Houston Car Accident Lawyers
Offering Legal Support to Car Accident Victims in Texas
The moments following a motor vehicle collision are often a blur of confusion, pain, and stress. As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston is notorious for its congested highways and high rate of traffic accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to navigate the complex legal system alone.
At Matthews & Associates, we serve as dedicated advocates for the injured. Our mission as your Houston car accident lawyer is to handle the insurance companies and legal hurdles so you can focus entirely on your physical and emotional recovery. We understand the local courts, the local roads, and the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts.
Here are several reasons why you should choose us:
- Decades of experience
- Millions of dollars recovered for our clients
- You don't pay unless we win your case
Call Matthews & Associates today at (888) 923-7001 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Houston car accident attorney!
We may file or settle a claim individually or as part of a group on a case-by-case basis.
Whether your claim is filed individually or as part of a group fighting the same defendant, our goal is always to provide each of our clients with individual attention. This boutique-level service, combined with our national litigation powerhouse capabilities, ensures you receive both personalized care and the resources necessary to take on the largest corporations and manufacturers.
Texas Car Accident Laws
Navigating a personal injury claim in Texas requires a deep understanding of specific state statutes. Texas follows a "proportional responsibility" rule (often called modified comparative negligence). This means that you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, provided your percentage of responsibility is not greater than 50%. However, your final compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
Furthermore, Texas has a strict statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline usually means losing your right to seek compensation forever.
Texas is also an "at-fault" state for insurance purposes. The person who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. This typically involves filing a claim against the negligent driver’s liability insurance policy.
Where Do Crashes Often Happen in Houston?
Houston’s infrastructure is massive, featuring some of the widest and busiest freeways in the world. While an accident can happen on a quiet residential street in Montrose or the Heights, certain areas are statistically more dangerous.
- The West Loop (I-610): Frequently ranked as one of the most congested and accident-prone stretches of road in Texas.
- The Southwest Freeway (I-69/US-59): Heavy traffic volumes lead to frequent rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle pileups.
- The Katy Freeway (I-10): Despite its size, the high speeds and frequent merging make it a hotspot for high-impact wrecks.
- The Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8): High-speed travel often results in severe accidents, particularly at interchanges.
- Dangerous Intersections: Crossings like Bissonnet St at Sam Houston Pkwy and Westheimer Rd at 610 see hundreds of accidents annually due to red-light running and distracted driving.
Recovering Compensation
The financial burden of a car accident goes far beyond the initial ER visit. Our goal is to secure a settlement or verdict that covers the full spectrum of your losses. Compensation, also known as "damages," can be divided into two categories:
Economic Damages:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage (car repair or replacement)
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
At Matthews & Associates, we work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and life-care planners to accurately value your claim, ensuring you don't accept a "lowball" offer from an insurance adjuster.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents materialize in many ways, yet some scenarios are more prevalent than others.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: This includes activities that divert attention from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, or fiddling with the stereo or navigation system.
- Speeding: Traveling above the speed limit is a common cause of car accidents as it reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway.
- Drunk driving: Consuming alcohol or drugs impairs a driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely, often leading to accidents.
- Reckless driving: This includes a range of traffic offenses, such as changing lanes without signaling, tailgating, and violating other traffic safety laws.
- Weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or ice can make roads slippery and visibility poor, leading to accidents.
- Running red lights or stop signs: Drivers who disregard traffic signals and fail to yield to oncoming vehicles, run red lights or ignore stop signs frequently cause accidents.
- Teenage drivers: Young and inexperienced drivers often cause accidents due to a lack of experience and judgment on the road.
Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help foster safe driving practices. Should you find yourself a victim of a car accident despite your best efforts, Matthews & Associates can assist you in navigating the legal complexities that follow.
Common Car Accident Injuries
A car accident can change your life in a fraction of a second. Even "minor" fender benders can result in chronic pain. We represent clients suffering from a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Common in rear-end collisions, these can lead to long-term mobility issues.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe cognitive impairment, head injuries require extensive medical care.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or total paralysis, necessitating lifelong assistance.
- Broken Bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are common in high-impact side-swipe or head-on crashes.
- Internal Bleeding: Damage to internal organs may not be immediately apparent, which is why seeking medical attention after a crash is vital.
Contact Our Houston Car Accident Attorneys Today
At Matthews & Associates, we go beyond handling auto accidents and take many cases, including auto recalls. We understand that every client's situation is unique and can involve varying levels of complexity. Our car accident lawyers are fully prepared to consult with you, providing the necessary information and guidance to determine your case's best course of action.
Contact Matthews & Associates today to meet with our Houston car accident lawyer!
We're Ready to Fight For You!
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“Very professional from the beginning”
- Jeffrey E.Very professional from the beginning. always answered questions and had amazing follow through on insuring data submitted was accurate
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“Always available & answers questions promptly.”
I've been working with Matthews & Associates for 2 years. I am impressed that the firm is always available and answers questions promptly. I am very satisfied with the services they provide and would recommend them.- Kweli Y. -
“Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case.”
- Ron S.Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case. They were always polite when they were talking to me. Very professional and polite.
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“They are so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable.”
I love these guys! They are so helpful, kind, knowledgeable, smart, and good with people. They answer all your questions and if they don't know the answer, it doesn't take them long to get you the answer! I wouldn't want anyone else to handle my suit. They are AWESOME!- Genie S. -
“Very informative and professional.”
- Lydia C.Very informative and professional. Answer thoroughly all my questions and concerns.
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“Matthews & Associates is one of a kind.”
Matthews & Associates is one of a kind. They treat you with respect. They support you when needed. Plus they have locations in Texas and California with wonderful customer service. Bilingual service is always available.- Sorangel T.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
While you aren't legally required to have an attorney, it is highly recommended. Often, injuries like soft-tissue damage don’t manifest symptoms immediately. An attorney ensures that you don't sign away your rights before knowing the full extent of your injuries.
How much does a Houston car accident lawyer cost?
At Matthews & Associates, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or award.
What should I do immediately after a crash in Houston?
- Check for injuries and call 911.
- Move to safety if possible.
- Exchange information with the other driver (Name, insurance, license plate).
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay.
- Contact Matthews & Associates before speaking to the other driver's insurance company.
How long will my case take?
Every case is unique. Some may settle in a few months, while complex cases involving litigation can take a year or longer. We prioritize getting you the maximum amount possible, rather than the fastest amount possible.
