9601 McAllister Fwy Suite 510
San Antonio , TX 78216
210-702-3000
210-702-3000 (local)
Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Have you been seriously injured in a Houston car accident? Are you worried about mounting medical bills, missed time at work, and other financial losses incurred due to an injury caused by someone else’s negligence? The Houston roads are probably some of the un-safest in the country.
Houston Car Accident Lawyer
FREE CASE EVALUATION
Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Fighting For You
Why Choose Pusch & Nguyen Accident Injury Lawyers?
Pusch and Nguyen Law Firm was founded in 2015 and has quickly become the fastest growing personal injury law firm in Texas. Our car accident lawyers are experienced, compassionate and dedicated to helping Texas accident victims receive the justice they deserve. Our expert support staff at Pusch and Nguyen Law Firm, coupled with the firm’s legal expertise, makes our team a powerful, winning advocate for car accident victims.
Our accomplished attorneys at Pusch and Nguyen Law firm are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients, including the right to have skilled, caring, and competent legal representation, regardless of economic status. Pusch and Nguyen Law Firm believes all victims deserve justice, and has put in place a No Fee policy. We always require no upfront fees to start a claim, and collect no payment until you win.
The emotional and physical pain from a serious automobile accident can be overwhelming, not to mention the financial burden it places on the whole family. If you have been injured in an accident but worry that you can’t afford an attorney, Pusch and Nguyen Law Firm is here for you. Let our compassionate, hard-working team at Pusch and Nguyen Law Firm answer your questions and explain all of your options. Call 833-PUSH-WIN for a free consultation.
A serious automobile accident negatively impacts individuals and families immediately, and may leave victims with long-term needs. It is critical to hire a law firm with the resources, compassion and experience to successfully settle your case so that your needs are met today, and into the future. Pusch and Nguyen Law Firm has successfully settled thousands of cases and has won over $100 million dollars in compensation for their clients. If you have been injured in a car accident, call Pusch and Nguyen Law Firm for help. Available 24 hours a day. 833-PUSH-WIN.
No Win, No Fees Guaranteed. That’s our promise to you. That’s right. You don’t pay a dime until we settle your Texas accident case! Speak with attorneys at Pusch and Nguyen at 833-PUSH-WIN
Car accident lawyers are not the same. It is ESSENTIAL that you consider the following factors when looking for a car accident lawyer near you to help with the decision as to who your injury lawyer or law firm will be to represent you in your car accident:
Key Questions To Ask When You Hire A Houston Car Accident Lawyer
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Is It Worth Getting a Car Accident Lawyer in Houston?
In the majority of claims, it is worth getting an experienced car accident lawyer in Houston if you’ve been in a car accident. Why? Pusch & Nguyen Accident Injury Lawyers specializes in this area of the law. We understand what it takes to get the insurance company to cover the full value of your claim.
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How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Texas?
According to Texas Law, the statute of limitations to file a claim for injuries sustained in a car accident in Texas is two years. Two years is also the time limit for filing a wrongful death claim if the accident involved fatalities.
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When Should You Call an Attorney for a Car Accident?
The best time to contact Pusch & Nguyen Accident Injury Lawyers in Houston is immediately after your accident takes place. However, if the accident has already happened, don’t worry — it’s not too late. Contact us as soon as reasonably possible.
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What Is a Good Settlement Offer?
When you are injured, missing work, and the bills are piling up, any offer might seem like a good offer at first. However, the insurers are counting on this. Their job is to protect the company’s profits and not to protect your future, so they will try to draw the settlement out to get you to settle for less. A good settlement will cover the full value of your present and future expenses. But only an experienced car accident lawyer will be able to make that evaluation.
- Does the lawyer or law firm have a reputation for holding insurance carriers accountable and taking cases to trial when necessary? Gerard Pusch is Board Certified in personal injury law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has tried over 100 cases to jury verdict. Very few lawyers or law firms can claim to have such experience. Anthony Pusch and Chi-Hung David Nguyen are both partners at the firm and have significant litigation experience battling the largest insurance carriers.
- Insurance carriers are well aware of which law firms or lawyers have a reputation for taking cases to trial when necessary. Attorneys who are known to not aggressively litigate cases are far more likely to receive low settlement offers. Insurance Claims Adjusters are in the business of risk management. If a lawyer lacks the experience, competence, or financial resources to battle Geico, State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, or other giant corporations, they will be viewed as “all bark but no bite.” The insurance carrier will not believe they face a huge risk by giving a low settlement offer. Nothing frustrates us more than seeing a personal injury lawyer leave money on the table.
- Avoid hiring a lawyer or law firm based only on a television commercial. The majority of our cases come referred to us by very satisfied former, and even current, clients. We have relied on word of mouth advertising to build our firm as opposed to a television or radio ad to bring in our next client. Our goal is to maximize the settlement value on each and every case our firm handles. We are literally judged by every last case and the results Pusch & Nguyen have obtained. If we opt to settle easily and leave money on the table, insurance carriers would base future offers off of such.
- Not all injury lawyers are the same. Many law firms or individual lawyers handle a wide variety of practice areas such as criminal law, family law, bankruptcy, and others. At Pusch & Nguyen, we handle various areas of ONLY personal injury law (i.e., motorcycle, car, truck accidents, premises liability, etc…). Many attorneys are attracted to adding personal injury to their practice as it is relatively easy to settle a claim, but leave money on the table. It is far more difficult to properly set up a claim or case to maximize the value and compensation for the injury victim. You would be surprised how many lawyers and firms settle far too frequently and either rarely or never litigate their cases.
- Insurance carriers are large for-profit businesses and many are publically traded. The Allstate, State Farm, and Geico’s of the world answer to shareholders. They purposely undervalue claims and train their Claims Adjusters, even rewarding them at times, to settle claims cheaply. When they do this across tens of thousands of cases, they return millions of dollars to their shareholders. Your lawyer or law firm must have the financial resources and expertise to hold these corporate giants accountable. This is the ONLY way to achieve justice.
- Many Houston law firms trust Pusch & Nguyen to assist on their largest and most complex injury cases. We are proud of the fact that several Texas injury firms opt to bring our firm in to help maximize compensation on their biggest cases. We have built this reputation based on decades of experience and having obtained significant impressive results for victims of serious car accidents.
- We take personal attention very seriously. You cannot maximize the value of a claim or case without knowing your client on a personal level. At many of the biggest television law firms, a client never speaks with nor meets the handling lawyer. We remain accessible to our clients and make every last effort to get to know their personal stories and how this car wreck may have diminished their quality of life
Most Dangerous Intersections in Houston for Car Accidents
According to a survey, traffic in Houston is considered the worst in the state of Texas. It’s never easy dealing with the physical and emotional impact of being involved in a car accident. Making matters worse, victims of an accident often feel overwhelmed by what he or she should do after an auto accident.
Although there are many dangerous intersections in Houston, nearly one thousand Houston motor vehicle collisions occurred at only 10 major intersections in 2021. As a result, our Houston car accident lawyers are contacted by drivers who have been in motor vehicle collisions at these intersections on a daily basis.
The 10 most dangerous intersections in Houston for car accidents are:
- Westheimer and Dairy Ashford
- Bellaire and Ranchester
- Fannin and Pierce I-10 and NW Loop 410 – 124 collisions
- Long Point and Gessner
- Fondren and West Bellfort
- Bissonnet and Wilcrest
- Shepherd and Allen Parkway and Kirby
- Taylor and Spring and MKT Trail
- Hawthorne and Spur 527 and Holman
- West and Airline
Why you should hire a car accident Lawyer after a wreck in Houston?
Following a car accident, insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters who begin working right away on evaluating the injury claim and finding any evidence to potentially limit a settlement offer and place minimal value on the claim. Their goal is to lowball the injury victim. Insurance companies have the necessary resources to challenge victims who choose not to have legal representation. This can be very difficult and have a negative impact on your claim. It’s important to have legal representation that has experience and resources to deal with these billion-dollar insurance companies. There are studies that demonstrate that an unrepresented accident victim nets 3x less compensation than those represented by a lawyer.
Hiring a lawyer for a car accident will give you peace of mind knowing an experienced trial lawyer is handling your personal injury claim and has the necessary resources when dealing with insurance companies or corporations. At Pusch & Nguyen, we are committed to providing all auto accident victims with compassion and professionalism when dealing with their auto accident cases.
Our car accident lawyers will aggressively fight the insurance company so our clients can receive the proper medical treatment and compensation for their injuries. Talk to a car accident lawyer about your accident. An experienced car accident lawyer at Pusch & Nguyen can explain this process to you. Call us today for a free consultation (713)597-8420.
What Steps Do I Take After a Houston Auto Accident?
In 2021, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recorded 66,988 car accidents in Houston and 114,674 in all of Harris County. Obviously that’s a significant number of car accidents, dropping Houston to 158th on Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report.
The average Houston resident goes only 8.2 years between accident claims compared to a national average of 10.6 years.Given almost one-third of Houston’s auto collisions resulted in injuries in 2021, it is important to understand these 10 steps you should take after a car accident before even speaking with one of our Houston accident lawyers. One study shows that you have a 40% higher chance of having a car accident in Houston compared to Los Angeles. It is important that you know your rights, and how to defend them in the case of an unfortunate event. You may be curious as to what steps to take before the authorities arrive at the accident scene.
It’s important to first make sure you are in a safe position and you have not sustained a life-threatening injury requiring immediate medical attention. Contact authorities right away explaining an accident has happened and what type of services will be needed. Below are some other actions you may consider.
Collect as much information as possible
If you can, try obtaining the contact information of any witness. For example; license, car registration, car insurance information, and company identification card. You could also get the models of the vehicles involved in the crash. If you can’t, a police report will have all the necessary information.
If there were witnesses, having their contact information will greatly assist a car accident lawyer with their investigation.
Alert the police
It is crucial to inform the police about a car accident. Police will investigate the incident as well as ensure the safety of the victims and those traveling around the scene of the accident. The police officers will make a report on the accident and give a citation to the at-fault party that caused the accident. Your legal team will be able to access that police report when handling your claim.
Seek medical attention
After being in a car accident you may not see or feel physical injuries right away due to shock, but most victims do feel the effect of the accident days later. It’s important to receive medical attention immediately to ensure there are no internal issues that must be addressed. Further, visiting a hospital, or preferably an urgent care center, will document your potential injuries and will prevent the insurance carrier from stating your injury or injuries were not caused by the accident.
How do we help in the investigation after a car accident?
In the event of an accident, there may be bystanders who may have witnessed the accident occur. These witnesses could give details that may be missing in a police report and help explain what he or she saw to help further explain the cause of the auto accident.
When you are involved in a car accident, the process of recovering your compensation for the losses incurred requires an investigation. During an investigation, your legal team will locate all available insurance coverage and evidence that document your injuries and the negligence exhibited by the adverse driver. Below are the steps taken when investigating:
Inspecting the scene of the accident:
The investigator gathers information about the accident and specific details that occurred; they investigate the accident’s location. Investigators will examine the location as well as the exact time the accident took place. Other factors that are considered at the time the accident happened would be weather conditions, and who informed the authorities when the accident occurred.
Video Surveillance:
With present-day technology and the existence of security cameras on most street corners, we are often successful in obtaining video evidence of what actually occurred. Further, locating a witness who might have cell phone footage of the incident would also help the case.
Expert Analysis:
Once a case reaches a certain point, your attorney may file a lawsuit against the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. At this point, your personal injury attorney will hire professionals who will go over all the information that has been gathered from your legal team and investigators. When a case goes to trial, these qualified experts will speak on behalf of the client to present their expert opinion to a jury.
Experts are used to show what injuries a client received from the car accident and why he or she required a surgical procedure or may need such in the future. This is how we document future medical costs. Also, experts will be able to prove how much force, the distance traveled, the speed the at-fault party was doing, and the direction they were coming from.
This will be important because when explaining to a jury they will need as much detail as possible explaining how the client was injured and some of the long-term medical issues he or she will experience as a result of the accident.
This will also prevent the insurance company from ever saying that the victim did not require surgery or will not need such in the future.
What Type of Questions to Expect When Speaking with a Car Accident Lawyer?
When a victim has been injured in a car accident, it is in his or her best interest to reach out to an accident injury attorney. At Pusch & Nguyen, we understand how difficult this event can be for anyone and will give the compassion and attention our clients deserve. During the consultation, our attorneys will ask questions to gather as much information as possible so we can properly explain the process and what approach will happen next for our client.
Were there any injuries that occurred during the car accident?
In the event of a car accident, injuries can happen instantly or progress as each day passes. It is in the victim’s best interest to seek medical attention as soon as possible whether it be at the scene of the accident or seeking attention at a walk-in clinic. Determining what types of injuries, you or a loved one may have sustained will determine the direction in medical attention as well as your injury claim.
Was your vehicle totaled in the accident?
Knowing the extent of the damages and having documented images will assist the law firm in your auto accident. Determining the damages of your personal property will be evidence to present to the insurance company with documents showing your vehicle was damaged to the point that it was classified as totaled.
Did anyone receive a citation from the authorities?
At the scene of a car wreck, law enforcement will respond to investigate and identify the at-fault driver. Law enforcement will take statements from both parties as well as try to identify any witnesses that saw the accident occur. Upon their investigation, usually, a citation is given to the at-fault driver, and on occasion, an arrest will be made if the offense is outstanding. The attorney will get this citation and review the details to see if it can be used as evidence.
Who will pay for my medical bills?
Once you as the victim have hired an attorney, the law firm will collect all medical bill statements on behalf of the client. Your attorney will arrange for you to meet with medical professionals to assist you with your treatment. During those visits, the medical facility will receive a Letter of Protection (LOP) while you have an active lawsuit.
What Kind of Settlement should I expect from my auto accident?
Once a claim has been filed there are many different factors that go into what type of compensation someone will receive. Attorneys will need to be able to show proof that their client had bodily injuries from the auto accident and the pain and suffering from those injuries. Other factors that will be taken into consideration are as followed:
- Medical expenses
- Long term disability
- Future Treatments
- Lost Wages
- Mental Health Issues
What is the legal process after hiring a car accident lawyer?
After consulting with a lawyer, papers will be signed stating you are being represented by a law firm to handle all legal matters pertaining to your auto accident. Thereafter, a letter will be sent to the insurance company letting them know you have hired legal counsel and all matters will be directed to the law firm and you wish the insurance company speaks with your legal team about your auto accident. Below are the steps taken during the process of an auto accident claim:
Filing a Claim:
A claim will be filed on the client’s behalf to the insurance company. The claim will contain information that has been gathered throughout the investigation, including all medical treatments the client is undergoing as well what bills the client has received thus far in the process.
Contact with Insurance Adjusters:
During the process, your legal team will be in contact with an insurance adjuster who is handling the auto claim. This is where negotiations begin. Your legal team will be sending additional information to the adjuster showing continued treatment and if additional treatment from a specialist is needed.
An experienced law firm will know how to handle adjusters and prevent low settlement offers. Adjusters also know when dealing with experienced law firms they will need to work harder.
Reviewing Settlement Offers:
Adjusters will send settlement offers throughout the course of these negotiations. Your legal team will have a solid number in mind that will be in the best interest of the client. Your attorney will speak with you throughout the negotiation period and explain what has been offered and what he or she thinks is best for you as the client. This can be a long process, but we will assure all clients we have their best interest in mind and will work hard to get the compensation they deserve.
Lawsuit:
A lawsuit will be filed when the adjuster and your legal team have exhausted all negations and can’t reach a settlement. The client will be notified that a lawsuit will be filed due to the adjuster not agreeing to the terms that have been presented by the law firm.
Once a lawsuit has been filed, the insurance company will assign a legal firm to represent them. The insurance company legal team has 30 days to respond to the petition. The defendant’s lawyer may also file an answer to” general denial’.
The Discovery Phase
This is a phrase with strict rules and procedures, and both parties are required to follow the rules. We get to this phase if the court fails to dismiss the case. The court is presented with motions and answers; from this, it will decide whether to continue or dismiss the case.
At this stage, the lawyers have hectic work as they will go deep into the investigation to gather evidence. Both lawyers will have to have evidence supporting their claims. The evidence may include camera surveillance, interviews from witnesses, digital evidence, and physical evidence. To obtain this, some procedures need to be followed.
- Interrogatories. These involve coming up with well-written questions that demand answers concerning your claims, protection, and identity of people who witnessed the accident.
- Requests for production. These are requests that have been written down demanding relevant documents and other physical evidence.
- Requests for admissions. These involve written requests that give individuals involved a chance to acknowledge or dispute certain statements
The defendant party may also have the above requests presented to you. All you have to do is be well prepared and respond to such requests to avoid the penalties. For instance, if you do not respond to the request for admission in time, the court will be forced to believe that you have acknowledged the statement presented as true.
This will automatically mean that you give up your defense claim. Since the situation may be so delicate, you need to have a lawyer who shows commitment when it comes to responding to the request. Also, the lawyer should be competent in a manner that they can get work done on time.
During the discovery phase, we have deposition, and this is a simple procedure that involves a session of questions asked by the council that the witness must answer. The questions are directed to the other party or a witness who is usually under oath. In the courtroom, a court reporter oversees recording statements made by the witnesses or the parties involved.
It is crucial to have your attorneys during the deposition process; your lawyers will be able to advise you on what to speak about. Questions asked at depositions may include a person’s background.
Motions for Summary Judgment
After the two parties are done with their findings that may include the documented request and the depositions, any of the parties may file motions for summary judgment. In most cases, one of the parties may note that there are no important facts in dispute. Therefore, a motion for summary judgment is employed by the court as it plays a role in avoiding unnecessary trials.
A court usually grants a party a summary judgment in cases whereby the other party has been convicted for a crime, and the evidence cannot be disputed. From this, there would be no other questions of liability.
Mediation and Settlement Negotiations
The two parties may decide to settle the issue using a different method— mediation. This involves a third party who could be a lawyer or a former judge. The mediators are known to have special training; this will help make the parties get to sound decisions while negotiating.
For mediation to occur, it requires the parties to be in a room together with their lawyers and the mediator. Both parties can air out their claims. This helps the mediator to determine how the parties may resolve their differences. If the two parties come to an agreement, it marks the end of the case.
The mediation process usually starts with both sides and their attorneys together in the room with the mediator. If the mediation does not bear fruits, all the parties are advised not to use the information discussed against each other. The information discussed in the mediation room should not leave the room.
Failure to come to an agreement during mediation doesn’t mean that the negotiations should stop. Your attorney can continue with negotiations until the trial ends.
Even if mediation sessions are unsuccessful, your attorney can continue to engage in settlement negotiations with the other party until the end of a trial.
The Trial Process
The first part of a car accident jury trial is jury selection, which is also known as the voir dire in the legal world. During this phase of the trial, both attorneys and the judge may ask potential jurors in the courtroom, called the “jury pool.” Selecting the right jury is essential to any personal injury damage lawsuit. However, the jury selection process can be complex—even for attorneys!
Our attorneys know how to use necessary strikes (which can be peremptory strikes or strikes for cause) to make sure you have a strong jury. The jury any experienced personal injury wants is most likely to be sympathetic to their client’s injuries and rule in their favor.
The judge and the lawyer come to an agreement concerning the jury selection. Once this is done, the lawyers are given a chance to speak up in front of the jury. Once the lawyers and judge agree on a selected jury, both the parties can make a statement. This is the period when the attorney does not have to make an argument on their cases.
After the two parties give out their statements, they will also have to present the evidence to the jury and provide an argument on the other party’s claims. The plaintiffs’ lawyer presents their statement first; this process involves the lawyer questioning the chief witness who makes an appearance to give evidence. The following process takes place:
- Direct examination. Involves the plaintiff’s attorney interrogating the witness who is here to prove their case.
- Cross-examination. Here, the defendant’s attorney gets to question the witness.
After all the above steps taken by the plaintiff’s lawyer, the defendant’s lawyer also gets to present their case in the same manner.
The attorney may ask the witness questions during the direct and cross-examination. The lawyers are free to ask the witness questions about evidence. They are supposed to be equipped with statements and evidence that are in line with the rules. During the presentation, the attorneys should not hesitate to dispute the statements that violate the rules.
The judge gets to interpret the law to the jury. This interpretation is in connection with the proceeding case. After the jury hears all the evidence, the judge will read the jury instructions, which informs the jury of the law relating to the case. The attorneys can present a final statement to the jury before they go to the jury room for further discussion. When the jury reaches a judgment, they get to read it in the courtroom.
Houston Car Accident Statistics
According to TXdot, In 2021, there were 66,988 total crashes in Houston that included:
- Fatal crashes: 312 fatal crashes, leading to 327 fatalities
- Serious injury crashes: 1394 suspected serious crashes, leading to 1595 suspected serious injuries
- Minor injury crashes: 5335 suspected minor crashes, leading to 7231 suspected minor injuries
- Possibly injury crashes: 13784 possible injury crashes, leading to 21070 possible injuries
- Non-injury crashes: 42394 non-injury crashes, leading to 126066 non-injured vehicle occupants
- Unknown severity crashes: 3769 unknown severity crashes, leading to 22232 individuals with unknown injuries
Harris County Car Accidents Statistics
For all of Harris County, there were 46,383 total crashes that included:
- Fatal crashes: 541 fatal crashes, leading to 577 fatalities
- Serious injury crashes: 2489 suspected serious crashes, leading to 2927 suspected serious injuries
- Minor injury crashes: 8976 suspected minor crashes, leading to 12258 suspected minor injuries
- Possibly injury crashes: 19127 possible injury crashes, leading to 29230 possible injuries
- Non-injury crashes: 78200 non-injury crashes, leading to 228591 non-injured vehicle occupants
- Unknown severity crashes: 5341 unknown severity crashes, leading to 29853 individuals with unknown injuries
Source: https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2021/13.pdf
Texas Car Accidents Statistics
For the entire state, there were 425,074 total crashes in Texas in 2021 that included:
- Fatal crashes: 2,223 fatal crashes, leading to 2,395 fatalities
- Serious injury crashes: 10,083 suspected serious crashes, leading to 11,994 suspected serious injuries
- Minor injury crashes: 46,792 suspected minor crashes, leading to 62,890 suspected minor injuries
- Possibly injury crashes: 72,312 possible injury crashes, leading to 113,823 possible injuries
- Non-injury crashes: 274,053 non-injury crashes, leading to 842,270 non-injured vehicle occupants
- Unknown severity crashes: 19,611 unknown severity crashes, leading to 85,178 individuals with unknown injuries
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Houston
While Houston car accidents happen for a variety of different reasons, TxDOT aggregates these causes at the county level for Texas. Here are some of the main causes of car accidents and injuries for Harris County / Houston (2021 data):
- Distracted Driving Accidents:18,614 crashes (2,262 injury crashes, 56 fatal)
- Speeding Driver Accidents:2,332 crashes (453 injury crashes, 40 fatal)
- Construction/Work Zone Accidents:2,066 crashes (213 injury crashes, 10 fatalities)
- Drunk Driving (DWI/DUI) Accidents:1,963 crashes (384 injury crashes, 57 fatal)
Most Common Contributing Factors to Car Accidents in Houston
The most common contributing factors to Houston car accidents reported by the Houston Police Department in 2021 are:
- Driver inattentionwas the cause of 16,232 crashes
- Failed to control speedwas the cause of 4,516 crashes
- Followed too closelywas the cause of 3,864 crashes
- Changed lane when unsafewas the cause of 3,243 crashes
- Faulty evasive actionwas the cause of 2,685 crashes
- Failed to drive in single lane was the cause of 1,983 crashes
- Failed to yield right of way when turning leftwas the cause of 1,909 crashes
- Backed without safetywas the cause of 1,897 crashes
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Texas
At the state level, TxDOT tracks motor vehicle accident data at a much more granular level. So, here is a comprehensive list of the main causes of auto collisions in Texas (2021 data):
- Moving Violations Accidents:290,967 crashes (42,923 injury crashes, 1,955 fatal)
- Backed Without Safety Accidents: 8,983 crashes (227 injury crashes, 6 fatal)
- Changed Lane When Unsafe Accidents: 42,638 crashes (3,263 injury crashes, 89 fatal)
- Disregard Stop and Go Signal Accidents: 21,881 crashes (4,459 injury crashes, 124 fatal)
- Disregard Stop Sign or Light Accidents: 14,831 crashes (2,867 injury crashes, 98 fatal)
- Failed to Drive in Single Lane: 45,743 crashes (6,780 injury crashes, 836 fatal)
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: 94,754 crashes (15,706 injury crashes, 385 fatal)
- Fatigued or Asleep Accidents: 8,848 crashes (1,910 injury crashes, 139 fatal)
- Faulty Evasive Action Accidents: 21,460 crashes (3,824 injury crashes, 243 fatal)
- Followed Too Closely Accidents: 20,724 crashes (2,222 injury crashes, 14 fatal)
- Turned When Unsafe Accidents: 11,105 crashes (1,665 injury crashes, 61 fatal)
- Speed-Related Accidents:163,969 cashes (23,191 injury crashes, 1,362 fatal)
- Failed to Control Speed Accidents: 134,125 crashes (17,324 injury crashes, 554 fatal)
- Speeding Accidents: 2,605 crashes (787 injury crashes, 320 fatal)
- Unsafe Speed Accidents: 27,239 crashes (5,080 injury crashes, 488 fatal)
- Distracted Driving Accidents:98,896 crashes (14,174 injury crashes, 412 fatal)
- Cell/Mobile Device Accidents: 3,655 crashes (707 injury crashes, 48 fatal)
- Distraction in Vehicle Accidents: 12,536 crashes (2,020 injury crashes, 73 fatal)
- Driver Inattention Accidents: 82,705 crashes (11,447 injury crashes, 291 fatal)
- Intoxication Accidents (DUI/DWI):28,366 crashes (6,787 injury crashes, 1,236 fatal)
- Had Been Drinking Accidents: 9,104 crashes (2,136 injury crashes, 212 fatal)
- Taking Medication Accidents: 274 crashes (70 injury crashes, 12 fatal)
- Under the Influence of Alcohol: 15,558 crashes (3,700 injury crashes, 662 fatal)
- Under the Influence of Drugs Accidents: 3,430 crashes (881 injury crashes, 350 fatal)
Source: TxDOT; Texas Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics – 2021; Crash Contributing Factors.
Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts Calendar Year 2021
- The Fatality Rate on Texas roadways for 2021 was 1.56 deaths per hundred million vehicle miles traveled. This is a 4.17% increase from 2020.
- Texas experienced an increase in the number of motor vehicle traffic fatalities. The 2021 death toll of 4,489 was an increase of 15.22% from the 3,896 deaths recorded in 2020.
- There were 15,764 serious injury crashes in Texas in 2021 with 19,448 people sustaining a serious injury*.
- The annual vehicle miles traveled in Texas during 2021 reached 288.227 billion, an increase of 10.61% over the 260.580 billion traveled in 2020.
- Fatalities in traffic crashes in rural areas of the state accounted for 51.04% of the state’s traffic fatalities. There were 2,291 deaths in rural traffic crashes.
- Single vehicle, run-off the road crashes resulted in 1,550 deaths in 2021. This was 34.53% of all motor vehicle traffic deaths in 2021.
- In 2021 there were 1,037 people killed in crashes occurring in intersections or related to an intersection.
- There were 613 people killed in head-on crashes in 2021.
- There were no deathless days on Texas roadways in 2021.
- There were 4 crashes that resulted in 6 or more f atalities in 2021.
- Friday, October 22nd was the deadliest day in 2021 with twenty-seven (27) persons killed in traffic crashes. August was the deadliest month with 418 persons killed.
- Based on reportable crashes in 2021:
1 person was killed every 1 hours 57 minutes
1 person was injured every 2 minutes 12 seconds
1 reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds
- Of all persons killed in vehicles where restraint usage was applicable and usage was known in 2021, 46.20% were reported as not restrained when the f atal crash occurred.
- 239,539 persons were injured in motor vehicle trafficcrashesin2021.
- There were 521 motorcyclists (operators and passengers) killed in 2021. Forty-five percent (45%) of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
- Pedestrian fatalities totaled 824 in 2021. This is a 15.24% increase from 2020.
- Pedalcyclist fatalities totaled 90 in 2021. This is a 13.92% increase from 2020.
- In 2021, there were 1,077 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes where a driver was under the inf luence of alcohol. This is 24.00% of the total number of people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
- During 2021, more DUI – Alcohol crashes were reported in the hour between 2:00 am and 2:59 am than any other hour of the day. Also, more ofthesecrashesoccurredonSundaythanany other day of the week.
- In 2021, there were 433 people killed in crashes involving distracted driving. This is a 17.34% decrease from 2020.
- There were no fatalities caused by a bridge collapse in 2021.
Source: https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2021/01.pdf
Contact Us Today
Pusch & Nguyen is conveniently located in both southeast Houston on Gulf Freeway and southwest Houston on Bellaire Boulevard. We also have investigators that can come directly to you. Our goal is to be accessible to our clients and make this as easy as possible. We are community-focused and our principal lawyers call Houston their hometown.
Call us today! We would be honored to represent you and protect your legal rights.
WHY Pusch & Nguyen Law Firm
IS DIFFERENT
Our aggressive legal team work together seamlessly for the benefit of our clients. Whether your goal is to settle your case as quickly as possible or fight for maximum compensation, even if that means a court date, we can help make the process as easy and painless as possible.
they truly made me feel like they cared
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Their team answered all my questions quickly
Jerry S.
Our clients praise us for keeping them updated about their cases, communicating openly and honestly, and getting results. With Pusch and Nguyen in your corner, you’ll feel confident and assured in the face of serious injuries and hefty medical bills.
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Houston Car Accident Lawyer
Have you suffered injuries in a car accident? Contact a skilled Houston car accident attorney at Pusch & Nguyen at (833) 787-4946 for a free consultation. You may be able to recover damages for your injuries. We can help you fight to get every last dollar that you deserve.
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Reviews
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Insurance offer
$10,000.00
What we got
$125,000.00
“The moment I started working with Pusch and Nguyen, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Their team was not just professional, but also genuinely caring. Knowing they were fighting to obtain every dollar I was entitled to brought me immense peace of mind.”
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Insurance offer
$0.00
What we got
$50,000.00
“Pusch and Nguyen’s team made a lasting impression on me with their blend of professionalism and empathy. They instilled a feeling of trust right from the start, ensuring me that they would tirelessly work to secure the maximum settlement I deserved.”
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Insurance offer
$500.00
What we got
$30,000.00
“I immediately sensed that I had made the right choice with Pusch and Nguyen. Their team’s approachable demeanor and firm commitment to pursue the full compensation I was owed gave me a great sense of relief and confidence in their abilities.”
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Insurance offer
$5,000.00
What we got
$180,000.00
“Feeling secure and well-represented was my experience with Pusch and Nguyen. Their team’s dedication was evident, and their assurance that they would push to secure every penny I deserved provided immense comfort during a challenging time.”
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Insurance offer
$20,000.00
What we got
$400,000.00
“From the moment I began working with Pusch and Nguyen, I knew I was in capable hands. Their team exuded a sense of confidence and care that reassured me. They were clearly committed to fighting for every dollar I was entitled to, and that made all the difference in my experience.”
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Insurance offer
$2000.00
What we got
$400,000.00
“I Felt that I was in Good hands. Pusch and Nguyen’s team made me feel comfortable because I knew they were going to push for every dollar I deserved.”
Why Choose Pusch & Nguyen as your Car Accident Lawyers?
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash in Houston, Texas, and it wasn’t your fault, you could get a lot of money to help cover your medical costs, lost earnings, and pain. At Pusch & Nguyen, our expert personal injury lawyers are ready to help you win the compensation you need.
Gerard Pusch, one of our leading attorneys, is Board Certified in personal injury law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a testament to his expertise and excellence in the field. Having successfully tried over 100 cases to jury verdict, Gerard Pusch’s experience is unparalleled, setting our firm apart in the legal community. Partners Anthony Pusch and Chi-Hung David Nguyen complement this expertise with significant litigation experience, especially against major insurance carriers, ensuring our team is well-equipped to handle complex cases.
We’ve helped clients get tens of millions of dollars for injuries from car, motorcycle, and truck accidents in Houston, falls, wrongful death, brain injuries, and more. Our results show how hard we work for our clients.
No Win, No Fees Guaranteed. That’s our promise to you. That’s right. You don’t pay a dime until we settle your Texas accident case! Speak with attorneys at Pusch and Nguyen at 833-PUSH-WIN
How We Serve Our Clients
- Full management of the personal injury claim from the outset.
- In-depth investigations to collect evidence, establish causality, and determine liability.
- Partnerships with leading accident and medical experts to delve into the intricacies of your case.
- Direct negotiation with insurance adjusters and defendants to protect your interests.
- Exploration of all compensation avenues, from traditional lawsuits to workers’ compensation claims.
- Strategic case preparation to ensure strong negotiation positions or court presentations.
- Court representation by seasoned trial attorneys, including Gerard Pusch, when necessary.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A HOUSTON CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY NEAR ME?
Insurance companies prefer you not to engage a car accident lawyer. Adjusters aim to maintain an upper hand, often presenting lowball offers and expecting acceptance. Their familiarity with the claims process surpasses most individuals’. A Houston accident lawyer levels the playing field, negating any advantage they might possess.
Having a Houston car accident lawyer significantly boosts your chances of victory and securing a larger compensation. Statistically, individuals represented by lawyers not only win more frequently but also attain higher settlements.
You’ll gain a defender against any fault attribution by the negligent driver. It's common for the at-fault party to deflect blame onto the victim. A skilled attorney can counteract these strategies, minimizing their impact on your case.
Independent investigations are vital. While insurance companies conduct their inquiries, their goal is to minimize payout. A car accident lawyer ensures you benefit from an unbiased investigation that bolsters your case.
The journey post-accident is fraught with pressure to settle for less. Adjusters' primary role is to minimize your compensation to boost their company's profits, exploiting your stress and vulnerability in the process.
Insurers may use your stress, emotions, and the chaotic aftermath to their advantage, attempting to delay or deny your claim, complicating your recovery. Your Houston auto accident lawyer stands as your advocate, navigating these challenges to secure just compensation.
If another's actions, even partially, caused your accident, you are entitled to compensation. The essence is clear: hiring a Houston, Texas car accident attorney is a decisive step towards realizing this entitlement.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Most Houston car accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney's fee is directly tied to their success in your case. This arrangement is often described as "no win, no fee."
Under a contingency fee arrangement, a car accident attorney agrees to represent you in exchange for a percentage of the compensation they secure on your behalf. This percentage typically ranges from 33% to 40% of the financial recovery, varying by law firm and case specifics.
At Pusch & Nguyen, we have the confidence in our ability to win substantial compensation for your car accident injuries and damages. So much so, that we are prepared to absorb all costs involved in negotiating and litigating your claim upfront. You owe us nothing unless we win your case.
This arrangement allows you to benefit from the expertise of a Board Certified civil trial specialist without upfront costs. Contact our Houston, Texas law offices today to discover more about our contingency-based legal services. We provide a free consultation.
What’s My Car Accident Case Worth?
Assessing the value of a car accident case, especially early in the process, is challenging. Every car accident in Texas and every victim involved is distinct, making each case unique.
Answering the following questions can shed some light on the potential worth of your case:
- How severe are your car accident injuries?
- Is a full recovery from your injuries expected?
- Were any pre-existing conditions exacerbated by the car wreck?
- How long is the journey to maximum medical improvement anticipated to be?
- Can you return to work immediately, or is time off necessary?
- Will your injuries impact your future ability to work and earn an income?
- What are your out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident, including medical bills and other unforeseen costs?
- Is your car repairable, or must it be replaced?
- What kind of trauma have you experienced because of the accident?
The severity of your injuries has a significant influence on potential compensation. As a general guideline, the more severe the injuries, the higher the value of the injury case.
According to the National Safety Council, the average compensation for a car accident causing "possible" injuries was $160,000 in 2019. For accidents resulting in "disabling" injuries, the average compensation exceeded $1.2 million.
When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?
You should engage a Houston car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident. Here are the key reasons:
- The earlier your lawyer can start investigating, the better. Witnesses' memories fade, and evidence may deteriorate or vanish. If your attorney can examine the accident scene with experts promptly, it could significantly benefit your case.
- Recovery should be your main focus, not legal battles. By hiring a car accident lawyer early, you allow yourself to concentrate on healing physically and emotionally, while your attorney manages insurance claims, legal filings, deadlines, and complex legal matters.
- There's no additional cost in hiring a lawyer early. Since car accident lawyers in Texas are compensated based on the results of your case and not the hours they work, getting them involved from the start has more advantages than potential downsides.
The team at Pusch & Nguyen is available to assist you 24/7. With several conveniently located offices across the city, we're ready to help you understand your legal rights. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Contact Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers Near You for a Free Consultation
Pusch & Nguyen has multiple convenient locations to assist you throughout Houston, TX. Our principal office is located at 6330 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77023, USA. You can reach us at 833-PUSH-WIN or click here to fill out our online form.
Insurance Settlement Offers After an Auto Accident in Houston
Accepting an insurance company’s settlement offer should only be considered if it has been negotiated and/or reviewed by a qualified car accident attorney. Remember, insurance companies prioritize profits over your welfare.
Often, initial settlement offers are lower than what your case might genuinely warrant. Adjusters hope that the immediate availability of cash will compel you to settle your claim hastily.
However, accepting such an offer prematurely carries significant risk. Agreeing to a settlement closes the door on future compensation, even if you later discover ongoing medical expenses or an inability to return to work. You would have to rely solely on the initial settlement amount, with no possibility of seeking further damages.
Engaging an attorney to manage negotiations with your insurer can prevent them from exploiting the situation. Your local Houston car accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of your case, compile a demand letter supported by concrete evidence and strong legal arguments, and fight to secure a settlement that truly represents the value of your claim.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Houston?
The steps you take immediately following a motor vehicle accident are crucial. Even small mistakes could jeopardize your health and financial future.
Here are some critical actions to take (and avoid) after your car crash to stay safe and enhance your chances of financial recovery:
- Remain at or near the scene of the accident. Move to a safer location nearby if necessary.
- Call and report the accident to the Houston Police Department, especially if there’s an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, as required by Texas state law.
- Do not apologize or accept any responsibility for the accident. Even minor statements can be used against you later.
- Exchange information with other parties, including names, license plate numbers, and insurance details.
- Gather evidence. Take photos, record videos, jot down details, witness names, and document anything that could be beneficial.
- Seek medical attention promptly to ensure all injuries are diagnosed and treated, also bolstering the link between the crash and your injuries for your claim.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to insurance companies. Direct any detailed inquiries to your lawyer.
- Consult with an experienced attorney specializing in Houston car accident cases to maximize your support and representation.
Our car accident attorneys have extensive experience with insurance claims and lawsuits in Houston, Texas. We're well-versed in dealing with insurance companies and have developed effective strategies to secure financial compensation for our clients.
We understand the challenges you face and possess the necessary knowledge and resources to succeed. Contact a Houston car accident lawyer at our firm to discuss your situation. We offer free initial consultations.
What Happens If I’m Partly At Fault For My Car Accident in Houston?
If you find yourself partially at fault for a car accident, it's important to know that you can still pursue compensation. Texas operates under modified comparative fault rules with a 51% bar to recovery. This means you can file for an insurance claim or lawsuit as long as you are not deemed to be mostly at fault.
However, being partly at fault will impact the amount of compensation you can receive. Your total damages will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.
According to the comparative fault rules, if your liability goes beyond 50 percent, you lose the eligibility to claim compensation from the other at-fault party or their insurance. It's crucial to understand these nuances to navigate the aftermath of a car accident where fault is shared.
Do I Have to Prove Negligence If I File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Houston?
In most car accident lawsuits in Houston, proving negligence is essential. While there are cases where a lawsuit might be based on strict liability, particularly if a defective product played a role in the accident, negligence is the most common basis for filing.
Negligence involves showing that another party acted in a way that was unreasonably unsafe, leading to your injuries. To argue successfully that your car accident was the result of another's negligence, you must establish four key elements:
- Duty: The defendant had a responsibility to act safely (e.g., drivers must follow state and local traffic laws).
- Breach: The defendant did not fulfill this responsibility by acting in an unsafe manner (e.g., using a phone while driving, driving under the influence, or failing to use headlights at night).
- Causation: The defendant's actions directly caused your injuries (e.g., you were rear-ended at a stoplight, leading to significant neck and back injuries).
- Damages: You suffered specific losses due to the accident (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, car repair costs, and emotional distress).
In Texas, these elements must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence. This means that your side of the story, backed by evidence and facts, must be more convincing than not. Meeting this standard can lead to a successful outcome in your negligence case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Traffic Accident in Houston?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing most car accident lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. This is a critical deadline for initiating legal action to seek compensation for injuries and damages resulting from a traffic accident.
There are exceptions to this general rule that might alter the timeframe:
- If a government employee's actions contributed to the accident, you have 90 days to file a notice of claim with the city of Houston.
- The statute of limitations may be tolled, or paused, under certain circumstances, such as if the victim is a minor or if the defendant is not located within the state.
It's crucial to be aware that failing to act within the applicable deadline means forfeiting your right to seek compensation. Therefore, understanding and adhering to these deadlines is essential for preserving your legal rights after a traffic accident in Houston.
Do I Have to Prove Negligence If I File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Houston?
In most car accident lawsuits in Houston, proving negligence is essential. While there are cases where a lawsuit might be based on strict liability, particularly if a defective product played a role in the accident, negligence is the most common basis for filing.
Negligence involves showing that another party acted in a way that was unreasonably unsafe, leading to your injuries. To argue successfully that your car accident was the result of another's negligence, you must establish four key elements:
- Duty: The defendant had a responsibility to act safely (e.g., drivers must follow state and local traffic laws).
- Breach: The defendant did not fulfill this responsibility by acting in an unsafe manner (e.g., using a phone while driving, driving under the influence, or failing to use headlights at night).
- Causation: The defendant's actions directly caused your injuries (e.g., you were rear-ended at a stoplight, leading to significant neck and back injuries).
- Damages: You suffered specific losses due to the accident (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, car repair costs, and emotional distress).
In Texas, these elements must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence. This means that your side of the story, backed by evidence and facts, must be more convincing than not. Meeting this standard can lead to a successful outcome in your negligence case.
What Damages Can I Get If I’m Hurt in a Houston Car Accident?
Compensatory Awards in Texas Car Accident Cases
Victims of car accidents in Texas are entitled to compensatory awards, which include economic damages and non-economic damages, to cover the various impacts of the accident.
What Are Economic Damages?
Economic damages compensate for the financial costs associated with a car accident. These damages are quantifiable and can be substantiated through documentation like receipts, bank statements, or other proofs of expense.
- Hospital bills, medication costs, surgeries, and other medical expenses
- Costs for rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Expenses for property repair or replacement
- Lost income, including wages and benefits, due to recovery
- Decreased earning capacity
- Costs for disability accommodations, home modifications, and nursing care
- Funeral expenses and loss of support for surviving family members in fatal accidents
What Are Non-Economic Awards?
Non-economic damages cover the personal, subjective consequences of a car accident, often referred to as pain and suffering damages. These encompass:
- Chronic pain
- Mental anguish and emotional distress, including PTSD or depression
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of life quality or enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Inconvenience
The emotional and psychological impact of an accident can be as severe as physical injuries, sometimes necessitating ongoing treatment. When another party's actions cause these damages, they can be held legally accountable.
How Do Courts in Texas Value Pain and Suffering Damages?
Valuing "pain and suffering" damages in Texas is a complex process, as these types of damages are deeply personal and subjective. There are primarily two methods used:
- Multiplier Method: This approach assigns a multiplier (between 1-5) based on the severity of injuries and suffering, then multiplies this by the economic damages to estimate non-economic compensation.
- Per Diem Method: A daily rate is assigned to the pain and suffering experienced, then multiplied by the number of days until maximum medical improvement is expected. This method is less commonly used than the multiplier method.
Are Punitive Damages Ever Awarded in Car Accident Cases?
Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases to punish egregious behavior, such as drunk driving or intentional harm. These are separate from compensatory damages and are applied under specific circumstances.
What areas you serve?
Our Houston car wreck lawyers serve Central Houston, Downtown Houston, the Central Business District, East Downtown (EaDo), the Fourth Ward, Midtown, South Central Houston, Hyde Park, Montrose, Rice Military, River Oaks, West University Place, Southampton, Rice Village, and University Place. Moving beyond the city's center, our reach spreads to the suburbs and neighborhoods that many call home, including Bellaire, Southside Place, Braeswood Place, Meyerland, the Willowbend Area, the Astrodome Area, Museum Park, the Greater Third Ward, University Oaks, Greater Eastwood, Second Ward, Magnolia Park, the Pleasantville Area, Kashmere Gardens, Northeast Houston, Jacinto City, and the Galleria Area and others.
How to get in touch?
Pusch & Nguyen should be your initial contact post-accident. Our team of Houston car accident attorneys recognizes the profound impact this event has on your life. Dealing with overwhelming stress and uncertainty about the future is challenging, but we're here to clarify your legal rights and explore your options.
We're ready to assist you around the clock, every day of the year. Consultations can be arranged at your convenience, whether at our office, your home, workplace, or even the hospital.
To begin, simply reach out to our firm via phone or our online form. A team member is available to assist immediately. Your initial consultation is complimentary, and our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
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