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Houston Auto Accident Lawyer
Experienced Legal Help for Auto Accident Victims in Texas
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Houston or anywhere in Texas, you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. The Houston auto accident lawyers at Joel A. Gordon & Associates are here to help you put your life back together. With decades of experience fighting for injured Texans, our motor vehicle accident law firm blends professionalism with genuine compassion. We understand the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress that an auto accident can inflict on victims and their families. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on healing, while we pursue the compensation for car accident injuries that you deserve.
A serious car crash can turn your world upside down in an instant. One moment you’re driving on a Houston highway, and the next you’re left with wrecked vehicles, painful injuries, and a flood of worries.
Car accidents disrupt lives – causing hospital visits, missed work, and in severe cases life-changing injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury. In the most tragic accidents, families may even lose a loved one to the wrongful death caused by a reckless driver. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, victims often face insurance companies pressuring them to settle quickly for less than they need. This is where compassionate legal support matters.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Houston and Texas
Car accidents can happen anywhere, but Houston and Texas roads have some common factors that lead to crashes. The Houston metro area sees roughly 200 auto accidents every day, and many are caused by preventable driver behaviors. Understanding these causes can help you stay safe and know what factors may be involved in your accident case. Some major causes and types of auto accidents in Houston and across Texas include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes in Texas. Nearly one in five crashes on Texas roads involves a distracted driver. Texting or using a cellphone behind the wheel is especially dangerous (and illegal in Texas), but distractions can also include eating, adjusting the GPS, or talking with passengers. Taking your eyes off the road even for a few seconds can lead to a serious wreck.
Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a major problem. Hundreds of Texans lose their lives each year due to drunk-driving crashes. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and often causes drivers to speed or drift between lanes. Drunk driving accidents tend to cause severe injuries because impaired drivers may not brake or evade in time to lessen the impact.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Excessive speed is a factor in many collisions. When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions, they have less time to react and longer stopping distances. Reckless driving behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, running red lights, and aggressive passing also frequently lead to accidents. These negligent actions put everyone on the road at risk.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions
Houston is known for sudden heavy rainstorms, flooding, and even the occasional ice during winter. Wet or slick roads can cause drivers to lose control, especially if they’re driving too fast. Low visibility in heavy rain or fog also contributes to crashes. Texas weather is unpredictable – hydroplaning, skids, and weather-related crashes are common when drivers don’t adjust to conditions.
Uninsured Motorists
Despite laws requiring insurance, about 20% of Texas drivers have no auto insurance coverage. Unfortunately, many accidents involve an at-fault driver who is uninsured or underinsured. This creates a complicated situation for victims who suddenly face medical bills and repair costs with no straightforward insurance claim to file against the other driver. Crashes with uninsured motorists often require victims to turn to their own insurance (if they have uninsured motorist coverage) or seek legal help to pursue compensation from the driver directly.
Commercial Vehicle & Truck Accidents
Houston’s highways see a lot of commercial traffic – from 18-wheeler semi-trucks to delivery vans and company cars. Accidents involving commercial vehicles are a common occurrence. The size and weight of trucks mean these crashes can be especially devastating, leading to severe injuries. Causes can include truck driver fatigue, improper truck maintenance, or overloaded cargo. Commercial vehicle accidents also involve additional complexities, since the driver’s company or a third party may share liability. Our firm has extensive experience handling truck and commercial vehicle accident cases, which require knowledge of federal trucking regulations and aggressive legal action to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Every auto accident is unique, and often multiple factors play a role. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate the cause of your crash – whether it was a texting driver, a drunk driver who ran a red light, or a dangerous intersection with poor visibility. Identifying all contributing causes helps build a strong case to prove negligence. If your accident was caused by someone else’s careless actions, we will work tirelessly to hold them responsible.
Client Testimonial: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was very pleased with the outcome of my case. Joel Gordon was never hard to reach and always had an answer to any question. He did a good job at keeping you updated with anything that went on. He goes out of his way to make sure his client is satisfied. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who has been in an accident.
– Kimberly Colindres
What to Do After a Car Accident
The moments after a car accident are chaotic and overwhelming, but your actions can significantly affect your health and your future claim. Here are the critical steps you should take after a car accident in Houston or anywhere in Texas:
Ensure Safety and Call 911
First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call for an ambulance immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s wise to notify the police. A police report will document the crash, which is important for any insurance or legal claim. Texas law requires that you report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage to authorities. By calling 911, you get medical help on the way and law enforcement to secure the scene.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. If paramedics arrive, let them evaluate you. Even if you feel “okay,” get a medical checkup as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries (like concussions, internal injuries, or whiplash) might not show immediate symptoms but can worsen later. Having medical documentation is not only vital for your well-being but also provides evidence linking your injuries to the accident for your claim.
Document the Scene
If you are able, gather as much information as possible at the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicle damage, skid marks, broken glass, and the overall scene from multiple angles. Photograph any visible injuries you have. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Also, get names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw what happened. This evidence can be invaluable later when determining fault and negotiating with insurance companies.
Do Not Admit Fault
While at the scene and when speaking to police or insurance adjusters, stick to the facts of what happened. Be truthful, but do not apologize or admit fault for the crash, even casually (“I’m sorry” can be misconstrued). Fault in car accidents can be complex, and an investigation may find the other party fully responsible. Avoid making statements that could be used against you later. Let the evidence speak for itself when determining liability.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your own auto insurance provider as soon as you can, ideally within 24 hours. Cooperate with your insurer, but remember that you are not obligated to give a statement to the other driver’s insurance without advice from your attorney. When talking to any insurance company, stick to the basic facts. Do not sign any settlement offers or releases until you have legal counsel, especially if you’ve been injured.
Consult an Auto Accident Attorney
Before long, the insurance process will kick in and you may start getting calls from adjusters. It is highly advisable to contact a car accident attorney in Houston early on. An experienced lawyer (like those at Joel A. Gordon & Associates) can guide you on your rights and handle communications with the insurers. We offer a free consultation, so there’s no risk in speaking with a lawyer about your situation. Having legal representation from the start helps protect you from common pitfalls – such as saying something that hurts your claim or accepting a lowball settlement. Your attorney will fight for your best interests and can often help you recover far more compensation than you’d get on your own.
By following these steps, you not only protect your health and safety but also strengthen any future vehicle injury claim you may file. The aftermath of an accident is stressful, but taking the right actions can make a big difference in your physical recovery and financial future. If you’re ever unsure of what to do, you can always call our firm for guidance – we are here to help 24/7.
Give our team a call today at 877-213-5004
Compensation for Car Accident Victims
A car accident can leave you with a pile of medical bills, weeks or months of lost income, and pain that may linger for a lifetime. Texas law allows accident victims to recover compensation for car accident injuries and losses through a personal injury claim. These are often categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover direct financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate you for more subjective, personal losses. Here are the main types of compensation our Houston auto accident lawyers will seek for you:
Property Damage
You are entitled to recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident (for example, a smashed laptop or child car seats needing replacement). This is usually handled in a separate property damage claim with the insurance, but we can assist to ensure you’re reimbursed for rental car costs and that you receive fair market value if your car is a total loss.
Medical Expenses
This includes all past and future medical costs related to your injuries. Emergency room bills, hospital stays, surgery costs, doctor visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any specialized treatments or medical equipment (like braces or wheelchairs) are all compensable. We will work with your doctors to document anticipated future medical needs as well, so you are not left paying out-of-pocket for ongoing care.
Lost Wages and Earnings
If your injuries caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for those lost wages. We will gather proof of your income and the time you had to take off (including sick leave or vacation days used). Additionally, if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term or you cannot return to the same job, you may be entitled to lost earning capacity. This means compensation for the difference between what you would have earned if the accident hadn’t happened and what you are now able to earn with your injuries or disability.
Pain and Suffering
Not all consequences of a crash come with receipts. Pain and suffering damages are meant to compensate you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress you’ve endured due to the accident. This can include chronic pain, limitations on your activities, depression, anxiety, PTSD from the trauma of the crash, and overall loss of enjoyment of life. Texas does not cap pain and suffering damages in standard auto accident cases (caps typically only apply to medical malpractice cases), so we will aggressively pursue a fair amount that reflects your true suffering.
Future Care and Rehabilitation
Serious injuries may require long-term care. If you need ongoing physical therapy, counseling for emotional trauma, in-home nursing care, or future surgeries, these anticipated costs should be covered. Our team often works with medical experts to project future healthcare needs for injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other catastrophic harm. We make sure that any settlement or verdict accounts for these future expenses so you aren’t left struggling years down the line.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a car accident tragically results in the loss of a loved one, immediate family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. In that case, compensation may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of the loved one’s financial support, loss of companionship, and the emotional anguish suffered by surviving family. While no amount of money can replace a life, these damages help families find some financial security and a sense of justice after an avoidable tragedy.
When we handle your case, we carefully calculate all your damages to understand the full value of your claim. According to Los Angeles car accident lawyers – Impact Attorneys – nearly 20% of auto accidents result in serious injuries. This includes working closely with you to learn how the injuries have affected your daily life, relationships, and future plans. Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation possible so that you have the resources to rebuild your life after a serious auto accident. Insurance companies might try to downplay your pain or ignore future costs – but we won’t let them. Joel A. Gordon & Associates has a strong track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, ensuring they are financially supported as they move forward.
Reasons to choose us
Why Choose Our Car Accident Attorneys
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a crash, you have many options for legal representation. So, why choose Joel A. Gordon & Associates? Simply put, our Houston auto accident lawyers offer the perfect combination of experience, dedication, and client-focused service. We know you need an advocate you can trust. Here are a few reasons clients throughout Houston and Texas choose our firm to handle their injury cases
Choosing the right attorney after a car accident is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The car accident attorney Houston residents trust is one who has a strong reputation, genuine compassion, and a record of success – all qualities our firm exemplifies. When you choose Joel A. Gordon & Associates, you choose a team that will treat your case as a priority and pursue justice with passion. Your well-being and your future are our top concerns, and we will work tirelessly to help you move forward from this crisis.
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Our lead attorney Joel A. Gordon has been practicing personal injury law since 1993, and our firm has over 30 years of experience helping auto accident victims. We have successfully handled hundreds of car accident cases – from fender-benders to multi-vehicle freeway crashes – and recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. This extensive experience means we know the tactics insurance companies use and how to counter them effectively. We are seasoned negotiators and litigators who won’t back down against tough opposition.
As a locally based Houston law firm, we understand the unique aspects of accidents in our area. From busy interchanges like I-610 and I-45 to suburban roads in Harris County, we’re familiar with the common accident hotspots and local traffic laws. We have working relationships with Houston police investigators and medical professionals in the community. While our focus is Houston and surrounding areas, we proudly serve clients throughout Texas. Whether your crash happened here in the city, out on a rural Texas highway, or anywhere in between, our Texas car crash lawyers are ready to help. We know Texas laws inside and out, and we’ll travel to you if needed – you’re not limited by location when choosing our firm.
We truly care about our clients. When you hire Joel A. Gordon & Associates, you’re not just a case number – you become part of our family. We listen to your concerns, keep you updated on your case’s progress, and promptly return your calls or emails. Our attorneys and staff are known for being friendly, patient, and understanding with clients who are going through one of the toughest times of their lives. Don’t just take our word for it – our testimonials and reviews often highlight our approachability and genuine concern. We believe that building a personal connection helps us represent you more effectively. You’ll feel the difference in how we treat you with respect and empathy from day one.
Hiring a lawyer might sound expensive, but with us it’s risk-free. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees at all unless we win your case. Our payment is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, agreed upon in advance. This arrangement allows everyone, regardless of financial status, to access top-quality legal representation. It also motivates us to fight hard for the best possible outcome – our success is directly tied to yours. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing for our services. It’s that simple.
Not all personal injury lawyers are prepared to go to court. Insurance companies know which lawyers will take a case to trial and which ones will always settle cheaply. We prepare every case as if it may go before a jury. Our thorough preparation and willingness to litigate give us a strong negotiating position. Many times, we can secure a higher settlement because the insurers recognize that we mean business and won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit. In the instances where a trial is necessary, you can feel confident with our courtroom experience on your side. Joel A. Gordon & Associates has obtained favorable verdicts in tough cases, and we won’t shy away from fighting for you in court if that’s what it takes.
Over the years, we’ve built a network of trusted experts and resources to strengthen your case. We work with accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, life care planners, and economists who can provide expert testimony to support your claim. We also have relationships with medical providers who can treat you on a lien basis (meaning you pay for treatment out of the settlement), which can be crucial if you don’t have health insurance or the means to pay for care upfront. Our ability to connect you with the right resources can make a huge difference in your recovery and the success of your case.
Auto Accident Injury FAQs
Houston Car Accident Lawyer - Joel A. Gordon
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. In other words, you generally have up to two years to file a legal claim against the at-fault driver. If you try to file after the two-year window has passed, your case will likely be dismissed and you’ll lose the chance to recover compensation. There are very limited exceptions (for example, if the victim is a minor, the clock might start at age 18, or if an injury wasn’t discoverable immediately), but these are rare. It’s critical not to delay because evidence can disappear and memories can fade over time. Tip: While you technically have two years, it’s best to contact a Houston auto accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. This allows your attorney to promptly investigate and preserve evidence. Our firm can also make sure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. Don’t risk missing the deadline – call us well before the statute of limitations expires so we can protect your rights.
Hiring our Houston auto accident lawyers will cost you nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Your initial case evaluation is free. If we take on your case, we cover all the costs of investigation, filing fees, expert witnesses, etc., during the process. Our fee is simply a percentage of the settlement or award that we recover for you, which we will discuss and agree upon at the start of representation. This contingency arrangement makes legal help accessible to everyone, regardless of your financial situation. It also aligns our interests with yours – we are motivated to get you the maximum compensation possible. If for some reason we don’t win any compensation for you, you owe us nothing. In summary: It does not cost you anything out-of-pocket to hire our car accident attorneys. We even advance the case expenses, and you pay attorney fees only if and when we successfully recover money for you.
The timeline for a car accident case can vary widely depending on the circumstances. Some straightforward cases might settle in a matter of a few months, while more complex cases (especially those involving serious injuries or disputed liability) can take a year or longer to resolve. Several factors influence the duration: the severity of your injuries and length of medical treatment, the clarity of fault, the willingness of the insurance company to offer a fair settlement, and court schedules if a lawsuit is filed. For instance, a minor fender-bender case with clear liability and completed medical treatment might wrap up relatively quickly. On the other hand, if you suffered major injuries that require ongoing treatment, we typically wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (your condition has stabilized) to accurately assess damages before settling – this could be many months. Additionally, if we have to file a lawsuit and go through litigation, the case will inevitably take longer due to discovery, potential trial, etc.
Every case is unique, but we will give you a realistic timeline based on our experience once we know the details of your situation. We understand you want to resolve your claim as soon as possible, and we strive to move things along efficiently. However, we also caution against rushing to settle too early. Accepting a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries can leave you under-compensated, especially if you discover later that you need more treatment. Our Houston auto accident lawyer will keep you informed at each stage. It’s worth noting: cases involving only minor injuries often resolve faster than cases involving surgeries or permanent impairments. We will balance speed with the need to secure the full compensation you deserve. Rest assured, we will push aggressively to resolve your case as soon as it’s appropriate, and we’ll keep the pressure on the insurance company throughout.
Speak With a Houston Auto Accident Lawyer Today
Joel A. Gordon & Associates will help you understand your rights and what alternatives you have in proceeding with a case
A car accident can upend your life, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Let our Houston auto accident lawyer team help you get the justice and peace of mind you deserve. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we take pride in providing top-notch legal representation with a personal touch. From day one, you’ll speak directly with caring attorneys who understand what you’re going through and are committed to making it right.
Talk to us about your case: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your situation and advise you on the next steps. You can reach out anytime – call our office at 281-943-5555 or send us a message through our website contact form. If you can’t come to us, we can arrange a meeting at your home or even in the hospital. We’re responsive and available when you need answers.
Remember, there’s no upfront cost to hire our firm. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we win for you. This ensures that everyone can afford quality legal help, and it motivates us to fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation. You have nothing to lose by getting a lawyer involved – and potentially everything to gain, from easing your stress to significantly increasing your compensation.
Don’t wait to seek help. Texas has legal deadlines, and the evidence needed to prove your case is often easiest to gather soon after the accident. The sooner you have a skilled attorney working for you, the better protected your rights will be. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers on their side; you should have a dedicated advocate on yours.
Your road to recovery starts with a single step: getting informed about your options. Let us answer your questions, explain your rights, and outline a plan to move forward. Our compassionate legal team has helped countless accident victims in Houston and throughout Texas rebuild their lives – now we’re ready to help you. Contact Joel A. Gordon & Associates today to speak with an experienced Houston auto accident lawyer. We’ll stand by your side, address your concerns, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Your family’s future and well-being are our top priority – and we are here to assist you every step of the way on the path to recovery.