Best Car Accident Lawyers in The Woodlands

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in The Woodlands, Texas?

  936-760-5871 and 281-364-4200 are the non-emergency contact numbers for The Woodlands Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in The Woodlands, Texas?

  Copies of police reports for car accidents in The Woodlands can be obtained from the Records Division of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, located at #1 Criminal Justice Drive in Conroe. The Texas Department of Transportation also provides crash accident police reports online.

• What is the punishment for fleeing the scene of a car accident in The Woodlands?

  Under Texas Transportation Code 550.022(c) (2019), fleeing the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor offense. If the damage to a vehicle is less than $200, the negligent motorist may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The offense is elevated to a Class B misdemeanor if the damage exceeds $200. Fleeing the scene of a collision that causes serious injury to the other driver is a third-degree felony under Code 550.021 (c)(1)(A) (2019).

• How can car accident victims in The Woodlands protect their rights and future claims after a collision?

  People who have been injured in a car accident in The Woodlands can immediately call 911 after a catastrophic collision or The Woodlands Police Department at (281) 367-3435 for less serious crashes. They must also seek medical attention and document the extent of their injuries and the cost of their treatment. While waiting for the police, victims, if they are able, can take photographs and videos of the wreckage and accident scene, as well as gather contact information from witnesses.

• Are car owners in The Woodlands entitled to compensation for the diminished value of their vehicles following a collision?

  Motorists in The Woodlands may recover the drop in their cars' value after an accident if the damage can be repaired. The more recent their vehicles are, the more valuable their diminished value claim is. If their vehicles are totaled, the insurance companies will pay car owners the actual value of their vehicles rather than the cost of replacing them.

• Are car accident victims in The Woodlands entitled to a rental car if their vehicles are totaled in a collision?

  Yes, car accident victims in The Woodlands whose vehicles are completely destroyed in a collision are entitled to a rental car if the at-fault driver's insurance company accepts liability. They can also recover the cost of renting a vehicle until their cars are determined to be totally wrecked. The car rental agencies that operate in The Woodlands include Avis, Hertz Rent A Car, and Toyota Rent A Car of Houston.

• Why are motor vehicle accidents common on I-45, which passes through The Woodlands?

  Interstate 45, which runs through The Woodlands, is one of the busiest highways in the country and one of the most dangerous. Every day, over 300,000 motorists use the highway. I-45 typically has a speed limit of 70 mph, but the Texas Transportation Commission has set a speed limit of 75 mph on certain rural sections of the highway. According to a ValuePenguin analysis of federal road safety data, I-45 is the second-most dangerous road in the country.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.