WHY DO TEXAS AUTO INJURY VICTIMS HIRE JOE?

REPUTATION. EXPERIENCE. RESULTS.

Joe Stephens is a double board certified personal injury attorney with 35+ years of successfully litigating automobile injury cases in Texas.

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RECEIVE PERSONAL ATTENTION
TO YOUR AUTO INJURY CASE

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JOE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU TO
PROTECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

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NO LEGAL FEES UNTIL
JOE WINS YOUR CASE*

WHY DO TEXAS AUTO INJURY VICTIMS HIRE JOE?

REPUTATION. EXPERIENCE. RESULTS.

Joe Stephens is a double board certified personal injury attorney with 35+ years of successfully litigating automobile injury cases in Texas.

WEST HOUSTON CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

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JOE STEPHENS CAN HELP
THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

At The Stephens Law Firm, we are committed to delivering personalized legal services for our car accident & injury clients. As a car accident attorney in West Houston with more than 35 years of experience, Joe Stephens is renowned for his assertive and results driven approach. Joe's focus is on ensuring each Houston car accident victim is awarded the settlement amount that is deserved based on the harm & losses suffered by the victims.

When your personal injury lawsuit demands an auto accident lawyer that will stand by your side and defend your rights, you can depend on The Stephens Law Firm.

An Experienced Houston Auto Accident Attorney Handling Your Case

Since 1985, Joe Stephens has litigated and negotiated hundreds of cases for auto injury victims in Houston, TX. He has the experience, skill, and legal dexterity needed to win even the most complex car accident lawsuits. He is well regarded by other injury attorneys in Texas and his colleagues at the Harris County Courthouse where he is known for his outstanding track record for auto injury settlements.

Joe Delivers Results for Houston Auto Injury Victims Just Like You

Houston auto accident attorney Joe Stephens consistently obtains newsworthy settlements and jury verdicts across Texas. He works for the ordinary person and the insurance companies know his reputation for winning auto accident cases. As such, most auto insurance companies would rather pay his clients substantial settlements than risk going to trial and getting “leveled” at the court house.

Joe has represented clients across Texas in many types of injury and wrongful death cases, including truck wrecks, major collisions, and DWI cases. However, it is very important to know that your car accident case value will be determined solely on its merits and that is why you need to hire Joe. Past results mean nothing when it comes to Joe’s determination to help you. He will get to know you, will thoroughly investigate your case, and will not only advise you what your case is worth, but will do everything ethically necessary to get Justice for you.

Joe Wrote the Books on Texas Auto Accident Injury Litigation!

As an accomplished authored several books that each detail different aspects of the typical Texas personal injury lawsuit: “A Survivor’s Legal Guide,” “The Texas Accident Bible” and “Hiring the Right Injury Lawyer.” A founding principle of The Stephens Law Firm is that anyone dealing with a personal injury or wrongful death case deserves access to high-quality legal advice. With this in mind, Joe sought out to write the best Houston car accident injury book you can read and offer it for free. If you've been involved in a car accident in Texas, these books are a great resource.

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Were You or a Loved Injured in a Car Wreck? CALL NOW!

FREE CASE REVIEW. 100% CONFIDENTIAL.

Were You or a Loved Injured in a Car Wreck? CALL NOW!

FREE CASE REVIEW. 100% CONFIDENTIAL.

Hire a Houston Car Accident Lawyer that Insurance Companies Fear

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WHY JOE STEPHENS?

A Local Lawyer That Will Personally Handle Your Car Accident Claim

It is a well known fact among legal professionals that most big name personal injury attorneys rarely handle any auto accident claims themselves. People see an expensive ad on TV or a billboard on a major highway and decide to call. They think they are about to hire one of the best car accident attorneys in Houston, but if that law firm just hands your case to a "junior" attorney, are you really getting the best representation possible?

The Stephen Law Firm takes a different approach. Joe personally handles all the cases signed and the firm only takes on a few cases each month. This guarantees that each and every car accident client is benefitting from Joe's 35+ years of experience, his tenacity, and his desire to see you made whole.

Joe is Among the Top Rated Car Accident Attorneys in Texas

Joe Stephens has two board certifications in personal injury trial law; one from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and one from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Out of 110,000 lawyers, Joe is one of only 10 in the State of Texas who are double board certified! Joe has also been chosen as a Million Dollar Advocate due to his numerous personal injury lawsuit wins and settlement recoveries in excess of one million dollars for motor vehicle and truck accident cases.

As a top rated Houston personal injury lawyer, Joe has tried over 100 injury trials in Texas courts protecting the rights of the poor, the injured, the forgotten, and the downtrodden. His specialty in trying cases to a jury has earned him recognition across the State of Texas. He has won many important personal injury lawsuits, including wrongful death, product liability, workers compensation, spinal cord injury, brain injury, and other serious injury cases. Joe Stephens has been chosen by a blue ribbon panel as a ”Texas Super Lawyer” (2008-2021). Only distinguished lawyers in the country are considered for this honor.

Just any personal injury attorney will NOT do for a devastating car wreck claim. These complex cases require a car accident lawyer who knows Texas laws inside and out. You or your loved ones may be entitled to damages and financial payment for lost wages, medical bills and emotional and physical pain and suffering. The Stephens law firm will pursue maximum compensation for your car wreck injuries and you pay nothing unless we win* (litigation costs are deducted from your recovery). If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident it is important that you call now for a FREE CASE CONSULTATION because the guilty party's insurance company is already preparing their evidence to defeat your car accident claim right now.

TYPES OF ACCIDENTS

What is The Most Common Types of Car Accident in Houston, TX?

The most common types of car accidents in Houston are those that happen during high-traffic hours, on congested roads and highways.

Single Car Accident

As the name implies, this variety of car crash involves only a single vehicle. Typically, these involve a collision with an immobile object, or an animal, or with debris. It might also refer to an off-road collision.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

As a general rule, multi-vehicle accidents are those which involve a minimum of three cars. These are most likely to occur on particularly busy stretches of road, including interstates and highways with multiple lanes. With that in mind, they can be caused by the fact that other drivers are driving at significant speeds and are unable to slow down in time to avoid the collision.

Multi-vehicle accidents can be complicated from a legal compensation point of view, due to the fact that it is necessary to apportion the different levels of responsibility between all the drivers involved. This requires extensive investigation, and can lead to multiple claims and lawsuits. These, in turn, can result in both financial settlements and courtroom actions. These types of cases are best represented by an experienced Houston car accident lawyer.

Rear End Collisions

This type of car crash occurs when one vehicle collides with the rear of the vehicle in front. As a general rule, this type of crash results from inattention on the part of the rear driver, as well as tailgating and adverse weather conditions affecting the surface of the road. Typically, distracted drivers are most likely to be the cause of rear end collisions.

Roughly a quarter of all road traffic accidents are rear end collisions, and these in turn are mostly caused by tailgating (driving too close to the vehicle in front) or driver distraction.

Head On Collisions

A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles are facing each other when they collide, and they are frequently fatal. In order to avoid a head-on collision, it is best for drivers to pay close attention to road markings, signs and road surface conditions.

Side Impact Collisions (T-Bone)

Also known as "broadside" collisions, side-impact collisions occur when one vehicles collides directly with the side of another, forming a "T" shape. They are most likely to take place at intersections or parking lots. The IIH has reported that roughly one fourth of passenger deaths occur as a result of side impact collisions.

The severity of these crashes can vary greatly, and depends in particular on where the second vehicle is hit. Serious injuries often demand the attention of a skilled lawyer to ensure proper compensation is awarded to the victims.

Vehicle Rollover

A vehicle rollover is one of the most destructive crashes a driver can encounter, and stems directly from the way the driver and vehicle interact with the environment, hazards and road surface. As such, vehicle rollovers can be caused by the vehicle's design, the behavior of the driver or weather conditions. These particular types of crashes are complex and violent in nature.

Sideswipe Collisions

According to the IIHS, over 700,000 sideswipe collisions occurred in a single year, of which over 100,000 led to serious injury or death for one of the parties involved. This make sideswipe wrecks in Houston one of the most common traffic accidents.

Although the actual collision itself might not cause a significant amount of damage to the vehicles involved, it can in fact force one or other of the vehicles off the road, leading to a subsequent collision with a stationary object such as a tree or streetlamp. The most common cause of such accidents is either willful carelessness on the part of the driver, distraction or drowsiness caused by fatigue.

Construction Zone Accidents

There are more and more vehicles traveling on Houston Roads these days, which necessitates more frequent highway construction and repair activities. Of course, highway maintenance and construction is vital in order to ensure a safe experience for road users, but the sites themselves can prove dangerous hazards for drivers.

Highway construction zone car accidents are especially dangerous for the construction workers involved as well, because it is their responsibility to complete the work in a timely manner whilst at the same time ensuring a minimal risk to the safety of road users.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Texas state law prohibits any driver from leaving the scene of an accident, which makes hit-and-run car accidents particularly serious from a legal perspective. The consequences for those who do this can be severe, and if the pedestrian involved subsequently dies of their injuries, then a wrongful death suit could lead to a significant amount of jail time.

Serious injury is a common outcome of hit-and-run incidents, meaning the victim is often left with costly medical expenses. In addition, they can also be very complex when it comes to pursuing damages. That's why it's important to hire a legal team with the know-how to achieve sufficient compensation.

If negligence has caused you or a loved one to suffer an auto injury, Houston car accident lawyer Joe Stephens is ready to handle your case, anywhere in Texas.

ACCIDENT CAUSES

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Houston, TX

Distracted Driving

For Houston lawyers, one of the most frequently encountered causes of car accidents is distracted driving. When a driver's attention falters, they are significantly more likely to put themselves and other drivers at risk. Common examples of distractions would be: talking to passengers, focusing on maps or GPS devices, and tuning the radio.

Speeding

A key causal factor in car accidents is speed. It is important for drivers to allow themselves sufficient time to avoid accidents, and the most effective way to go about this is by adhering to the speed limit. This will help to accommodate the driver's reaction time and increase the likelihood of avoiding a serious speeding accident in Houston.

Reckless Driving

Recklessness when you are out on the roads might take the form of tailgating, racing, running lights, or other activities that might be construed as negligence. Ultimately, reckless driving refers to anything that could potentially put other road users at risk or cause an accident.

Texting and Driving

Texting whilst driving increases the risk of a distracted driving traffic collision in Houston 23-fold. That's right: you are 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision if you are using a cell phone while you are at the wheel, compared to undistracted driving. Additionally, using a cell phone while driving is a form of negligence that many try to hide. A good attorney will have ways for proving that a cell phone was in use and at the center of a car accident.

Drunk Driving

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is all too common as a cause of road accidents. It impairs concentration, reflexes, and just about everything a driver needs when out on the road. And needless to say, drunk driving accidents are especially traumatic for the friends and family members of those involved. DWI car wrecks are often deadly and require the expertise of a Houston DWI injury lawyer.

Falling Asleep While Driving

To ensure that your reflexes and reaction times are in the best condition, it's vital to get enough rest. This can be tricky if you are traveling long-distance, but if you are drowsy or tired you run the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, which could lead to a major car accident.

Driving Under the Influence

Drug use, whether that refers to illegal drugs or legal medication, can increase the risk of a car accident if the drugs in question slow your reaction times, make you drowsy, or have other significant side effects. Therefore, driving while under the influence of drugs is a highly reckless and negligent act.

Road Hazards

A key external factor in road accidents is hazards such as uneven surfaces or abrupt changes in lane. These may be the result of, for instance, an improperly designated work zone. If the road accident is a demonstrable result of improper road markings or an external hazard, then the authority or agency responsible may be legally liable.

Vehicle Failure

In some instances, road accidents may result directly from a malfunction in the design or manufacture of one of the vehicles involved. For instance, if the steering, brakes or air bags fail while the vehicle is out on the road, then the accident is determined to be the result of the faulty parts. In such cases, an attorney may be able to hold the manufacturer legally accountable for any injuries or other damage caused.

Houston car accident lawyer Joe Stephens has represented clients across Texas who have been injured in car wrecks, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian involved auto injuries, and more.

TYPES OF INJURIES

The Most Common Car Accident Injuries in Houston

Neck And Back Injuries

Both passengers and drivers who are involved in road accidents are likely to experience some kind of neck or back injury; this is a very common occurrence. Typically, such injuries result from the unnatural jerks or twists of the body which occur on impact. Alternatively, the individual may be thrown clear of the vehicle altogether, causing further serious physical injury.

Neck and back car injuries may result in chronic pain or limited movement. This, in turn, may lead to permanent disability and subsequent financial burdens resulting from medical expenses and lost income, as well as significant emotional trauma.

Broken Bones And Fractures

Both drivers and passengers are susceptible to fractures or broken bones when involved in a car accident. This can occur when wearing a seatbelt, but the likelihood is significantly increased for those who do not wear a seatbelt. In a worst-case scenario, the victim may even find themselves crushed by the steering column.

Broken bones can require significant medical treatment, including surgery to insert plates or pins to repair the damage. They can also require expensive, long-term physical therapy to regain the ability to walk, or simply to increase mobility.

Broken bones or other fractures can even lead to long-term impairments. For instance, broken bones can sometimes leave an individual increasingly susceptible to chronic conditions such as arthritis.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

"Traumatic brain injury" is a term used when referring to severe, life-changing brain trauma, but it can also refer to less serious afflictions such as concussion. Essentially, it covers both short-term and long-term physical, cognitive and/or emotional aftereffects.

Traumatic brain injuries are typically caused by the impact between an individual's head and an object (such as the dashboard or steering wheel), or the penetration of the head by an object such as broken glass - both common car accident brain injuries in Houston. However, this is not exclusively the case. It can also be brought about by whiplash, causing an impact between the brain and the interior of the skull.

Spinal Cord Injuries

One of the most common effects of a spinal cord injury is paralysis, on either a partial or total scale. Regardless of the severity of the injury, an individual's mobility and sensation can be permanently affected.

The financial implications of spinal cord injuries from a car accident are severe. As the sufferer may require significant and long-term medical care, the costs can be very high indeed, sometimes reaching the millions.

Vehicle Burns

A particularly serious car crash can cause burn injuries, either through contact with hot metal or from actual fire damage. This can have a significant impact on the skin and tissue, requiring major medical attention. However, the injuries may not simply stem from contact with the intense heat of the burning vehicle, but from smoke inhalation. This can lead to long-term respiratory complaints and severe lung damage.

Internal Organ Damage

The impact of a car accident can cause major damage to internal organs, including the lungs, heart and liver. It perhaps goes without saying that the loss of organ function can have very serious medical implications, which can be not only costly but potentially deadly.

One particularly dangerous aspect of internal organ damage is that its symptoms can often be mistaken for those of other, less serious injuries. For instance, the pain caused by liver or kidney damage may be mistaken for muscle strain. Eventual diagnosis may require a number of expensive medical tests.

Emotional and Mental Trauma

But the impact of a car accident is not merely physical. It can also do a great deal of damage to the emotional and mental health of those involved. This can even result in long-term psychological conditions such as PTSD.

If left untreated, the emotional and mental trauma can become exponentially worse, and affect all aspects of the sufferer's life including work and personal relationships.

COMPENSATION

What Types of Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Car Accident Claim?

There are a few things which can effect the level of compensation you are entitled to as a car accident victim. Tangible financial costs are referred to as economic damages, while those which cannot be quantified are determined to be non-economic damages.

Economic damages in car accidents may include:

  • Hospital bills
  • Medical expenses
  • Rehab treatment
  • Prescription medication
  • Prosthetic required as a result of injury
  • Surgery as a direct result of injury
  • Wages and income lost as a result of the crash
  • Property damage
  • Long or short-term disability

Non-economic damages in a car accident may include:

  • Physical trauma and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Burial costs, resulting from wrongful death

Punitive damages are also available in Texas. These are designed to directly punish and discourage the behavior exhibited by the individual responsible for the crash. As such, they are somewhat rare, and may only be pursued when directly ordered by the court. For more information on this, speak to an experienced Houston car accident attorney.

Will I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Accepts Full Responsibility for the Collision?

The simple fact that your insurance company has accepted full responsibility does not automatically mean that you will receive a fair settlement for the non-economic damages you have suffered, such as pain and suffering. A lawyer will be able to help you ensure that you are not missing out on your rightful remuneration.

If an insurance adjuster advises you that the company is assuming full responsibility, it doesn't mean your healthcare costs and other expenses will be covered. As a general rule, the simple fact that an insurance company's client is liable for an accident does not mean they will be willing to pay the full amount that you as the victim are entitled to.

How Much Do You Get for Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident?

Pain and suffering is difficult to quantify, and as such there are no strict parameters for establishing the scope of monetary compensation. The amount of money you are entitled to does not simply depend on the seriousness of the injuries you have suffered, but also on their likely long-term impact, plus the level of liability of those involved. Ultimately, if the case is taken to court, the final decision will rest with the jury. Compensation is not always offered by insurance companies, and they may even seek to reduce the monetary amount of a settlement for injuries such as whiplash. That's why your best bet is to seek legal guidance to assist you every step of the way.

AFTER A WRECK

What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident?

In order to preserve evidence and improve your chances of receiving compensation, there are a few things we recommend you do after a car accident.

Attempt to Move Your Vehicle Off the Road

First of all, you need to get yourself and your vehicle to a place of safety. If the car is in a drivable state (i.e. after a less serious fender-bender), then it's best to drive it out of the path of oncoming traffic and park up someplace safe. However, if you are unable to move your own vehicle without doing more damage, then it's best to simply climb out of the car and head for the roadside. Your insurance will likely cover the cost of a tow truck for vehicle removal.

Check Yourself and Other for Injuries

It can be difficult to tell the severity of a car accident injury straight away, so you need to check both yourself and your passengers for any physical symptoms. If you are able to perform first-aid then do so, however this only goes for less serious injuries. If you or one of your passengers has suffered a serious or even life-threatening injury, keep them in their current position while you seek attention for any injuries as a matter of urgency.

Call the Police

According to Texas car accident law, you are obliged to report any road accident as soon as possible if it results in injury or death of one of the parties involved, or if at least one of the vehicles is no longer roadworthy as a result of the collision.

Seek Medical Treatment

If you are in a serious car accident, it's vital that you seek medical assistance as soon as possible. However, any injuries you or your passengers have suffered may not be evident until a few days after the crash. That's why it's best to get a diagnosis as soon as possible, to ensure that you are provided with the appropriate treatment. For instance, if you have suffered internal injuries they might not become apparent straight away, but an accurate assessment of your health will enable you to receive treatment before the problem worsens.

Start Documenting Details of the Accident

It's best to obtain specific and accurate information concerning the accident, which will make it easy for your insurance company to file a claim, and easier for your attorney to track down information they are missing. You may need to provide details such as information pertaining to the other driver(s), plus any damage sustained by your car.

Here are some of the key pieces of information you will need to record if you experience a road accident:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your telephone number
  • Your email
  • The year, brand and model of your car
  • Your license number
  • Your insurance company
  • Your policy number
  • The contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident
  • If possible, take photos of the following features:
  • The damage incurred by your vehicle
  • The location the accident took place
  • The people involved

If an officer is present on the scene, make sure you obtain the following details:

  • Their name
  • Their ID number
  • Their phone number
  • The report number

Make sure to request a copy of any police report that is filed. The officer's perspective on the events will be a key factor in resolving any potential dispute between drivers. It will also provide contact information for the officer, in case their testimony is required as a part of the legal proceedings with your attorney.

Call a Highly Rated Car Wreck Lawyer

Once you have most of the details, you'll want to quickly speak with an attorney about defending your rights. Insurance companies use many nasty tricks to keep from paying people what their case is (or could have been) worth. Joe works with clients anywhere in Texas, including neighborhoods across Houston.

If the responsibility for the accident lies with the other driver, then Texas law enables you to hold them financially responsible for the costs and expenses you incur as a direct result of the crash. This might be healthcare costs, damage to property, or even lost wages as a result of your injuries.

Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers
9039 Katy Fwy Suite 209
Houston, TX 77024
281-623-1701
https://www.joestephenslaw.com/

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Meet Joe Stephens

A Top Rated West Houston Car Accident Lawyer & Million Dollar Advocate*

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joe stephens super lawyerJoe Stephens is among the few personal injury attorneys in Houston, TX who has been selected as a Million Dollar Advocate. He has successfully tried or handled hundreds of serious injury and Houston wrongful death cases at trial and on appeal including cases involving auto accidents, DWI injuries, and 18-wheeler accidents. His practice has focused on handling auto injury & wrongful death lawsuits for over 30 years. He is double board certified by Texas and National Boards to handle personal injury and civil trial litigation.

Mr. Stephens has been selected as a Texas Super Lawyer for the years 2008 through 2021*. Super Lawyers is a rating service of lawyers who have attained peer recognition and professional achievement according to Thomson Reuters. The selection process, according to Thomson Reuters includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. He has authored three popular accident claim books, and is AVVO rated 10/10. He has frequently appeared on CBS, ABC, Fox, and NBC as a legal commentator or to discuss his courthouse victories, including the infamous “Clara Harris” wrongful death auto case where she ran over her husband and killed him. Most of his cases, however, are for the ordinary person who has been wrongfully injured due to another motorist or 18 wheeler trucking company’s negligent conduct.

If you've been injured, The Stephens Law Firm will be glad to provide you a FREE CASE EVALUATION. If Mr. Stephens takes your case, you only pay for his services out of your recovery. If there is NO RECOVERY, you OWE NOTHING for his services and expenses*.

CAR ACCIDENT FAQ

Each year, The Stephens Law Firm accepts a limited number of injury and accident cases from the hundreds of people who ask us to represent them. We are not a "big advertising budget" injury claim settlement mill. If we accept your case, Joe will work it personally. Only an experienced personal injury lawyer in Katy, TX will handle your file, and we do not allow paralegals or assistants to negotiate your case with the insurance company. Fewer cases means a lawyer has more time for you and, we believe, better results overall.

Contact our Houston personal injury lawyers for a free consultation today. Sometimes the best advice you can get when you are thinking about a lawsuit is that you do not have a claim that can be won. If that is true, we will tell you. We’ll also tell you when we think you are better off handling a claim yourself – without an attorney. But, if your case passes our test and we accept it, you can be assured that you will receive personal attention. We will represent you aggressively, keep you up to date on what is happening in your case and give you advice as to whether you should settle your case or go to trial. 

If you can answer YES to each of these questions you need to hire a car accident lawyer to handle your case:

  • Do you have total expected medical bills and lost wages (not just out-of- pocket expenses) of at least $5,000?
  • If a car wreck caused your injuries, is there visible property damage to your car?
  • Was the car accident someone else’s fault?
  • Did you get prompt medical treatment after the accident?
  • Have you followed the course of treatment recommended by your doctor?
  • Did the accident happen less than 18 months ago? (the statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years)

Not all car wreck victims have a viable claim and just because you were hurt in a car accident doesn’t mean you are entitled to compensation. The evidence must show that someone’s negligence caused you to get hurt. If the evidence doesn’t show the other party was negligent, you lose. If you sue the wrong person, you lose. If you wait too long to sue, you lose. If you had an injury BEFORE the accident, then you are only entitled to be compensated to the extent your injury is now worse.

In Texas, if you were in any way at fault, you do not necessarily lose. This is known as the law of comparative negligence. This means that if the “other guy” was 99 percent at fault and you were 1 percent at fault, then you are entitled to recover 99% of your losses. However if you are more than 50% at fault, i.e. 51% the law says you do not get to recover anything.

Before personal injury lawyer Joe Stephens accepts your case, he will review all the facts surrounding the accident and ensure that he feels you have a good case before we moving forward.

Not every car accident lawyer has the same experience, skill, and determination to win your case. If you've been involved in an automobile accident, the law offices of Joe Stephens will handle all the following for you:

  • Investigate the injury claim
  • Talk to the witnesses of the accident
  • Document your injuries
  • Gather all your medical records and bills
  • Document your lost wages
  • File your injury claim
  • Handle everything with the car insurance company
  • Help you handle health insurance claims for any medical treatment
  • Evaluate your damages
  • Investigate and negotiate all lien holders who have a right to any portion of your recovery
  • Settle your claim
  • If the claim cannot be settled fairly, I will take your case to trial

If handling a claim without a lawyer, the process is almost always the same regardless of what insurance company you are negotiating with. Usually an insurance adjuster calls wanting a person to give a recorded statement, to answer questions, and to sign some forms. Ignore the adjuster for now!

Gather witness names, take photos of the scene, the car, and your injuries.  Obtain the police report.  Go to a doctor and get regular medical care if you have been hurt. You can take notes and get names of possible witnesses as well. If a police report is filed, be sure you get a copy. Once you are able, contact the experienced auto accident lawyers at the Stephens Law firm  to represent you.

The Stephens Law Firm accepts cases across Texas involving personal injuries, automobile accidents, or wrongful death, on a contingency fee basis. This means that if there is no recovery, you owe us nothing for our legal services*. 

You should go to the doctor immediately after a car accident. Even if you are only a little sore on the day of the wreck. Even a small impact causes the occupants to sustain several thousand pounds of force, and most folks feel like they have been run over by a train 48 hours after a car crash.

Equally as important, if you “tough it out” and don’t go see a doctor, or go to the emergency room, you won’t have medical documentation to support any potential claims. The insurance company will likely dispute your contention that the accident caused your injuries. They do it almost every time, even when it is quite obvious that you have suffered injuries from a wreck. It is important that you continue to see the doctor every time that you hurt so that he can document your injuries, and do the proper testing.

You can certainly handle your claim yourself if you have minor injuries. Most Houston car accident lawyers do not accept small injury cases - there simply isn't enough money involved. 

What I recommend you do if you have minor injuries, or a small property damage claim, is to deal with the insurance company yourself. The key is to document everything. Send them all the bills, all the records, provide witness statements, or at least their names, and phone numbers. Take some pictures of your injuries if you are bruised or cut. And most importantly, keep going to the doctor–if you are in pain–so that the medical doctor or chiropractor can document your injuries.

Finally, send proof of your lost wages. Gather some check stubs, and a note from your employer and doctor to verify your lost time from work. They only make one lump sum payment, so be sure you are healed before signing the release.

To find out more about the claims process you can read my free guide on how to handle a car accident claim without a lawyer.

There is no accurate way to know what your case is worth without a thorough evaluation of the facts involved. The value of each case is different and must be evaluated separately. As a top rated auto accident attorney in Houston, Joe takes a great deal of time to come to a proper evaluation of every case he reviews.

Yes, you should notify your insurance company of the claim immediately, even if it is not your fault. This is true even if you plan on hiring a lawyer to represent you. You may have benefits that you don’t know about and are entitled to through your own vehicle insurance claims like medical, towing or car rental expenses. Also, if the person who was at fault doesn’t have insurance, or had a lapse in insurance, you may have coverage for the full extent of your injuries under your own policy.

It is often quicker to go through your own insurance company to get your car fixed. Yes, you will pay the deductible up front but your insurance company should get that back from the other insurance company and reimburse you.

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