannot work, a lawyer will strive to obtain compensation for your lost wages and diminished earning potential.
How much does hiring a personal injury lawyer cost?
At The Krist Law Firm, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. We do to require a retainer, other upfront fees, or hourly fees. You only pay us if we obtain you a financial recovery. Call us today at 281-283-8500 to learn more about our contingency fee.
How long does the legal process take?
The duration of the personal injury claim process varies for each case.
We may be able to resolve your case in as few as six months. The timeframe of any legal action depends on the details of the case. In a complicated motor vehicle accident, it could take over a year for us to obtain you a recovery.
What Should You Do After an Accident?
As car accident lawyers in Houston, TX, we know all too well that a crash can change someone’s life. Even minor car crashes can become incredibly complicated if one of the parties is injured or not properly insured. While no one intends on being involved in an auto accident, you should know how to effectively deal with the situation.
After a car wreck, you are required to:
Stop at the Scene of an Accident. If you are involved in a car wreck, you are required to stop your car and remain at the scene until all personal information is exchanged. You are also required to check on the well being of others involved in the accident and call emergency services, if necessary. If you do not stop after a car crash, you could be charged with a crime.
Exchange Information. After you stop at the scene of an accident, you are required to provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other driver. You should also exchange insurance information and show your driver’s license if requested.
Report the Crash. Texas law requires that a Crash Report be filed with TxDOT when any accident occurs that results in injury or death, or when property damage is more than $1,000.
If you call the police to the accident scene, they will likely complete the accident report; however, if not, you are required to file a CR-2 form.
You also should:
Document the Scene. Use your phone to take pictures and video of the damaged vehicles and surroundings.
Gather Witness’s Information. In addition to exchanging information with the other driver, you should ask for the names and contact information of witnesses to the crash.
Notify Your Insurer. As soon as possible, tell your auto insurer that you were in a crash. If you do not have an insurer, you may notify the other driver’s insurer directly. However, be very careful when speaking with the insurance adjuster. Do not admit fault or apologize. Say as little as you can before hiring a lawyer to handle the insurance claim.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer: You should take this time to focus on your health. You do not need to spend weeks or months arguing with an insurer. Let us do that.
Will My Car Accident Settlement Be Part of the Public Record?
Our team of Houston car accident lawyers at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. can help you keep your settlement private.
You may be concerned with whether your settlement will be part of the public record. We understand the importance of maintaining your privacy, particularly during such a sensitive time. You do not want your relatives, coworkers, and strangers to know more about your legal claim and settlement than you will discuss.
Settlements made during personal injury lawsuits are part of the public record. All court rulings, whether made by a jury or a judge, and other documents presented in your case are available to the public.
However, by working with the right auto accident lawyer in Houston, TX, you can ask for the settlement to be made confidential. If you settle your claim outside of court, then all of the terms of your settlement, including the final amount, are private.
Statute of Limitations After a Houston Auto Accident (State of Texas)
Every state limits the amount of time you have to file certain kinds of lawsuits. In Texas, you have two years from the date of your injuries to file a personal injury case.
After two years from the date of your accident has passed, you could file a lawsuit, but it would almost certainly be dismissed. After two years, the courts will not help you.
The two-year statute of limitations applies to lawsuits seeking compensation for:
Property Damage – The two-year window begins on the date of the damage sustained in your road traffic accident.
Physical Injuries – You have to sue within two years of your injury. An exception to this rule allows the two years to begin running on the date when you discovered the physical injury, or when you reasonably should have been expected to discover the injury.
If you were recently injured in a car wreck, you may feel as though two years is a long time to file a lawsuit. However, it’s absolutely critical that you do not delay in speaking with a lawyer if you want to seek compensation from a negligent party.
Car wreck claims require research and negotiations before they can be filed. Your lawyer will need to build a strong case that takes into consideration every detail that is relevant to proving liability in your car wreck. A skilled car crash lawyer will review the following pieces of evidence before being able to file your claim:
Witness testimony
Maintenance records and driver logs
Police reports
Medical reports
Photo and video records of the accident and aftermath
Accident reconstruction data
Manufacturing records and auto industry reports
Before filing a lawsuit, your accident attorney will negotiate for a settlement with the responsible party’s insurance provider.
If you’re not offered an acceptable settlement, a lawsuit can be filed. You cannot rush to file a lawsuit in order to beat the statute of limitations. If this is done, the court will notice that your side is not prepared for litigation, and this can result in your case being dismissed.
Courts also expect parties to take a reasonable amount of time negotiating a settlement before they begin the costly process of taking their case to court.
If your loved one passed away after an auto crash, you may be able to seek compensation from the responsible party by filing a wrongful death action. Wrongful death suits are also subject to a two-year statute of limitations.
However, the two years in these claims generally begins on the date of the victim’s death, and this is often a later date than when their accident occurred.
Determining exactly how a person died is often complicated, and experienced wrongful death lawyers will understand how the state’s statute of limitations will apply to the death of your loved one.
However, there are possible exceptions to the Texas statute of limitations. A common example is the discovery rule. The clock may not begin to run on the day of your accident if you did not know you suffered injuries that day or if you were reasonably unaware of another party’s negligence.
Under the discovery rule, the two-year period does not begin until you know or reasonably should know of your injuries and the other party’s fault.
Another exception is if you were a minor at the time of the accident. If you were under 18 years old, and your parent or guardian did not file a lawsuit for you, then you have time after your 18th birthday to file.
However, you should speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as you can. It is better to bring a car accident lawsuit soon after a crash when evidence is fresh and available. Waiting years until you are an adult can make it harder to prove your case and receive appropriate compensation for your accident.
Two other possible exceptions to the personal injury statute of limitations is the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) and if the negligent driver fled the state. Under the SSCRA, your time being deployed and other instances of active duty do not count toward the two-year period.
Contact The Krist Law Firm, P.C. to Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
No one expects to be injured in a car accident. Whether it happened on the congested 610 Loop, during a hectic I-45 merge, or in a busy Westheimer intersection, a car accident instantly disrupts your entire life. The experience feels overwhelming – especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries while worrying about how to pay your bills and support your family.
Please do not hesitate to call the Houston car accident lawyers at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. Our car accident attorneys will be happy to help you learn more about your rights. We are here to make this situation easier on you and your family.
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