Car Accidents in Houston, Harris County, Texas: What to Do After a Crash

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, Harris County, Texas, you’re not alone. With a crash occurring every 57 seconds across Texas and 251,977 people injured annually, Houston’s busy roads are among the most dangerous in the state. At Attorney911, we understand the overwhelming fear, confusion, and physical pain you’re experiencing. Ralph Manginello, our founding attorney with over 25 years of experience handling car accident cases in Houston courts, leads our team in fighting for maximum compensation for accident victims across Harris County—from the Medical Center to the Energy Corridor, and from Katy to Pasadena.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Houston

Houston’s sprawling highways and congested intersections make it a hotspot for car accidents. In 2024 alone, Texas saw 1 person injured every 2 minutes and 5 seconds on our roads, with Harris County consistently ranking as one of the most dangerous counties for drivers. Whether you were rear-ended on I-10, t-boned at a Galleria intersection, or involved in a multi-vehicle pileup on the 610 Loop, the aftermath can be devastating.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston:

• Distracted driving (380 deaths in Texas in 2024)
• Speeding (especially on I-45 and US-59)
• Failure to yield (common at intersections like Westheimer and Post Oak)
• Running red lights (a major issue in downtown Houston)
• Following too closely (frequent on Beltway 8)
• Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) (1,053 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in Texas)

Common Injuries in Houston Car Accidents:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries (often underestimated but can cause chronic pain)
• Herniated discs (may require surgery and long-term treatment)
• Broken bones and fractures (common in high-impact collisions)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) (can have lifelong cognitive and physical effects)
• Spinal cord injuries (may result in partial or complete paralysis)
• Internal organ damage (often requires emergency surgery)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (32-45% of accident victims develop symptoms)

In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident on I-10 near the Energy Corridor. During treatment, staff infections developed, leading to a partial amputation. The insurance company initially offered just $50,000, claiming the amputation was a “medical complication” unrelated to the accident. We hired medical experts who proved the amputation was a direct result of the accident injuries. After documenting the lifetime costs of prosthetics, lost earning capacity, and the profound impact on our client’s daily life, the case settled in the millions—not the $50,000 they initially offered.

Why Houston Car Accident Victims Need Attorney911

Houston’s car accident landscape is complex. With a mix of local drivers, commuters, rideshare vehicles, and commercial trucks, determining liability can be challenging. Insurance companies know this and use it to their advantage, often blaming victims for accidents they didn’t cause. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney and former insurance defense lawyer, understands these tactics because he used them for years. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims like you.

The Insurance Company Playbook (And How We Counter It)

1. The Quick Cash Trap

   • What they do: Offer a lowball settlement within days of your accident—often $2,000 to $5,000—while you’re still in pain and facing mounting bills.
   • The trap: You don’t yet know the full extent of your injuries. Signing a release means you can’t seek more money later, even if you need surgery or develop chronic pain.
   • How we counter: We never settle before you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Lupe knows these offers are always lowball because he calculated them for insurance companies.

2. The Recorded Statement Trap

   • What they do: Call you while you’re in the hospital or on pain medication, acting friendly and concerned. They’ll say, “We just need your side of the story to process your claim.”
   • The trap: Everything you say is recorded and can be used against you. Even innocent statements like “I’m feeling a little better today” can be twisted to minimize your injuries.
   • How we counter: We handle all communication with insurance companies. Lupe knows the leading questions they ask because he trained adjusters to use them.

3. The IME (Independent Medical Exam) Scheme

   • What they do: Send you to a doctor they hire, who will spend 10-15 minutes examining you and then write a report minimizing your injuries.
   • The trap: These doctors are paid thousands by insurance companies to find “no injury” or “pre-existing condition.” They rarely review your full medical history.
   • How we counter: Lupe knows which IME doctors insurance companies favor because he hired them when he worked for the defense. We prepare you extensively for the exam and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts.

4. The Surveillance Trap

   • What they do: Hire private investigators to follow you, film you doing daily activities, and take photos out of context.
   • The trap: A single photo of you carrying groceries can be used to claim you’re “not really injured.”
   • How we counter: Lupe reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos as a defense attorney. He knows how insurance companies manipulate footage and can counter their arguments.

5. The Delay, Deny, Defend Strategy

   • What they do: Drag out your claim for months or years, hoping you’ll give up or accept a low offer.
   • The trap: While they delay, your bills pile up, and financial desperation makes you vulnerable.
   • How we counter: We file lawsuits to force deadlines. Lupe knows their delay tactics because he deployed them for years.

6. The Pre-Existing Condition Blame Game

   • What they do: Dig through your medical history for any prior injury, no matter how old, and claim your current pain is unrelated to the accident.
   • The trap: Even if you had mild back pain years ago, they’ll argue your herniated disc is “just arthritis.”
   • How we counter: Lupe knows how insurance companies attack pre-existing conditions. We hire medical experts to prove the difference between your condition before and after the accident.

Houston-Specific Car Accident Challenges

Houston’s unique traffic patterns and road conditions create specific challenges for accident victims:

Dangerous Houston Intersections and Corridors:

• I-45 Gulf Freeway: Known as one of the deadliest roads in North America, especially between downtown and the North Loop.
• I-10 Katy Freeway: High-speed collisions and sudden stops are common, particularly near the Energy Corridor.
• Westheimer Road: Heavy commercial and commuter traffic creates frequent accidents, especially near the Galleria.
• Bissonnet Street: Dense urban traffic and frequent lane changes lead to collisions.
• FM 1960 & SH 6: This corridor accounts for half of Houston’s most dangerous intersections.

Houston’s 51% Comparative Fault Rule:

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means:

• If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault).
• If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Insurance companies in Houston aggressively use this rule to blame victims. They’ll argue you were speeding, distracted, or could have avoided the accident. Lupe’s experience is invaluable here—he knows how to counter these arguments because he made them for years.

Houston’s Trauma Centers:

If you’re seriously injured in a Houston car accident, you may be taken to one of these Level I trauma centers:

• Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center (6411 Fannin St)
• Ben Taub Hospital (1504 Taub Loop)
• UTMB Galveston (301 University Blvd)

These centers provide excellent care, but treatment costs can be astronomical. We work with medical experts to document your injuries and ensure you’re compensated for all past and future medical expenses.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Houston

Immediate Actions (First 48 Hours):

1. Call 911 and report the accident. Houston police will create an accident report, which is critical evidence.
2. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask injuries, and some symptoms (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not appear for days.
3. Document everything:
   • Take photos of all vehicle damage (every angle)
   • Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signals
   • Take photos of visible injuries
   • Screenshot any messages visible on your phone (do NOT delete anything)
4. Exchange information:
   • Other driver’s name, phone, address, driver’s license number
   • Insurance company and policy number
   • Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number
5. Get witness information: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident.
6. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance before speaking to any insurance company.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid:

• Giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
• Accepting a quick settlement offer before knowing the full extent of your injuries.
• Posting on social media about the accident, your injuries, or your activities.
• Delaying medical treatment—insurance companies use gaps in treatment to minimize your claim.
• Signing any documents without having an attorney review them.

How Attorney911 Fights for Houston Car Accident Victims

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24 hours of being retained, we send preservation letters to:

• The other driver’s insurance company
• Any businesses near the accident scene (to preserve surveillance footage)
• The at-fault driver’s employer (if applicable)
• Government entities (for traffic camera footage)

This legally requires them to preserve evidence before it’s automatically deleted.

2. Comprehensive Investigation

Our team conducts a thorough investigation, including:

• Obtaining and analyzing the police report
• Interviewing witnesses before their memories fade
• Collecting surveillance footage from nearby businesses (deleted in 7-30 days)
• Reviewing medical records to document your injuries
• Consulting with accident reconstruction experts when needed

3. Medical Treatment Coordination

We help you get the medical care you need while documenting your injuries for your claim:

• Connecting you with doctors who accept liens (treat now, pay from settlement)
• Ensuring consistent treatment to avoid gaps
• Documenting all medical expenses and future treatment needs

4. Insurance Negotiation

With Lupe’s insider knowledge, we:

• Calculate the true value of your claim using insurance company formulas
• Counter lowball offers with evidence of your damages
• Expose insurance company tactics to minimize your claim
• Prepare your case for trial if they won’t offer a fair settlement

5. Trial Preparation

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the insurance company refuses to pay fairly.

What You Can Recover in a Houston Car Accident Case

In Texas, car accident victims can recover both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):

• Medical expenses (past and future): Hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment
• Lost wages (past and future): Income lost due to time off work and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement, personal property
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, household help

Non-Economic Damages (No Cap in Texas):

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from your injuries
• Mental anguish: Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD
• Physical impairment: Loss of physical function or disability
• Disfigurement: Scarring or permanent visible injuries
• Loss of consortium: Impact on your marriage and family relationships
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed

Punitive Damages (Capped in Texas):

In cases of gross negligence (such as drunk driving), you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish the at-fault party. These are capped at the greater of:

• $200,000, OR
• 2x economic damages + 1x non-economic damages (capped at $750,000 for the non-economic portion)

Houston Car Accident Settlement Ranges

Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and other factors. Here are typical ranges for Houston car accident cases:

Every case is unique. These ranges are based on typical settlements and verdicts but do not guarantee any specific outcome for your case.

Why Houstonians Choose Attorney911

1. Insurance Defense Insider Advantage

“Lupe Peña worked for a number of years at a national defense firm, learning firsthand how large insurance companies value claims.”

This insider knowledge is Attorney911’s most powerful advantage. Lupe knows:

• How insurance companies calculate claim values (using Colossus software)
• Which IME doctors they favor (he hired them)
• Their delay and deny tactics (he deployed them)
• How to counter their comparative fault arguments (he made them for years)

2. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our results speak for themselves:

• Multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company
• In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.
• Recovered millions for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
• Significant cash settlement for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for:

• Complex cases involving multiple defendants
• Trucking accidents governed by FMCSA regulations
• Cases against large corporations (we were one of the few firms involved in BP explosion litigation)
• High-value cases that may exceed state court limits

4. Personal Attention from Experienced Attorneys

At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña—not a case manager assembly line. As client Chad Harris said:

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

5. Contingency Fee—No Risk to You

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, and you may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses regardless of outcome. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and our fee structure.

Houston Car Accident FAQs

Immediate After Accident

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Houston?
If you’ve been in an accident in Houston:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries)
• Document everything: photos of damage, injuries, scene
• Exchange information with the other driver
• Get witness names and phone numbers
• Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company
• Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

2. Should I call the police even for a minor accident?
Yes. Always call police. The police report is critical evidence. In Texas, you must report accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage over $1,000.

3. Should I seek medical attention if I don’t feel hurt?
ABSOLUTELY. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately:

• Traumatic brain injuries can take days to manifest
• Internal bleeding may not be obvious
• Herniated discs may not cause pain for weeks
• Adrenaline masks pain at the scene

Insurance companies use delays in treatment against you. Get checked immediately.

4. What information should I collect at the scene?

• Other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license, insurance
• Vehicle: make, model, color, license plate
• Witnesses: names and phone numbers
• Photos: all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, traffic signals
• Police: officer name, badge number, report number

5. Should I talk to the other driver or admit fault?

• Exchange information only
• Do NOT discuss fault
• Do NOT apologize or say “I’m sorry” (can be used as admission)
• Do NOT give your opinion on what happened
• Stick to facts only

6. How do I obtain a copy of the accident report?
In Houston, you can obtain the police report from the responding agency or through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS).

Dealing with Insurance

7. Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?
To the other driver’s insurance: NO. Not without an attorney.
To your own insurance: You have a duty to cooperate, but call Attorney911 first. We can advise you.

8. What if the other driver’s insurance contacts me?
Say: “I need to speak with my attorney first.” Give only basic information (name, date of accident). Do NOT give a recorded statement. Do NOT discuss injuries or fault.

9. Do I have to accept the insurance company’s estimate?
No. Their estimate is just an offer. It’s usually far below actual value. Attorney911 fights for what your case is really worth.

10. Should I accept a quick settlement offer?
NEVER accept a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot get more money even if you need surgery later.

11. What if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured?
Your own UM/UIM coverage can compensate you. Watch our video: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWcNFyb-Yq8

12. Why does insurance want me to sign a medical authorization?
They want unlimited access to your ENTIRE medical history to find pre-existing conditions to use against you. Never sign without attorney review.

Legal Process

13. Do I have a personal injury case?
You may have a case if:

• Someone else was at fault (even partially)
• You suffered injuries or damages
• There is insurance to recover from

Watch our video: “Do I Have a Good Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PMMP5Jims

14. When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
Immediately. Evidence disappears daily. Insurance companies start building their defense against you from day one. Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

15. How much time do I have to file (statute of limitations)?
In Texas: 2 years from the date of accident for personal injury, 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death. Miss it = case barred forever.

16. What is comparative negligence and how does it affect me?
Texas uses the 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover (reduced by your fault %). If 51%+ at fault, you get nothing.

Watch our video: “What Is Comparative Negligence?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4

17. What happens if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

18. Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial. But Attorney911 prepares every case AS IF it’s going to trial. That’s what gives us leverage.

Watch our video: “Will Your Case Go to Trial?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc

19. How long will my case take to settle?
Depends on injury severity. We don’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Could be 6 months for minor injuries, 18-24 months for serious injuries.

20. What is the legal process step-by-step?

1. Investigation and evidence gathering
2. Medical treatment to MMI
3. Demand letter to insurance
4. Negotiation
5. Lawsuit if necessary
6. Discovery
7. Mediation
8. Trial if needed

Watch our video: “What Is the Process for a Personal Injury Claim?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwzYymneDVs

Compensation

21. What is my case worth?
Depends on: injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, insurance available. Cases range from $15,000 (soft tissue) to millions (catastrophic injury).

22. What types of damages can I recover?

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Physical impairment
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

23. Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Pain and suffering is a significant component of personal injury cases in Texas. There is NO CAP on pain and suffering (except medical malpractice).

24. What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover if the accident aggravated or worsened your pre-existing condition. This is called the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.

25. Will I have to pay taxes on my settlement?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries is NOT taxable. Punitive damages ARE taxable. Consult a tax professional.

26. How is the value of my claim determined?
Based on: medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, permanent impairment rating, comparable verdicts, severity of injuries, impact on daily life.

Attorney Relationship

27. How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Attorney911 works on contingency: 33.33% before trial, 40% if trial. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t get paid unless we win.

Watch our video: “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

28. What does “no fee unless we win” mean?
You pay zero unless we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We advance all case costs.

29. How often will I get updates?
Attorney911 provides regular updates. As client Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer.”

30. Who will actually handle my case?
At Attorney911, you work directly with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña, not just paralegals. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”

31. What if I already hired another attorney?
You can switch. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”

Mistakes to Avoid

32. What common mistakes can hurt my case?

• Giving a recorded statement without an attorney
• Accepting a quick settlement
• Delaying medical treatment
• Gaps in treatment
• Posting on social media
• Signing releases or authorizations
• Not documenting everything

Watch our video: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

33. Should I post about my accident on social media?
NO. Make all profiles private. Don’t post about the accident, injuries, or activities. Insurance monitors everything.

34. Why shouldn’t I sign anything without a lawyer?
Releases are PERMANENT. Medical authorizations give unlimited access. Settlement offers are binding. Once signed, you can’t undo it.

35. What if I didn’t see a doctor right away?
See one NOW. Explain you didn’t realize the severity of your injuries. Delayed symptoms are common. We can still help.

Additional Questions

36. What if I have a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover. If the accident AGGRAVATED your pre-existing condition, you’re entitled to compensation for the aggravation. The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means the defendant takes you as they find you. For example, if you had mild occasional back pain before the accident and the crash caused a herniated disc requiring surgery, you recover for the NEW injury, not just the pre-existing pain. We hire medical experts to prove the difference. Lupe knows how insurance companies attack pre-existing conditions because he used this defense for years.

37. Can I switch attorneys if I’m unhappy with my current lawyer?
YES. You can fire your attorney at any time. If your attorney isn’t communicating, isn’t fighting for you, or is pushing you to settle cheap, you have the right to switch. Attorney911 has taken over many cases from other attorneys. As Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss switching.

38. What if the insurance company is my own insurance (UM/UIM claim)?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims are against YOUR insurance when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Your insurance company will fight your claim just like the other driver’s insurance would. You need attorney representation. Texas allows inter-policy stacking (combining multiple UM policies). Lupe’s insurance knowledge is critical for maximizing UM/UIM recovery.

39. How do you calculate pain and suffering?
Most commonly using the multiplier method: Medical expenses × multiplier (1.5 to 5) = pain & suffering. The multiplier depends on injury severity, permanency, impact on life, and clear liability. For example, $100,000 in medical expenses × a 4 multiplier = $400,000 for pain and suffering. Lupe calculated these multipliers for years—he knows how to justify higher multipliers. See Section G for a detailed breakdown.

40. What if I was hit by a government vehicle (city bus, police car, etc.)?
Government claims have special rules. You must file notice within 6 months (much shorter than the 2-year statute of limitations). Sovereign immunity protects government entities, and damage caps may apply. These cases are complex—you need an experienced attorney. Ralph’s 25+ years includes government litigation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately—the 6-month deadline is strict.

41. What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
File a police report immediately (hit and run is a criminal offense). Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies. Surveillance footage is CRITICAL—gas stations, businesses, Ring doorbells, and traffic cameras may have captured the incident. Most footage is deleted within 7-30 days, so we send preservation letters immediately. Texas allows UM stacking. We’ve recovered substantial settlements in hit-and-run cases through UM claims.

42. What if I’m an undocumented immigrant—can I still file a claim?
YES. Immigration status does NOT affect your right to compensation for injuries. You’re entitled to full recovery regardless of immigration status. Your case is confidential. We’ve successfully represented clients of all immigration statuses. Lu