By Stephen Goldenzweig, Founder & Managing Attorney · Licensed in Texas and New York · Former insurance defense attorney · Last reviewed November 2026
Quick answer: In 2025, 300 people were killed and more than 1,500 seriously injured in crashes on Houston roads. If you were hurt in a car crash in Houston that was not your fault, you may be able to recover your medical bills, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering from the at-fault driver and other responsible parties. Texas gives you two years to file a lawsuit in most cases, but the evidence that proves your case starts disappearing within days. Goldenzweig Law Group represents injured drivers, passengers, and families across Houston and Harris County, and you pay no fees or expenses unless we recover money for you.
📞 Free consultation: 713-903-3988 · Se habla español · Bilingual staff, English and Spanish
Key takeaways
- Texas follows a 51% bar rule: you can recover as long as you were not more than 50% responsible, but your recovery is reduced by your share of fault.
- Most Texas car accident lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. Claims involving a city or other government vehicle can require written notice much sooner.
- Texas drivers only have to carry $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, which is often not enough for a serious injury. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage can matter as much as the other driver’s policy.
- Commercial vehicles, company cars, and rideshare drivers can bring much larger insurance policies into the case.
- No fees or expenses unless we win.
Jump to: First 72 hours Crash types Who pays Fault rules Texas law Defense-side tips Insurance Case value Common injuries Medical bills Step by step 2025 data Houston roads Where cases are filed FAQs
Our Results in Motor Vehicle Cases
| Recovery | Case type |
|---|---|
| $1,610,000 | Commercial van accident |
| $700,000 | 18-wheeler accident |
| Over $535,000 | 18-wheeler accident |
| $390,000 | 18-wheeler accident |
| $375,000 | Delivery truck accident |
Gross settlement amounts. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its own facts.
Why I switched sides
“Before I represented injured people, I defended insurance companies. I sat in the meetings where adjusters decided what a claim was worth and what it would take to pay less. Now I use that knowledge for people who were hurt, because on this side I can actually change someone’s life for the better.”
Stephen Goldenzweig · Super Lawyers Rising Star 2020–2024
What Should I Do in the First 72 Hours After a Houston Car Accident?
- Call 911 and get medical care. Go by ambulance if you need to. Gaps between the crash and your first treatment are one of the first things insurers use against you.
- Let police document the crash. Inside city limits that is usually the Houston Police Department; in unincorporated areas it may be the Harris County Sheriff’s Office or a constable; on some highways, the Texas Department of Public Safety. Ask for the officer’s name and the report number.
- Photograph everything: all vehicles from every side, license plates, the other driver’s license and insurance card, company names on commercial vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries.
- Get witnesses’ names and phone numbers. Independent witnesses often decide disputed-fault cases.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company, and do not sign anything they send you.
- Call a lawyer before nearby businesses record over their security video, which often happens within days.
Attorney insight: what the adjuster is doing while you recover
In the first few days, the other driver’s insurer is already building its file: pulling the crash report, photographing the vehicles, and trying to get a recorded statement from you. Early statements like “I’m okay” or “I didn’t see them” get quoted back months later to argue you were not really hurt or were partly at fault. The best protection is to let your lawyer handle every conversation with the other side’s insurer from the start.
Stephen Goldenzweig
Hurt in a Houston car crash? Call 713-903-3988 now. The consultation is free, in English or Spanish.
What Types of Car Accidents Do We Handle?
| Crash type | Common causes | Key evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-end collisions | Following too closely, distraction, sudden freeway slowdowns | Vehicle damage photos, dash cameras, vehicle data |
| Head-on collisions | Wrong-way and impaired drivers, crossing the center line. 555 Texans died in head-on crashes in 2025 | Scene reconstruction, toxicology, witness statements |
| T-bone (side-impact) crashes | Running red lights and stop signs, unsafe left turns | Traffic-signal timing, intersection video, witnesses |
| Rollovers | High speed, sharp turns, tire failure, top-heavy vehicles | Vehicle inspection, tire and maintenance records |
| Multi-vehicle and freeway pileups | Speed, congestion, sudden stops on I-45, I-10, and the 610 Loop | Sequence of impacts, multiple crash reports, video |
| Distracted-driving crashes | Texting, phone use, in-car screens. 308 Texans died in distraction-related crashes in 2025 | Phone records, witness statements, vehicle data |
| Drunk and drugged driving | Alcohol or drugs, often late at night and on weekends | Police reports, toxicology, bar receipts (dram shop claims) |
Statistics: TxDOT 2025 Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts. Hit while walking, cycling, or riding a scooter? See our bicycle accident page, or call us; the same rules about fault and insurance generally apply.
Who Pays for My Injuries After a Houston Car Accident?
Texas is an at-fault state, which means the driver who caused the crash, and their insurance company, is responsible for your losses. But the at-fault driver is often not the only source of recovery:
| Possible responsible party | When they may be liable |
|---|---|
| The at-fault driver | Speeding, distraction, running a light, unsafe lane changes, drunk driving |
| The driver’s employer | The driver was working at the time, such as a company car, delivery vehicle, or service van |
| Rideshare companies | Uber and Lyft drivers carry up to $1 million in coverage while en route to or carrying a passenger |
| The vehicle owner | They lent the car to someone they knew was unsafe to drive |
| A bar or restaurant | It served a visibly intoxicated driver who then caused the crash (dram shop claims) |
| A government entity | A dangerous road condition or a government vehicle contributed. Short notice deadlines apply |
| Your own insurance | UM/UIM and PIP coverage when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance |
How Does Fault Work in a Texas Car Accident Case?
Texas uses a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar. A jury assigns a percentage of responsibility to everyone involved. If you are found 50% or less responsible, you can recover damages, reduced by your percentage. If you are found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing.
That is why insurers fight so hard over small details like how fast you were going, whether you braked, or whether you were looking at your phone. Shifting even 20% of the blame onto you cuts what they have to pay by 20%. Strong early evidence, including photos, witnesses, and vehicle data, is how we keep the fault where it belongs.
How Much Insurance Coverage Is Available After a Houston Crash?
| Coverage | What it pays | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Other driver’s liability | Your injuries and losses | Texas minimum is only $30,000 per person / $60,000 per crash |
| Your UM/UIM | The gap when the at-fault driver has no or too little insurance | Included unless you rejected it in writing. Often the most important coverage in serious cases |
| Your PIP | Medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault | Texas insurers must offer at least $2,500; you may have more |
| Commercial policies | Crashes with company vehicles, delivery vans, and trucks | Often $1 million or more |
| Rideshare policies | Uber and Lyft crashes | Up to $1 million during an active trip |
Not sure how much coverage is in play? We find every policy. Call 713-903-3988. No fees or expenses unless we win.
What Is My Houston Car Accident Case Worth?
No honest lawyer can give you a number before reviewing your case, but the value usually depends on:
- Medical expenses, past and future, including surgery, therapy, and long-term care
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and disfigurement
- The available insurance, which often sets a practical ceiling unless other parties are responsible
- Evidence of fault, and whether the other side can shift blame to you
- Gross negligence, such as drunk driving, which can support additional (exemplary) damages
Attorney insight: how insurers value your claim
From the defense side, I saw claims valued largely on documentation: consistent medical treatment, clear records connecting your injuries to the crash, and proof of how the injuries changed your daily life. Missing appointments, long gaps in treatment, or posting on social media can lower the number dramatically, even when the injury is real.
Stephen Goldenzweig
What Texas Laws Affect a Houston Car Accident Claim?
| Texas rule | What it says | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline to sue (Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003) | Two years from the crash for most injury claims | Evidence and leverage fade long before the deadline; start early |
| Proportionate responsibility (Chapter 33) | Recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault and barred above 50% | Every detail the insurer uses to shift blame to you costs money |
| “Paid or incurred” medical expenses (§41.0105; Haygood v. De Escabedo, 356 S.W.3d 390 (Tex. 2011)) | You recover the amounts actually paid or owed for medical care, not necessarily the full billed amount | How your care is paid for (health insurance, PIP, or a letter of protection) affects the value of the claim |
| Exemplary damages (Chapter 41) | Require clear and convincing evidence of gross negligence, such as drunk driving, and are subject to statutory caps | Available in the most egregious cases, but harder to prove than ordinary negligence |
| Seat belt evidence (Nabors Well Services v. Romero, 456 S.W.3d 553 (Tex. 2015)) | Defendants may argue that not wearing a seat belt increased your injuries | Not a bar to recovery, but it can be used to reduce damages |
| Texting while driving ban (Transportation Code §545.4251) | Texas prohibits reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while driving | A violation can be strong evidence that the other driver was at fault |
| Duty to stop and render aid (Transportation Code §550.021) | Drivers involved in injury crashes must stop and help | Leaving the scene is a crime and strong evidence of fault |
| PIP and UM/UIM must be offered (Insurance Code ch. 1952) | Insurers must offer these coverages unless you reject them in writing | Check your own policy; it may cover much more than you think |
Practical Tips From the Defense Side
- Tell your first doctor about every symptom, even minor ones. Insurers compare later complaints against your first medical record.
- Keep a simple pain and limitations journal: missed work, activities you could not do, sleep problems. It becomes powerful evidence months later.
- Stay with consistent care. Gaps of more than a couple of weeks are a favorite defense argument.
- Check your own policy’s declarations page for PIP and UM/UIM limits. Many people have coverage they do not know about.
- Read any release before signing, including for a property-damage check. Make sure it does not waive your injury claim.
- Get your crash report and check it for errors. Wrong names, insurers, or diagrams can be corrected early more easily than later.
- Save receipts and mileage for medical visits, prescriptions, and rides.
- Stay off social media about the crash or your activities; adjusters look.
Houston Car Accidents by the Numbers (2025)
The most recent full year of crash data shows how dangerous Houston-area roads remain:
| Area | Deaths | Serious injuries | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Houston | 300 | 1,516 | TxDOT crash data compiled by Axios Houston |
| Harris County (including suburbs) | 517 | 2,758 | Same |
| Texas | 3,769 | 17,420 | TxDOT, 2025 Crash Facts |
- Across Texas, a reportable crash happened every 59 seconds and someone was killed every 2 hours and 19 minutes in 2025.
- The top contributing factors in Houston traffic deaths in 2025 were failure to control speed, unsafe speed, driving under the influence of drugs, and running a stop light or sign.
- Drunk driving was involved in 906 Texas traffic deaths in 2025, about 24% of all deaths; alcohol-related crashes peaked between 2:00 and 2:59 a.m. and on Saturdays.
- 955 Texans were killed in crashes at or related to intersections in 2025.
- Houston traffic deaths peaked in 2024 before declining in 2025, but remain above pre-pandemic levels. A Houston analysis found that about 6% of streets account for most traffic deaths and serious injuries.
Sources: TxDOT 2025 Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts (data as of April 7, 2026); Axios Houston (TxDOT crash records, April 2026); Houston Public Media. 2025 figures may be revised as TxDOT finalizes reports.
Where Do Serious Car Accidents Happen in Houston?
Houston’s size and traffic volume make serious crashes common across the metro area. Some of the corridors where we see the most injury cases:
- I-45 (North and Gulf Freeways): heavy commuter and commercial traffic, frequent high-speed collisions
- I-610 Loop: constant merging, especially near the Galleria and the I-69/US-59 interchange
- I-10 Katy Freeway: one of the widest freeways in the country, with high speeds and lane-change crashes
- I-69/US-59 Southwest Freeway and Beltway 8: congestion and sudden slowdowns
- Westheimer Road, Bellaire Boulevard, and Richmond Avenue: busy surface streets with frequent turning and pedestrian crashes
- Highway 290 and SH 225: commuter and industrial traffic toward Cypress, Pasadena, and the Ship Channel
Where Is a Houston Car Accident Lawsuit Filed?
Most car accident lawsuits are filed in the county where the crash happened or where the defendant lives. For crashes in Houston, that is usually Harris County. Serious injury cases are typically filed in the Harris County civil district courts downtown, while smaller claims may be heard in the county civil courts at law. Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will be tried, because insurers value claims differently when they know the other side is ready.
What Injuries Are Common After a Houston Car Accident?
Many crash injuries do not show their full extent for days or weeks. Getting the right tests early protects both your health and your claim.
| Injury | Warning signs | Why early documentation matters |
|---|---|---|
| Neck and back injuries (whiplash, herniated discs) | Stiffness, radiating pain, numbness or tingling in arms or legs | Disc injuries often require an MRI to confirm; insurers argue soft-tissue injuries are minor without one |
| Concussion and traumatic brain injury | Headaches, confusion, memory problems, light sensitivity, mood changes | Symptoms are often delayed; a gap in treatment lets insurers blame something else |
| Broken bones | Severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight | Surgery, hardware, and therapy drive case value; future care must be documented |
| Shoulder and knee tears | Weakness, clicking, limited range of motion | Torn rotator cuffs and meniscus injuries frequently need imaging and surgery |
| Internal injuries | Abdominal pain, dizziness, bruising from seat belts | Can be life-threatening; go to an emergency room |
| Emotional trauma | Anxiety about driving, nightmares, sleep problems | Mental anguish is compensable when it is documented by a provider |
If your injuries are severe, see our pages on wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
Can I Get Medical Treatment If I Do Not Have Health Insurance?
Yes. Many injured people put off treatment because they are worried about cost, and that delay hurts both their recovery and their case. Options include:
- Your PIP coverage, which pays medical bills regardless of fault
- Health insurance, if you have it (your insurer may later seek repayment from your settlement)
- Letters of protection, where a doctor agrees to wait for payment until your case resolves
- Medicare or Medicaid, which also have repayment rights we handle at the end of the case
What Happens Step by Step in a Houston Car Accident Claim?
- Free consultation. We review what happened, your injuries, and the insurance involved, in English or Spanish.
- Investigation. We gather the crash report, photos, witness statements, video, and vehicle data, and send preservation letters when needed.
- Your treatment. You focus on getting better while we handle the insurance companies and keep track of your medical records and bills.
- Demand. Once your medical picture is clear, we present the full value of your claim to the insurer.
- Negotiation. Most cases settle at this stage.
- Lawsuit, if needed. If the insurer will not pay fair value, we file suit, usually in Harris County. Many cases then resolve at mediation.
- Resolution. We resolve any medical liens and reimbursement claims before you receive your share.
What If I Was in a Hit-and-Run in Houston?
Call the police immediately and report it, even if the driver is gone. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries, but Texas generally requires actual physical contact with the unknown vehicle for a hit-and-run uninsured motorist claim, so photographs of the damage and a prompt police report are critical. Your PIP coverage can also help with medical bills.
What Mistakes Can Hurt My Car Accident Claim?
- Waiting days or weeks to see a doctor
- Giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer
- Accepting a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Posting about the crash, your injuries, or your activities on social media
- Missing physical therapy or follow-up appointments
- Repairing or disposing of your vehicle before it is photographed and inspected
- Signing medical authorizations that give the insurer access to your entire medical history
Already talked to the insurance company? It is not too late. Call 713-903-3988 and we will review where things stand, at no cost.
What Our Car Accident Clients Say
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Goldenzweig Law Firm. They helped my mom after her car accident and truly went above and beyond for our family. From day one, they kept us informed every step of the way.”
Google review
“He was able to explain the litigation process in great detail to make sure I understood each step, giving me the confidence to make correct decisions in my case.”
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See more client reviews and case results.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Houston Car Accident?
Not every fender-bender needs a lawyer. You should talk to one if you were injured and needed medical treatment, if fault is disputed, if a commercial vehicle or rideshare driver was involved, if the other driver was uninsured, or if the insurance company is pressuring you to give a statement or accept a quick offer. The consultation is free, and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.
Talk to a Houston car accident lawyer today. Call 713-903-3988 or contact us online. No fees or expenses unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
In most cases, two years from the date of the crash. Claims against a city or other government entity can require written notice much sooner, sometimes within months, so talk to a lawyer quickly if a government vehicle or road condition was involved.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
You can still recover as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
Be careful. You are not required to give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement, and anything you say can be used to reduce your claim. Let your lawyer handle those conversations.
What if the driver who hit me has no insurance?
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may pay, unless you rejected it in writing. Your PIP coverage may also cover medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault.
How much does a Houston car accident lawyer cost?
We work on a contingency fee. You pay nothing up front and no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. If there is no recovery, you owe no fees or expenses.
How do I get my Houston crash report?
Texas crash reports (Form CR-3) can be requested online through the Texas Department of Transportation’s crash report system, usually a few days to a couple of weeks after the crash. See our guide: how to get a Houston accident report.
What if I was hit by an Uber or Lyft driver?
Rideshare companies carry up to $1 million in liability coverage while the driver is en route to a passenger or carrying one, and lower coverage when the app is on but no ride is accepted. Which coverage applies depends on the driver’s app status at the moment of the crash.
What if I was hit by a company vehicle or delivery van?
The driver’s employer may be responsible, and commercial policies are often much larger than personal auto coverage. Photograph the company name and vehicle markings, and call us before speaking with any insurer.
How long will my car accident case take?
Some cases resolve in a few months; others take a year or more, especially if a lawsuit is filed. We do not recommend settling until your medical condition is clear, because you cannot reopen a claim later.
Do you handle cases in Spanish?
Yes. Our staff is bilingual in English and Spanish, so we can give you the help you need, the way you need it.
Can I still recover if I was not wearing a seat belt?
Possibly. Under Texas law, the other side can argue that not wearing a seat belt made your injuries worse, which can reduce your recovery. It does not automatically bar your claim, and the driver who caused the crash is still responsible for causing it.
What if my child was hurt in the crash?
Claims for injured children are handled through a parent or guardian, and the deadline to file generally does not begin until the child turns 18. Settlements for minors often require court approval to protect the child’s money.
What if I was hurt in a crash while working?
You may have both a work injury claim and a claim against the at-fault driver. If your employer does not carry workers’ compensation, your options can be even broader. See our work injury page.
Will I have to pay my medical bills back out of my settlement?
Health insurers, Medicare, Medicaid, and providers who treated you on a letter of protection usually have a right to be repaid. We handle those claims as part of resolving your case.
Can I recover for my vehicle damage as well as my injuries?
Yes. You can recover the cost of repairs, or the vehicle’s value if it is totaled, plus a rental car while yours is out of service. In Texas, you may also be able to recover diminished value (the loss in resale value after a repair) from the at-fault driver’s insurer. Read any property-damage release carefully so it does not waive your injury claim.
Can I wait to see a doctor if I feel fine after a car accident?
It is safer not to wait. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries like concussions, whiplash, and disc injuries often show up hours or days later. A prompt medical visit protects your health and creates a record connecting your injuries to the crash; delays are one of the first things insurers use to dispute a claim.