A car accident in Texas can leave you with painful injuries, rising medical bills, and missed time from work. If a loved one died in a car crash due to another party’s negligence, there’s no measure to the grief you feel.
When someone else causes a crash that hurts you or a close family member, you shouldn’t have to carry the weight of their actions and pay for everything yourself. You may seek compensation from those responsible, and a Texas car accident lawyer at Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock can be the legal advocate you need.
Our team handles car accident cases every day. We understand how to deal with insurance companies that try to avoid responsibility. You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help.
Call us at (210) 941-1301 for a free consultation or contact us below. No cost to you unless we win.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas: A Checklist
Taking the right steps after a crash protects your health and your legal rights.
- Prioritize Safety: Move to a safe location away from traffic if you can. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance for anyone who needs it. A police report serves as critical documentation.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. Provide your information to them as well.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the vehicles, their positions, property damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
- Speak to Witnesses: If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact information.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get a medical evaluation even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries, like concussions or internal damage, do not show immediate symptoms.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurer: Notify your own insurance company about the crash, but stick to the facts. Avoid speculating about fault.
- Decline to Give a Recorded Statement: You do not have to provide a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance adjuster before you speak with a lawyer.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney: A lawyer can advise you on your rights and handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
Types of Car Accidents in Texas
Car accidents in Texas happen in many different ways. The type of crash can affect who is responsible, how serious the injuries are, and what kind of legal action might follow. Some crashes are straightforward, while others involve many vehicles or unusual circumstances. Understanding the type of accident is the first step in building a strong claim.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes often happen in traffic or at intersections. A driver might be following too closely, get distracted, or fail to brake in time. Even at low speeds, these accidents can cause neck, back, or head injuries. Whiplash is a common result. In most cases, the driver who hit the car in front is held responsible, but every situation is different.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of crashes. They usually involve high speeds and can lead to serious injuries or even death. These accidents often happen when a driver crosses the center line or drives the wrong way on a road. Alcohol use, distraction, or fatigue can play a role. The force of two cars hitting front to front increases the risk of severe damage.
Side-Impact Crashes
Also called T-bone crashes, side-impact accidents often happen at intersections. One car strikes the side of another, sometimes at full speed. Drivers who run red lights, ignore stop signs, or fail to yield are often to blame. These crashes can be especially harmful because the sides of a car don’t offer much protection, especially to passengers.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
When more than two vehicles are involved, it becomes harder to figure out what happened. One crash might cause a chain reaction that affects several cars. These accidents often happen on highways or during bad weather. Fault might be shared by more than one driver. Insurance companies often argue over who should pay, making legal help even more important.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
In a hit-and-run, the driver who caused the crash leaves the scene without giving their information or helping the injured. Victims are left without someone to hold accountable—at least at first. If the driver is found, they can face both civil and criminal consequences. If they’re not, your own insurance might still provide coverage, depending on your policy.
Rideshare Accidents
Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers add another layer of complexity. Insurance coverage depends on whether the app was on and if a ride was in progress. If you’re a passenger or another driver hit by a rideshare vehicle, you might have a claim against both the driver and the rideshare company’s insurance policy. Getting those details right makes a big difference.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Texas?
Many crashes stem from drivers breaking the rules, acting carelessly, or failing to adjust to road conditions. Some causes show up again and again in police reports across Texas.
Distracted Driving
Phones, navigation systems, eating, or even talking to passengers can pull a driver’s focus off the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a crash. Texting while driving is illegal in Texas, but many drivers still do it.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Driving too fast gives drivers less time to react. It also makes crashes worse when they happen. Aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and ignoring traffic signs raise the risk of injury to everyone on the road.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol slows reaction time and clouds judgment. A driver under the influence may drift, swerve, miss traffic signals, or drive the wrong way. These crashes often cause serious harm and are entirely preventable.
Weather-Related Factors
Heavy rain, fog, or ice can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Drivers are expected to slow down and adjust when conditions demand it. Failing to do so puts others in harm’s way.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, missing signs, faded lane markings, or broken traffic signals can contribute to crashes. In some cases, a government agency or contractor may be partly responsible if they failed to maintain a safe roadway.
Texas Car Accident Laws and Regulations
Car accident claims in Texas follow a system with specific rules and deadlines. Knowing how these laws work can help protect your right to compensation.
Texas Fault-Based Insurance System
Texas follows a “fault” system. That means the person who caused the accident is responsible for the harm they cause. Victims can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer or sue directly in court if needed.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
Texas gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. That might sound like plenty of time, but building a strong case takes effort. The sooner you begin, the better chance you have to gather key evidence.
Comparative Negligence Rules
In Texas, you can still recover damages even if you share some blame for the crash. However, your share of the blame will reduce your recovery. If a jury decides you were more than 50% responsible, you won’t be able to recover any damages.
Required Insurance Coverage in Texas
Drivers in Texas must carry minimum amounts of liability insurance. This includes:
- $30,000 for injuries per person
- $60,000 for injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Some drivers carry more than the minimum. Others drive without any insurance. When that happens, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident?
A car accident claim can cover a wide range of losses. Some are easy to add up, like medical bills or car repairs. Others are harder to measure, like pain or long-term effects on your ability to work.
Medical Expenses and Future Medical Costs
You can seek payment for hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, prescriptions, and more. If your injuries require care down the road, your claim can include future costs too.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If the accident kept you out of work, you can claim the income you missed. If your injuries keep you from returning to the same job or working at all, your claim can include those losses too.
Property Damage
You can recover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, as well as any damaged belongings inside it.
Pain and Suffering
Accidents take more than a physical toll. If you’re living with pain, trauma, or loss of enjoyment in your daily life, your claim can reflect those harms.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases where the at-fault driver acted in an especially dangerous or reckless way, a court may award extra damages as punishment and to deter similar behavior.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Our team at Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock works hard to protect the rights of car accident victims throughout Texas. We handle the details, build strong cases, and push for full accountability.
- We investigate every aspect of the crash
- We gather police reports, photos, witness statements, and medical records
- We preserve evidence before it disappears or gets lost
- We deal directly with the insurance companies so you don’t have to
- We calculate the full scope of your damages to seek the maximum compensation available
- If needed, we take your case to court and present your case to a jury
- We manage the paperwork, court filings, and legal deadlines
- We keep you informed at every step and answer your questions along the way
When Should You Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?
You don’t have to wait until your situation gets worse. The sooner you get legal help, the better protected you are.
Immediately After Serious Injuries
If the crash left you or a loved one with significant injuries, contact a lawyer right away. Serious injuries often lead to high costs and long recoveries.
When Fault is Disputed
If the other driver denies they caused the crash, or blames you, a lawyer can help gather the evidence you need to set the record straight.
If Insurance Companies Deny Your Claim
Insurance companies often try to pay less or deny claims altogether. If they drag their feet or claim you're at fault, legal action may be necessary to move forward.
For Complex Multi-Vehicle Accidents
When several drivers and insurance companies are involved, things get messy fast. A lawyer can sort out responsibility and make sure your side is heard.
Why Choose Our Firm
At Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, we understand what you're going through after a car accident. Our job is to protect your rights, speak up for you, and take on the legal work so you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s why so many people across Texas turn to our team when they need help after a crash:
Years of Experience in Texas Car Accident Cases
We’ve handled car accident claims across the state for years. We know Texas laws, how courts operate, and how to build strong cases from day one. Our background allows us to move quickly, gather the right evidence, and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Proven Track Record of Successful Settlements and Verdicts
Our team has helped recover millions of dollars for injured clients. We’ve secured strong outcomes through both settlement negotiations and courtroom verdicts. When insurance companies see our name, they know we’re ready to go the distance.
No Fees Unless We Obtain Compensation for You
You won’t owe us anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our pay depends on the result we get for you. If we don’t recover compensation, you don’t pay legal fees.
Personalized Attention and Communication
We don’t treat clients like case numbers. We take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and keep you informed at every step. When you call, you’ll speak to a real person who knows your case—not someone reading from a file.
Local Knowledge of Texas Courts and Laws
Our firm is based in Texas, and we’re familiar with local judges, court procedures, and regional differences that can impact your case. That local insight can make a real difference in how we approach your claim.
Resources to Handle Complex Cases
Some car accident cases involve multiple vehicles, serious injuries, or corporate insurance policies. We have the staff, technology, and financial resources to handle even the most complicated claims. We won’t back down when the other side pushes back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Car Accidents
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
At Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas law allows recovery as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long does a car accident case take to resolve?
Some cases settle quickly. Others take months or longer depending on the severity of the injuries, the willingness of the insurer to negotiate, and whether a trial is needed.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, that policy may help. Our lawyers can review your policy and help you make a claim if needed.
How much money will I receive from a car accident claim?
That depends on your injuries, losses, insurance coverage, and the strength of your case. We’ll work to seek the maximum compensation available based on your situation.
What if the police report says I was at fault?
A police report is an officer’s initial assessment, but it is not the final word on liability. Officers write reports quickly at the scene and may not have all the facts. We conduct our own investigation to establish how the crash truly happened and who is responsible.
Do I have to talk to the other driver's insurance company?
You are not legally obligated to provide a statement to the at-fault driver's insurance adjuster, and we advise against it. The adjuster aims to find reasons to deny or devalue your claim. You should direct them to speak with your attorney, who will handle all communications for you.
What happens if my injuries are more serious than I first thought?
It is common for the full extent of car accident injuries to become apparent days or weeks after the crash. We work with your doctors to document your diagnosis and ongoing medical needs. We ensure that any claim or settlement demand accounts for the complete, long-term costs of your injuries.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
You should never accept an initial settlement offer without reviewing it with an attorney. First offers are almost always too low and do not cover the future costs of your injuries. Accepting it prevents you from seeking any more money for your claim, even if your medical condition worsens.
Contact Our Skilled Car Accident Lawyers Now
Time matters after a Texas car crash. Evidence can disappear. Deadlines pass. And insurance companies move quickly to protect their interests. That’s why you should act now.Call Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock today at (210) 941-1301 for a free, confidential consultation. There’s no cost to speak with us, and no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Let us help you move forward.
Call us at (210) 941-1301 for a free consultation or contact us below. No cost to you unless we win.